Hello, I am finally getting around to doing my 302 swap in my 53 mercury. Original components are long gone so updating seems to be the best option. Could you please share any links you have of this build and parts I may need?
This is not as difficult to do as it might seem; you should join the Shoebox thread/forum here and read through the various installs they've done. It can even be done with a front sump 302 if you don't mind slicing and welding the front crossmember.
The 52-59 Ford social group is what you are looking for. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/social-forums/1952-59-ford-social-group.282/
I put a 302 in my 53 Ford, which is a very similar platform. There are some challenges with that install that has to be overcome. If you want specifics, PM me.
If its to make the 302 a rear sump and that mimics the flathead it’s probably what you want to do. 54-56 Ford guys need the front sump of a lot of Windsor Ford engines….good luck.
Too bad it's not a 54, I got all the help I needed from a fellow HAMBer. 52-53 are a little different with the flathead and front suspension.
Butches Cool Stuff is no longer. I believe Shoe Box Central sells a mount kit that they say is for a Merc. It looks like the kit that Butch's used to sell but not positive. 2505CP 1952 1953 Ford SBF Small Block 289 302 351W Motor Mount Engine Conversion Kit 17 inch. Shoebox Central (shoebox-central.com)
I have a 53 Ford Customline and I’m rebuilding a 302 as well but not sure what trans to run. This sedan is just for cruising but if I could squeeze a C4 or AOD with very minimal fabrication that would be ideal. What are you running in your 53 Ford? Any large obstacles? Thanks!
^^^^ I put a 3.03 3 speed toploader in mine as I wanted to retain the manual column shift. A C4 has about the same bell housing area as the manual but is slightly larger in the main case. I used the motor mount kit from Butch's Cool stuff (the Shoebox Central kits are the same) and made my own transmission mount. The manual is close to the floor pan but does clear. I would bet that the motor will need to be dropped slightly for a C4 to clear. You have to have the motor back far enough for the rear sump oil pan to clear the drag link or notch the front crossmember and use a front sump pan. I went to an 8" Ford rear out of an early Maverick. Pretty much a bolt in swap.
I did this about 20 years ago. The front sump pan from the 60s and 70s is a must. There is a small relief that goes into the left header for the steering. If the block is for a rear sump, dip stick is a problem. I used a C-4 trans, but today I would go AOD. There was a plate I had to make with an axial off-set but keep a regular 1960s C-4 trans mount. A drive shaft shop can redo the front U joint. Just use a tape measure for the measurements.
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