Hey guys. Just looking for some general info on an upcoming project. I have limited experience in this area so any help would be appreciated.

I've got a 1953 F100 that was missing the flathead. I've was given a 292 Yblock out of a 59 F100 that I plan to throw in there. Does anyone have any guidance with this engine swap? Major hurdles to be aware of, etc or should this be relatively straight forward? Any sources for motor mounts, etc? Thanks for the input guys.

 

Howdy,

Welcome aboard!


There's a couple of ways to mount the engine. Most common is to use the "standard" truck mount (Front & bell-housing side mounts)

Another way would be to use the automotive side-mounts but if you do that you have to support the trans near the tail-shaft.

You might do that if you're using a much newer auto trans etc....

If you look in my gallery, you'll see the way I did mine but I'm using a MUCH newer auto trans + adapter.

I think you can easily use existing (front/trans) mounts but you'll need to ensure that the trans cross member for the '53 is the same as newer trucks......... (I think it is)

Then you'll want to find a bell housing for a 292 (or you probably already have one?)

Since I switched to an auto trans, I have a complete (resurfaced) flywheel, new clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, bell housing and new mounts + a medium duty synchro T-98 4-speed with the parking brake too + pedals, mounts etc...........all sitting around looking for a new home! (I never throw anything away!)

The bell housing for a 292 should be the same as the one that bolts to a any 239/256/272

If you have the bell housing and trans from the truck you got the 292 from, you should be able to use the mounts, but you may need to remove the front frame mount from the donor truck.

There's a front (frame) cross member that the front mount bolts to that sets back a few inches compared to the one for a 6cyl, but you can easily adapt to either.

Someone should jump in here and tell you if the '53 trans cross-mount is the same as later years.....


Cheers,


Rick

 

Thanks for the great info Rick. I do have the trans and bell housing from the 292. I planned to use them so I could keep 3 on the tree.

 

Does anyone know where I can grab a front cross member and pads from a 59 f100 to fit this 292 to the 53 F100? Ebay comes up empty at the moment so I thought I'd check here. Also if anyone has a picture of what this cross member looks like that would be helpful as well.

 

Subscribing and hoping for pic's as you get her together.

 

OK, you have a few things to change. The 57-60 y block front motor mount is a split mount with individual mounts. The 54-56 y block used a single front mount. The steel part of the mount in front will have to be removed and a 56 ONLY style installed as the 54-55 front pulley is different and the 54-55 front mount will not fit behind the 56 and up harmonic balancer. Gets confusing I know.
Also the trans from the 59 May or May not have the provisions for the clutch bell crank to attach to the trans case. THIS IS A MUST.
The gas pedal linkage will be on the wrong side of the carb as the flathead linkage is on the pass side of the carb and the later carbs its on the driver side. If you get the gas pedal thru the firewall linkage from a 53-56 with a 6 cyl engine the linkage will line up with the newer carb.
Hope this helps a little

 

Thanks for the info Kevin. Very helpful. I do have a clarifying question though.

When you say to use a 56 only style front mount are you thinking by using that mount I will be able to install the mount to the original cross member of my 53 frame as apposed to using a 59 steel front mount and having to change out the cross member to a 59 cross member?

 

You may want to consider getting an aftermarket cross member that bolts between the frame rails and use the side passenger car side mounts, I think I've seen them on Summit or one of the other hot rod shops. I made my own from a late 50's passenger car cross member. If you still have the original three speed you should be able to swap the side cover on to the later trans so you can use the clutch linkage. Or are you planing on using the 53 trans?

 

Yes correct, the 56 mount will fit 56 to 64 engines with that style harmonic balancer, and that mount will fit the 53-56 cross member so long as you have it still in the truck.


I have most stuff it you need parts to make this work. I will send you a PM with my contact info