I know! I know! There will be some out there that will say it is only right to put a Ford in a Ford and I respect that but I want something different this time. Ok, so over the years I have helped install a full load flathead, Olds, Hemi, 260/289 Ford, 351 Ford and of course the famous SBC instillation in 40 Fords. I'm in the process of building my self a 40 Ford pickup and looking for something different. Keep in mind I will be running an automatic transmission and hopefully the overdrive variety. It will need to be dependable because I drive mine. What unusual motor should I use? I have a friend locally that sells the valve cover wire conversions, based on the 50's style Oldsmobile wire looms. He has them lettered to any thing you want them to say. They can be attached to any valve cover that does not have the breather holes in the covers. SBC that looks like a Caddy? But it still is a common SBC.<O></O> <O></O>
IF you want an unusual engine...why are you looking at fake valve covers...use whatever is on the unusual engine you choose...!!! R-
Well, you say unusual motor and then suggest that you could stick some wire loom covers on an SBC and call it something else. Nothing unusual there, just silly. Personally in a 40 with a late model for the reliability and probably somewhat concerns with mileage, I would run 351W. Other than that to be different a Hemi. Only two I would really consider for a driver. I just don't relate to the SBC's in a Ford, and a flatty in a 40 is working too hard. You could do an old Caddy or Olds but to build one with good power and reliability will probably cost more than a 351 and you still have to adapt an OD trans. Just my opinion since you asked
Black and Decker aquarium pump. It's the next big thing. Jump on the band wagon while there is still room.
I only showed the fake covers for a quick option. If I already was invested into something, the covers would be an option. I'm not much into faking it and want the real thing. It would be like putting 3x2's on and blocking off the end carbs.
Do you have any engines in your garage now that could be used or are you looking to buy one and put it in?
If you're gonna run a SBC, dress it like an early one. Finned Vette valve covers, dual quads with the small Vette breathers etc. Make it look like it was pulled from a Vette back in '57 and dropped right in your truck.
Why not a Ford deisel power plant with Banks turbo charger ! That will be a Ford in a Ford and have more torque and HP than you will ever need ! Now how is that for something different ? You won't find that under ever Ford hood out there !
If it really isn't that super critical for one type of motor or another, how about just looking around in your area for odd motors and check some out and go with the best of whatever you come up with? Sometimes surprises are the best way to go verses deciding something arbitrary and having to bust your *** and spending huge amounts of time and money trying to make it work. That is what I would do anyway. Or better yet, I would probably just work with whatever motor you already have if you have one or just go stock if you don't have any real reason to not. Personally, I think you need to have a reason to go with an odd motor, not just do it randomly. Or, last, but not least, go with the old stand by SBC I guess. But, if you do, dress it up period nice and not 80's street rod. And no fake valve covers under any cir***stances! Not to personally knock your buddy, but that is pretty lame. And, no, it is not the same as blocking off some carbs, not even close.
I do have a 86 Chevy 2wd Suburb that I have way to many bucks in. It has a crate 350 in it with less than 10k on it. Can't seem to sell it so may be parting it out. I don't drive it any more and need to move it. Always wanted to part one and see if I could make more in pieces.
Get rid of that piece of **** Suburban asap no matter how little you get for it and use the money towards the '40 Ford. Don't waste your time parting that out, just sell it whole. Somebody will buy it for something. Don't put a 350 in the '40. When I suggested SBC, I meant a cool old one like a 283/327 or something.
well an early 283 with the oil filler in the front is pretty cool for a solid driver but I think a stock 401 nail head is the ticket. the only down fall is the comp of price, $1500 for a nice small block or $3000 for a nice nail head. for some 3g's may not be that much but for me it might as well be 3 million... but if the bread is not a problem then I think the 401 is the way to go. if you do the nail head though, they look so rad painted stock color with all the stock stickers on them and just a stock 4 barrel with the stock breather...
I'm for sure not a 350 fan, but if I had your stuff in my driveway, I'd dump that Sloburban body and stuff the drivetrain in the '40 in a minute! When all is said and done, it's the easiest '40 swap going. The whole point of rodding is to use what ya got!
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