hi I am new to the forum and well new to the car scene..I am in the process of getting a 1955 f100 its pretty much only the rolling chassis..I am not a mechanic in anyway so my knowledge on engines is very little. I am looking for advice or suggestions on what type of engine would i be able to use..I am planning on building it myself instead of taking it to the shop..I want something big, automatic..can anyone help me? thanks

 

Welcome to FTE.

Do you have a vision for this thing? (just an engine, or complete resto-mod rebuild for example)

Budget?

It won't take much modern motor to overpower the brakes, steering, rear axle etc. By "Big", what are you thinking motor wise? With everything else stock, even a good running 302 will put you over the edge.....

More details will get you better answers, serving suggestions and real world comparables.

Good luck with your project.

 

the vision i had was a complete rebuild in my eyes..keep it vintage look outside and some on the inside with alot of modern as well..it will have power everything things like that..budget well i really dont have a budget set..it will be a ongoing project..but for the engine i really wasnt looking to spend more then 5grand..ive seen a few that i like.. when i mean big i just want something with a decent amount of HP and pickup..i just dont know it being an old car what type of engine i can throw in there or which will fit

 

Go over to the 48-56 forum here and introduce yourself. Figure out if you want to run with interstate traffic or putt around town and hang out at car shows or cruise ins. JMHO, but final gearing will determine what the truck will be able to do as much as power.

 

Excellent suggestion.

Here is another "serving suggestion":

Find a 302/AOD combo out of a Mustang. Plenty of power, automatic, and it had OD so it will work with the (probably) short stock gearing for now.

This combo is "upgradeable" to about 400 horse should you decide to really fall off the wallet. More if you go with the 351W, which will fit right in once you configure your truck for the 302.....

 

thanks for the suggestion will definitely looking into that