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I am planning on installing a 302 Ford into my '49 F1 with a 4R70W automatic. I was wondering if anyone who has a small block Ford installed in a '48 thru '52 F series has used the original motor mounts on the frame or should I just remove them. If someone used something else, what was it? I am hoping to tap into all the knowledge of those who have gone before me and done this already. No use reinventing the wheel you know. I'd appreciate people's thoughts. Thanks.
I have a 289 in my 49 F1. I took them off. The engine location had to move to the passenger side very little for the headers to clear the Toyota power steering box. I used the round engine fame mount with the slide on frame mounts. I forgot where i bought it at since it has been years since i got it. I also used a electric fan for cooling
Hey Doug,
That's a good looking truck. It's nice to see another '50 on here
getting some love. Like Tracy said - you will probably want to be able to position the motor
just where you want it. We moved our's an inch or two over toward the passenger side
to get more room for steering & headers on the drivers side.
We didn't use anything fancy - I looked back through my notes - Part # 5300134 from Advanced Auto Parts.
Use what you are comfortable with.
I hate to shamelessly plug my build thread, but I just finished installing a 302 in mine a few months back. You will no doubt need to get an engine and transmission adapter kit, and I did remove the flat head mount brackets, they'll just get in the way. See the green link in my signature, there's an unhealthy amount of pics for reference.
Wow, thank you all for the replies. I have restored two other F1's but both got the flathead engines and manual transmissions. I sold both but I am planning on holding on to this one and going to the "dark" side with the drivetrain and suspension. So this mounting stuff is new to me and I definitely appreciate any assistance.I don't mind doing the engine/trans swaps since this truck came to me with a 283 Chevy motor and a Saginaw 4 speed transmission. I'll take a look at the build thread and hopefully pick up additional tips. I am stripping the frame now and hope to have it at the blasters on Friday. My plan is to box in the frame, install a Mustang II front end and a 4 link rear with a Ford 9" rear end. Then, the 302 and the automatic will need to be fit in. I also have decided to use a '51 five star cab instead of the original one. After restoring 2 1950 F series trucks, I want the larger rear window on mine. Wish me luck, I'll need it!
Hey Doug,
I like your plan. I'm curious how your 4 link behaves vs.
our Explorer 8.8... let me know when you get to test out that one.
We had to go with an electric fan up front as we were really tight...
measure to make sure you have that piece thought out when you place the engine.
Looking good up there in Michigan. I've been to Ann Arbor ... beautiful.
I also installed a 302 w/ AOD in my 49 F1. Used round mount, inexpensive, worked fine and was easy to install. I had to cut a corner off old mounts for clearance. They also offer similar tranny mount. I found a radiator perfect for conversion that fits without modifications. Fit in and retained upper air dam. Had to use a pusher fan, hardly ever runs. Can find supplier if you need it. 302 ready to go
Good luck
i used some mounts from speedway motors, pretty basic really, had to weld them on where my frame was boxed, I didn't offset the motor at all but I have a Lexus front end and didn't really see the need to. I used an electric fan, running a FItech efi that controls it, seems to cool pretty well.
i used some mounts from speedway motors, pretty basic really, had to weld them on where my frame was boxed, I didn't offset the motor at all but I have a Lexus front end and didn't really see the need to. I used an electric fan, running a FItech efi that controls it, seems to cool pretty well.
Thank you for the input. You sound like you have done many of the same things I plan to do right down to the FiTech EFI. The biggest difference is I am using a Mustang II front end instead of the Lexus. Is your fan in front of or behind your radiator? I noticed they sell a shortened water pump for the SBF which is suppose to give you an extra 1 1/2" clearance but I'm not sure if this is enough to use a mechanical fan. Thanks again for your insight.
Mine is a 302 with 4r70w, mustang II, and 8.8. I had to do some floor modification to fit the trans as well as move the engine forward slightly. It’s kind of funny as mine is a 51 but I used a 48-50 cab because I like the smaller back window look better. Here are some pictures if it helps.
Great pictures! The chassis looks very nice. I think they will be very helpful. Where did you purchase your firewall mounted brake booster? Have you installed the pedal and sled for it. If so, what vehicle did you use as a donor? Any issues I should be aware of?
Great pictures! The chassis looks very nice. I think they will be very helpful. Where did you purchase your firewall mounted brake booster? Have you installed the pedal and sled for it. If so, what vehicle did you use as a donor? Any issues I should be aware of?
The above link is what I used and at a good price. Hold out some money for the stand alone controller for the transmission. After everything was added it was around $700 from US Shift.
I go to a lot of Cruise-in's in Arizona and often receive complements for the following: "You put a Ford in a Ford" " Like the 3 peddles" "what tranny?" Here is what I've got: Ford 408 Stroker, T5z tranny, IFS & IRS on stock boxed frame and a "few" other modifications to my 48 F1.
I'll take a look at the build thread and hopefully pick up additional tips. I am stripping the frame now and hope to have it at the blasters on Friday. My plan is to box in the frame, install a Mustang II front end and a 4 link rear with a Ford 9" rear end. Then, the 302 and the automatic will need to be fit in. I also have decided to use a '51 five star cab instead of the original one. After restoring 2 1950 F series trucks, I want the larger rear window on mine. Wish me luck, I'll need it!
