I am ready to look for a engine and trans combo for project 56 number 3.
I have the frame blasted and urethaned and all suspension new on it...and the new master cylinder,etc for it.

QUESTION IS.....I generally build stock trucks,but have a 17 1/4'' engine crossmember and trans mount that was bolted up in a different frame,and decided to go that route instead of the yblock.
What engine will bolt up to this crossmember? I thought the guy said he had a 351 cleveland in the 56....but never saw it,and not sure.
What engine can I use....that will bolt directly up and possibly even use the fmx automatic trans that did come with it?
I am hoping someone closeby will have an engine to bolt in and run asap.
thanks/Bill

 

Well I think I can see that cross member now, its 17 1/4'' and the frame is 34”, ……………“Huston we have a problem.”

Bill, I think we need some pictures and maybe someone will know what they fit and what you are talking about.

 

So, yeah, I'm a little weak in the '56 department, but I can maybe pass along a few things that might point you in the right direction.

The FMX is a decent, reliable transmission, but isn't looked highly upon for performance use. That's mostly because it's a big 'ole heavy iron cased transmission. The lighter C4 and C6 can do just as well and weigh considerably less. Considering that you normally build stockish trucks, I take it that you aren't wanting to build a full boogie ground pounder. For cruising and normal daily driving, an FMX will be fine. It does have a removeable bellhousing and there were a couple different bells available to mount it to engines in different families. They were a common transmission to find behind the 351C, so that may lend credence to the PO's claim that that was what was in the truck. The 351C shared both bellhousing bolt patterns and motor mount locations and bolt patterns with the 289, 302, and 351W. If that is what your bellhousing and crossmember fit, then you've got a wide range of engines to choose from. As Old F1, mentioned, a pic of the crossmember you have and the bellhousing on the transmission will go a long way in helping us help you figure out what you've got.

 

The crossmember has adjustable mounts on the tubular ends....and welded mounts at 17 1//4'' at the mont location for motor mounts.
I just got a classics catalog and itlists this as for 289/302/351 and this is what the p.o. had told me he had installed yrs ago,A 351 C.
Iam not building any ground pounders any more.....been there ...done that.....just a nice truck to drive.
I am lame as to posting pics and have never been able to do it right. Maybe wife will post some pics......heck I will ask for sweetest day...haha!!

You are right....I am a stock guy.....and with 8 trucks ...have to build something a little different. I just hope I can figure this all out.....Bill

 

Do a T5'd 5.0 EFI. Just have to work out the shifter location.

 

I am leary of anything not carbureted.....I am old school and efi......and I do not understand each other...lol
I have a 71 with the 302 and it is ok but need to find a nice engine that can be dropped right in.....like next week.....Bill

 

I have several running Y-blocks that will bolt right in! And I'm close by, Do you still need the rims?

 

I have 3 yblocks and 2 extras. I also have a 223 that is running and not sure about installing a six.....a v8 usually is worth more,and if I am doing all this,it might as well bring more value.
I am interested in the rims,---100.00 dollars for 5.....hows that? I have enough for 2 of the trucks,and have old school deep dish on the other.
I have several yblock trucks now,and something newer is in order.........Bill

 

This crossmember and trans member are from Classic Industries ....I found out,and not home-made,which I thought. Not a whole lot of problem,now...just need an engine and maybe use a c4 instead of this fmx....but since I have it...might as well use it.
I hope to get this frame finished up by Nov 15....Bill

 

Depending on the bellhousing I believe the FMX will bolt up to a 289/302/351W also. I know the 351W I bought as a core had a FMX bolted to it.

 

I would love a 351....now which one a M or a W or C.......LOL......Guess whichever one is close to N.E.Ohio,and rebuilt or new and cheapest......Bill.....Thanks 53 OTMe