Sometimes after we install something, we thing, Oh I should have done it different.

If you had to do it again, what engine trans combo would you use?

 

If I could afford it I would put in a supercharged GM LSA instead of the carbed CSB 400. I wouldn't give up my T56 tranny for anything.

 

Flathead with original three speed
Flathead with late 60's Toploader 4 spd
Twin inline Flathead 6's late 60's Toploader 3spd

 

Been running a Mercedes 5 cyl. turbo diesel for over 70K miles, if I had it to do over would probably go with a little later MB diesel, maybe one of the CDIs out of the Sprinter vans.

 

well if i kept my 55 f350 i'd go with the 390 for sure i had . the 53 i'll keep the flatty .

 

460. C6+G/V o/d. Oh, hang on.....

 

I have a 460 in pieces and a c6 that came with the truck. I can't bring myself to stick that anchor in the front of this truck. I am thinking LS motor in the 55 with a 4l60E trans. Should be plenty spirited and cruise down the highway reliably as well.

 

. . . and unlimited funds? a Ford eco boost, and I think all they offer with it is an AT. But on a minuscule budget I'd stick with the $100 CSB and free 700R4 with hopes to build something out of it someday.

 

I like the 302 (5.0) and AOD, but the 3.25 gears in the rear are too steep. I'm thinking 4.11 gears are on my wish list for Santa.

 

I just put in a 383sbc,it has a little over 5k miles on it now. I'm already looking at putting in a LS2 or 3 with a 4l60e tranny, same HP but better mpg and reliability. Then later put a pro-charger on it. L8R ZFLASH

 

Hey Kam,
That's a good question. We've got a 351W with an Edelbrock Top End Kit that pulls 400HP. It replaced a tired 289. I like the 351W a lot - very strong but overkill for going to Home Depot & running errands. The transmission is an AOD which I absolutely hate! Our 3rd AOD failed over the weekend - the truck has under 10,000 miles.

So... Hmmmm.. Personally if I had it to do over again I'd rebuild the 289 & put a nice 5 speed manual transmission in it. (I'm likely to put in a manual 5 or 6 speed instead of rebuilding the AOD again).

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Man Ben,sorry to hear about your problem. Good luck,L8R ZFLASH

 

Hey Zflash,
I'd be frustrated but I'm looking at it as an opportunity.

I always regretted not putting a manual 5 speed in the truck.
I just have to figure out how to get the clutch in there - between steering & exhaust - not much room...

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Would have to keep it a Y-Block, thats what Ford decided was good enough for it, and I agree. Maybe a 312 rather than a 292.

 

Im not even done with mine yet but if money were no option i would go with ether a boss 429 or one of the new 5.8 cobra motors.