I have a question that I can't get answered even by some 'experts' that I've called. So here it is: I have a 1958 Ford Fairlane that currently has an inline 6 (232 I think) with a column 3 speed tranny. I want to put in a 390 FE (mid 70's Truck motor) but use my current tranny. Does the bell housing match up? If not, what do I need. Also, I know that I'm going to need to replace my flywheel but i'm getting conflicting opinions on what/how to replace it. Can anyone help me out?
your 6 bellhousing wont work with a 390 but that trans should bolt to an fe bellhousing no problem. you'll just need a 390 flywheel/clutch and bellhousing and you're good. the fe was an option in a 58 so mounts etc will be no problem.
You definately wont be able to use the bellhousing. Im not sure about the trans though. Ypur motor is a 223 or it should be. Those cars also have 390s with three on the column.
The Bellhousing pattern does not match up, the 6 cylinder and FE are completely different. I am not so sure it is a good idea to hook a 6 cylinder 3 spd up to a much more powerfull 390 (even if it is a wheezy '70's truck motor). But if you really want to do it, you will need to get a FE - 3spd bellhousing, and while you are at it, make sure you get the 390 flywheel, clutch, and linkage. I think Lakewood and Quicktime both make FE to Ford 3 spd bellhousings if you want to buy new. I would seriously consider finding a 3 spd or 4 spd out of a mid to late 60's fullsize Ford or Mercury that had an FE. (Galaxies, Monterey's, etc) They were much stronger and will take the torque from the 390. Good Luck Edit: Damn, I am slow on the post button today, got beat by 2 others.
The early FE bellhousing for your narrow bolt pattern trans is pricey because of the 406s and 427s. You can use the later cheaper FE truck bellhousing but you will need to drill the holes for the narrow trans bolt pattern. If you look inside you can see that the bosses are there just not drilled. I used the trans as a guide and a transfer punch to locate the holes. You will also need a special pilot bushing for the crank to make up for the deeper bell. It is a stock PB made for this application. I don't remember the pt no. You use the FE clutch and flywheel. The splines are the same. The column shift linkage is very close to the head on my 56 and took some fiddling to make it work but I really wanted the the 3 on the tree W/OD. 58 was the first year for the FE so I bet the linkage will be fine. I cut and welded the 6 cyl engine mount for the clutch bell crank and bolted it on the FE. I made my own headers because I wanted the 50s header look. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. I hope it helps some.
Ford 3 speed and 4 speed trans had a small mounting bolt pattern until the end of 1964. after that they went to the wide bolt pattern. If you want to use that trans you would need to find a 1964 and earlier FE bell. I would also get the flywheel and starter. Most early FEs have a reverse bendex starter. The stater gear come in from the transmission side of the flywheel First picture is an per 65 4 speed trans and the second pictures is a 1965 on up 4 speed.
WOW This is Great Info! Thank you so much. I don't know how many phone calls I made related to this matter. I can't wait to put some of this advice into action. I just didn't want to rip out my 3 on the tree for an automatic. To buy another 3 spd or 4spd means more $$$ and I'm trying to get this thing back on the road.
On the FE exhaust on the drivers side is tight. I just put a 390 in my 59 and the '64 manifolds would not fit. My original one was cracked, so a quick call to "Flat Top Bob" and I am fixed up. I wanted to convert to a 3sp/OD column, but got a nice 3sp slushbox with the 390. I really want to put an OD in because I plan to drive this wagon.
A 58 with the big FE motor would most likely have had the Borg-Warner T-85 three speed trans.....a much sturdier trans than your stock 3 speed that came with the 223 Six. You may get things hooked up per the help above, but I'd be looking for a T-85 or even get changed to the T-10 or Toploader 4 speed trans in order to handle the extra HP and torque of the FE motor. The advantage of the T85 would be that your column shifter mechanism would hook up. Any of the 4 speed trannies will require using the 4 speed floor shift linkage (and cutting a hole in your floor for it).
Don't know for certain, but it seems that the '58 FE manifolds were unique also...seems that driver's side clearance is an issue. Just my recollection, though.
Yes. The LH passenger side manifold is cast very slim at the rear for clearance. They are available new, but they cost $275 bucks!
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