I guess if it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be fun

[3Mike6]

Spent the past few days prepping things to mock up the engine and tranny mounts to put the 5.0 in my '36.

Finally cleared enough room to pull the 5.0/AOD out and lay it in place. I mocked up the radiator and grilleshell and if I EVER have a hope of stuffing this in there, I'll have to recess the firewall about 2.5 inches-minimum...and probably need to go 3 inches so if I ever pull the engine, I won't have to pull the cab off.

I'm going to pull the cab out of the garage and make a firewall template of things, mock up some seats/etc...and see what kind of leg room I'll have after I move the firewall back...if it's the least bit uncomfortable, I'm going to start the hunt for a low milage V6 out of a Mustang I guess.

Frustrating as all get out. Old trucks should run a V8.

[petey shoes]

3mike6, sounds like fun with a dash of oh-my to go with it. are you planning on setting whole firewall back, or just building a small doghouse to shoehorn her in there? something like a cabover would have, just not as extreme? that should give you some footroom, yes? either way, it should be pretty cool.

[3Mike6]

Yes, just a doghouse of sorts...so many things I've changed/come across...this 36 has taken on a whole new life.

I mocked up a throttle peadle about 4 inches behind where it originally should have gone (good thing I'm only 5-8) and it's not going to be too bad, so...I went ahead and cut out some 3/16th for the MM plates and should have the engine sitting quasi-inplace tonight...I'm going to slot the MM hole forward and aft so I can postion the engine where I want...to maximize the room I have and make a little slider-thing for the tranny crossmember until I get the right radiator and condenser in place...you know, to sorta have some room to fudge here and there.

I'll live with a bit of awkward leg room...just for the sake of a V8.

Damn, these things were just made for SBC's...I'd have been done by now if I went that route

[bob hare]

Legroom is the price we pay....and gladly pay it. I have the same issues with legroom in my '34 truck, that's why I'm currently installing cruise control in it.
If you have the skills....and alot of free time, you can do what my friend & bodyman did......CUT IT UP.....here's his '38 Ford


Good luck & keep us updated.
Bob

[whateg01]

Well, you could go and really make life - uh, fun. There's plenty of room in the bed for the motor! Then you can put the firewall wherever you want it. 'Course, that opens up a completely different Pandora's box. Good luck!

Dave

[3Mike6]

Lol! I don't think I'll take it that far

[3Mike6]

Bob...that's a little beyond the scope of work for this project...although it sure looks nice!

[e-tek]

Sounds like you're already WAY past the thought of maybe a flathead-8? That would fit and you can get some performance-adders for them. With the 5.0, what you gain in power, you lose in driver comfort and work invested. But hey, the 5L idea is cool and sure will be faster when done, I just don't relish the idea of moving a firewall!! |Good luck may God (Henry Ford) be with you.

[3Mike6]

The flatty was a thought before I went IFS...but man, it's tough to justify all the expense of rebuilding one, adding the "goodies" to make it look nice, and still be 20HP shy of a stock 5.0.

[havi]

Originally Posted by 3Mike6

The flatty was a thought before I went IFS...but man, it's tough to justify all the expense of rebuilding one, adding the "goodies" to make it look nice, and still be 20HP shy of a stock 5.0.

What fun is that?

Cruise control sounds like a decent idea to save on the legs. Have ya considered just recessing the center area like on the 48-52 cabs? Maybe section in a 48-52 firewall?

[3Mike6]

I have some ideas cooking...but have to wait for parts before I proceed...I'm going to order an aluminun radiator, flip it 90*'s (doo a little modding) to fit my grill shell, mock up an AC condensor, electric fan(s) and see just how how much I need to trim...since the farthest setback on the firewall will affect the gas pedal location mainly, I'll most likely set the whole firewall back for a cleaner look with some 18 or 16 gauge I have stashed away...or pick up a piece of stainless at the scrap yard on myu next run in.

But the '36 is on the back burner now...been remodeling the kitchen and dining room for the past two weeks, only time I get out in the shop these days is to down a quick beer when the wife isn't looking

[havi]

Originally Posted by 3Mike6

only time I get out in the shop these days is to down a quick beer when the wife isn't looking

Been there, done that, and doing it still, lol. That's about how this summer has been going.

[46yblock]

yes it sounds like you are having fun. I am still working on install of an aluminum cross flow rad. It is mounted, but routing of lower radiator hose is a bitch yet to be solved.