Projects Engine choice on 1959 Edsel Villager

Hi, I just purchased a 1959 Edsel villager station wagon, and I am not sure what to do for an engine. I will be getting a 1959 352 automatic FE motor with the Edsel. I would need to rebuild it and parts are expensive for it, and im not looking at spending a lot of money. I also can get a late 60's 302 motor for cheap. I can't decide weather to use the 352 or the 302. My plans are to lower the wagon and make it a cruiser. Any thoughts and opinions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

the FE would be cooler but the 302 cheaper so its prob gonna come down to how much you wanna spend vs how cool you want it to be(not to say the 302s not cool)

 

if you have to re-build either way go with the 352, they're not expensive to rebuild and if its a v-8 car its a bolt in. if the 302 is a runner go with that, you can always swap it out later after you cruise it around for a while.

 

FE 390/401 horse with the 3 Holley 2-bbl carbs... Perfect!!

 

x2!

 

Thanks for the replies, I think for now I will proboboly get both motors if the 302 is running I will put that in and drive it while I rebuild the 352. Unless i change my mind again which very well may happen....so many choices haha

 

Is a 302 going to have enough power to move that big wagon around easily? I'd be on the lookout for a 360 or a 390, myself.

-Dave

 

FE, thats not even a question..

 

Yeah im going with the FE. And yes the 302 would of been enough to get it around, we have another original edsel villager wagon with an original inline 6, 3 on the tree. but im going to stick with the 352 and build it.

 

FE for sure! My girl's 59 Country Sedan has the original 332 2 barrel, and that big little thing yanks that car around pretty well, knocking down an impressive 16mpg average.

 

Just got the 352 today, and oh boy am I getting excited. To my surprise, it has an original 4 barrel holly on it instead of just the 2 barrel carb i thought would be on it. the plan is to rebuild it with one of my buddies this fall if i can find the money for parts.

 

I'm doing the same....
Pulled the cracked 332 out, and installed a '64 390/COM.
Its coming along nicely, although slowly.
I can't wait to load that thing up and head west on Route 66.