Curious to know what’s been swapped into these cars (especially the ‘52-‘53s) other than the typical SBF and SBC, and how it was done. I've been told an FE will bolt into a '54 by using '58 engine mounts. I am especially interested in hearing from anyone who swapped a 215 L6 for a 300 L6 or who has put a Cadillac V8 in one. Thanks!
I pulled a 215 L6 out of a 52 Customline Fordor and stuffed in a 429 with C6 and 9Inch. Had to move the firewall back three inches and am still trying to figure out how to fit the radiator and find some headers/manifolds that fit. This has been a big job and cost a fortune, I can't wait for that first drive since the swap. Michael
Order this book: http://shops.half.ebay.com/122noel_practical-engine-swapping_W0QQ_trksidZp2684QQmZbooks it has a bunch of info and tips that will help you out especially the chart that shows the width and length and weight of a lot of engines it also tells the locations of oil pan sumps which is always a big deciding factor.1952-53's were rear sump and 1954-59 Fords were front sump so you need to take that into account,472-500 Cadillacs have a mid-sump pan however for a lot of cubes the 455 Olds is rear sump.Cadillac Eldorados' used a rear sump pan but check out what they go for:http: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cadillac-El...-Rat-Rod-G-body-Swap-/180882144554#vi-content some of the Cadillac suppliers have sold these in the $800 bracket as posted in some of the HAMB archives.You can probably pick up a 455 Olds for the cost of the Caddy oil pan and there are a decent amount of aftermarket parts goodies for the Olds.
you might also consider the early Olds Rocket engines ( 303-324-371-394 ) I have a '56 324 in my Model A project - it has rear pan so in theory would not be a bad fit in the '52-53 ford and still gets you into a nice nostalgic engine .
hey boogyman.. if rick dobbertin (sp)? can fit a blown and twin turbo'd motor into an ot pontiac sunbird (from many yaers ago), a 429 and auto should be no trouble. http://www.hotrod.com/thehistoryof/retrospective/hrdp_1109_twin_charged_chevy_350_engine/
I've seen several hemi swaps in the "little books" over the years so I'd suspect it's not all that complicated. And for the "wow" factor a hemi just can't be beat...
Hi Dwaynerz. I mistpoke above, I don't have a C-6 I have the really big manual that was optional behind the 429 (can't recall its name). Honestly I think my biggest problem is the lack of welding knowledge and equipment. Oh, I guess the lack of money doesn't help either. : /
I just hot rodded the Y Block. 292 block, sonic checked, 312 crank, punched .080 for 317 cid, Forged AL pistons, 9.5 compression, Blue Thunder intake and 625 Road Demon. Cam is 284 110*. Added on a T5 and away we go.
I have a 351 Windsor with a C6 in mine, but I didn't do the swap, I just have to deal with the limited space issue.
The MEL 430-462 is very wide so exhaust clearance to steering box is a major issue,however the FE's 352-390-428's exhaust ports are high and clear the box well and you can use stock motor mounts to do it in a '54-59 in a '52-53 you will need the Speedway mounts and the FE truck rear sump oil pan.Another big plus is lots of aftermarket FE parts are available the MEL's are almost non-existent.
a fordillac. arent the cadillac motors supposedly the same size/weight as a small block chevy? at least within a few inches/pounds anyway if i remember correctly. i think hotrod tv just built one up a few weeks ago that made over 800 lbs of torque, but it had been worked a 'little'. it also reved to around 6 grand as well.
If maximum Caddy HP is desired, research the Caddy Bonneville streamliner from Spector Performance Products. It went over 400 with twin turbos.
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