What vintage FoMoCo engines fit under the stock hood of a '32 Ford with the hood sides in place? I know Flatheads (duh), 302/351W, but what else fit? I think the Y-block would fit, but what about the FE? Would a 390 fit?What about an MEL 430 or 462?
Depending on how far you’re ok pushing the motor back into the firewall anything can fit. I’ve seen a 460 bbf between stock hood sides in a model A so should work in a 32 I’d assume
A mate had a BBF in a 34 with stock hood sides and I reckon there is less room in a 34 versus a 32. But if you're running a Ford in a Ford wouldn't you want to show off to the Chevvie guys what you had?
I know a guy with a 460 in a deuce with hood. Deuce has the biggest engine bay. As Swifty says, more room than a 34. (or an A obviously) A Boss 429 'hemi' or SOHC might get you into trouble. Dennis Nosworthy built a deuce coupe with a Ford hemi, which he took to the U.S. when he moved there 20 or more years ago, but no hood.
I agree with Swifty, if you go to the extra work putting a Ford in a Ford, it's show time. I've been in many rain storms and the engine cleans up easy and the rain doesn't stop a Ford from running. Just saying.