Hey guys! I am getting a '53 F100 (needs mucho tlc and resto). It came from the factory with a flathead V8, but someone dropped a straight 6 in it. Was looking at some engine options (302, 351 ect), but was wondering how these would pair up to the orig. tranny. This may be a dumb question, so be gentle. Haha! (I know my way around a set of wrenches, but this is my first restoration.) Thanks!

 

To my knowledge they won't hook up without an adapter, which are about $800. Most people just upgrade the transmission at the same time. I have a 302 with a 4 speed toploader in my Mustang and I love it, and a 302 with a 3 speed toploader in my brothers '69 Bronco. Both have good power and are a lot of fun. The 351w will give you a little more power and uses a lot of the same stuff as a 302. (The 351 windsor, not Cleveland or modified aka 351C/351M). For a daily driver the 302 is a great choice, so is the 351w (I'm planning a built up 351w for my Mustang)

Usually any engine changes you're doing you're just going to need to change the transmission as well. You don't have to, but it does require adapters and they generally cost more than anything else. I've seen the old engines with modern transmissions, so it goes both ways, but a adapter was needed.


You can get kits for all the parts to attach it to your truck from places like Mid-fifty.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the info! Replacing the tranny would be better for me (less wear and the orig. tranny may be locked up anyways), just didn't know how the shifter on the column would match to different trannys. For instance, I found a used 302 (or 351, I can't recall at the moment) with a C4 tranny for a pretty good price. Would this configuration work? Again, I really appreciate the info (and patience Haha)!

 

It's not gonna be a ground up resto, so much as a "gut and strut" kinda thing. I like a truck with character, just not multiple personalities.

 

I'm no expert when the shifter is on the column, but everything I've come across said it was do-able. I would wait for someone to chime in that knows autos well, they'll be able to tell you everything you'll need to do to make it work.

Be sure to post pictures when you do, we love pictures. They're sorta crack for this forum, lol

 

Haha. Thanks! Yeah, I only have a side pic as of now. Not a very good angle.