53 ford F100

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Nov 6, 2011 | 09:56 AM

jcahicks

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From: San Tan Valley, Az

53 ford F100

i Just got a 53 and i need some ideas. Want to make it to cruise around on sundays, but have enough power to show off on friday nights. we need decent fuel mileage for those long road trips we all love. What would some of you suggest as an engine size and gear ratios for it? Right now we dont have an engine or a transmission. im starting with a clean slate. What do you guys think?

Nov 6, 2011 | 10:34 AM

52 Merc

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From: Burbank, WA

If you're not going stock, you can't go wrong with a 302/AOD/9" rear with 3.50 gears. It's the perfect combo for power, fuel efficiency, and ease of installation, imho.

Nov 6, 2011 | 02:16 PM

Eds56Effie

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From: Metro Atlanta

My 56 has a 351W/AOD/9" rear with 3.50 gear and it is turning out to be a great "cruiser"..with pretty good fuel mileage and decent power. I highly recommend this combo.

Nov 6, 2011 | 07:42 PM

kenjh

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From: victoria

I agree with the guy's small truck only need's a small block....an' a carb is nicer then EFI..

Nov 6, 2011 | 07:47 PM

carnut122

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From: Waleska, GA

I have a 302 EFI with AOD and 3.25 gears in the rear. So far, it sounds really good-on the lift. Maybe I'll even get to take it for a spin soon.

Nov 6, 2011 | 08:07 PM

tacson

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From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

You cant go wrong with SBF/AOD/3.25-3.55 Ratio range

Nov 6, 2011 | 08:11 PM

CdnWillyG

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From: Stony Plain,AB Canada

Well here is my 2 cents, I'm running a 302 HO/T5/3.08 rears and some day hope to drive it any way !!!!

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Nov 7, 2011 | 03:01 PM

chappys4life

Tuned

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 315

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From: Austin, TX

Flathead with overdrive. You have the last year for the flathead wear it proud. Also you will not get the same sound out of any motor you will get with a flathead.

Nov 7, 2011 | 07:18 PM

#10

kenjh

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From: victoria

54 in canada was the last year in production...and I am told the french still use the flatty over the military ...till recently ..

Nov 7, 2011 | 08:13 PM

#11

chappys4life

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From: Austin, TX

I was not talking about Canada and dont even get me started on the french

.

I was referring to last US made ford vehicles.

Nov 7, 2011 | 09:57 PM

#12

kenjh

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From: victoria

yah ..but just saying...

Nov 8, 2011 | 08:00 AM

#13

chappys4life

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From: Austin, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenjh

yah ..but just saying...

Do you feel special now? Yes Canada and the French made the motor longer. Yes I know Canada had them until 54 and yes you can still get fresh untouched blocks that are French.

He was asking for ideas for his 53 and as the 53 in the US was the last year for the flathead I suggested the flathead with a t5.