429 Big Block?
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Junior User
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429 Big Block?
I know this is far fetched but I am buying an early 50's 1/2 ton with no motor or tranny. So I figured, hell, why not a big block? I just wanna know if this will even fit between the wheel wells (and between fire wall and radiator) and if anyone knows of anyone who's done this. Other than that I can fab up the rest of it I think. This will be such a bad truck if I can do it, I'm so excited lol.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
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I know they fit in the 53-56s, not sure the size difference for the earlier years. There is a whole lot of room in there, usually the problem tends to be headers and sometimes steering.
But they must, as a quick google search popped up headers:
Big Block Ford (429 - 460) 1948 - 52 Ford F1 Pickup Black Coated Header Set. | eBay
This topic had one in a '48:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...8-ford-f1.html
But they must, as a quick google search popped up headers:
Big Block Ford (429 - 460) 1948 - 52 Ford F1 Pickup Black Coated Header Set. | eBay
This topic had one in a '48:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...8-ford-f1.html
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Junior User
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Yes. I'm keeping as much stock as possible. Hopefully, I can get away with only newly fabbed engine mounts, new headers, and a cross member for the tranny (c6). Does this sound reasonable? I just want it in there for now, I can work on new suspension ect. later.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Texas
That's cool, I have a 1986 351W in mine using the Toyota P/S Kit, there is also a Rack option that works with the stock front end that might be a better fit for that big block which would leave more room for your headers. I also think there is a engine crossmember that will work for that motor that bolts in if you didn't want to do a lot of fab/welding. Good luck.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Assassin,
We've got a 1950 F1 & we went witha 351W - Same as you have in your
F150. It's pretty tight - You may want to post a pic of the body you have. If early 50's means '48-'52... Hmmm..
I'm sure you can fit what you want in there but it's work & money.
To install the 351W:
- We moved it off center an inch or two toward the passenger side
because the problems are mainly on the driving side.
- We swapped out oil pans to a rear pan to clear our front suspension.
- We went with sanderson block hugger style headers to clear the
steering. We had an inch of left over clearance.
- The steering linkage is an engineering marvel of heim joints, turns, &
knuckles.
- Up front we went with a special extremely slim electric fan to make it
between the radiator & the block - no shroud.
- No room for the battery in the front - It went behind our seat in the
cab.
We went with a mustang II front suspension so that presented some
issues you may not encounter. I just didn't want to leave the impression that it was a cake walk - It's not in the earlier year models. It was very tight for our 1950 with a 351W.
Good luck up there in Tennessee!
Ben in Austin
We've got a 1950 F1 & we went witha 351W - Same as you have in your
F150. It's pretty tight - You may want to post a pic of the body you have. If early 50's means '48-'52... Hmmm..
I'm sure you can fit what you want in there but it's work & money.
To install the 351W:
- We moved it off center an inch or two toward the passenger side
because the problems are mainly on the driving side.
- We swapped out oil pans to a rear pan to clear our front suspension.
- We went with sanderson block hugger style headers to clear the
steering. We had an inch of left over clearance.
- The steering linkage is an engineering marvel of heim joints, turns, &
knuckles.
- Up front we went with a special extremely slim electric fan to make it
between the radiator & the block - no shroud.
- No room for the battery in the front - It went behind our seat in the
cab.
We went with a mustang II front suspension so that presented some
issues you may not encounter. I just didn't want to leave the impression that it was a cake walk - It's not in the earlier year models. It was very tight for our 1950 with a 351W.
Good luck up there in Tennessee!
Ben in Austin
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Junior User
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Thanks ben, you were a big help. It looks like this is going to take a little more $ than I was originally expecting haha. I think I'll wait on it for ahwile, but I'll try my best to get it done for you guys!
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Assassin,
Don't give up - You will want to play with
the mock up of your engine & the mounts to get it positioned
where you think you can clear the headers & steering. Patience is a virtue in getting things to work right on these old trucks. You can do it -
just need to think it through a bit.
Ben in Austin
Don't give up - You will want to play with
the mock up of your engine & the mounts to get it positioned
where you think you can clear the headers & steering. Patience is a virtue in getting things to work right on these old trucks. You can do it -
just need to think it through a bit.
Ben in Austin
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
the front frame rails narrow down on the 48-52's , but as you have seen and heard they fit , and transdapt did have a kit for the 53-56 that with a little modding could work , i.e. narrowing . i had an 85 ranger that went from 2.9 v-6 to 302, to a 429 and c-6 . it was with a kit from i think total performance many , many years ago so ...... it can be done no matter how small the vehicle . you may just have to use velcro or duct tape to hold the front fenders on too the valve covers .......... a B.F.H. helps too ........
