what to do
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 322
Likes: 45
From: La Center WA
what to do
What to do folks. I've had nothing but trouble with the engine trans combo in my 52 F1 with 54 merc 256ci t87 combo.Thinking about a 302/auto combo but don't know ford engines that well.Maybe a 440/727 which I know well,no to flathead or sbchebby,I'm going to sell my Y block t87 combo to help finance the change. What ford combo is easy to get easy to install and has good parts available?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,155
Likes: 4,754
From: Burbank, WA
I'm not sure what kind of trouble you're having with the 256, but if you're set on scrapping it and doing an engine swap, the 302/auto combo is one of the better ones, if not the best one, imho. If fits easy, is very well supported, and will make plenty of power, even in stock form to make a really nice driver out of an F1. You can go with the C4 3 speed auto if you don't feel the need for overdrive, or check into the many AOD variants available. Some work easier than others, and some are electronically controlled which means you'll need to have a control box to go with it. That choice is getting past my pay grade since I've never really studied up on them enough to speak with any real certainty. Others may be able to guide you better on that. That's my 2c.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 490
Likes: 108
From: Allentown, PA
engine
GREAT combo--302--C-4 or AOD--- what are you going to do with type REAR--Leaf Spring kit-- Front suspension Must II and type brakes -- Disc--drum use firewall mount power booster not FRAME mount unit ? ?
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 577
Likes: 175
From: Thompsons Station, TN
I have the 302, C4, 9” rear setup (didn’t install). Very easy to find parts for all three. Also somewhat easy to work on. Wide range of upgrades for the 302.
I do wonder what a Ford 300 six in it would do for accessibility (no, I’m not going to change).
51F1
I do wonder what a Ford 300 six in it would do for accessibility (no, I’m not going to change).
51F1
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 322
Likes: 45
From: La Center WA
I have a 3" dropped axle and 2" dropped posie super slides with the stock low mile rear. That will stay.The trouble is I can't get the crankshaft pulley hub off with even the most ambitious puller.I finally used a torch to cut away the damper part only to find the hub drilled and plug welded in four places to the crank. Looks factory but I can't believe Ford would do that.It did belong to some bonneville racers for years so who knows.This engine has less than 10,000 miles from new in 54 when the car was wrecked.I'll go a head and get an engine swap done cause I want an automatic and don't like the T87 3 spd. Does an aod ford work stand alone or does it need a computer? I'm ok with a carb and distributor.The rear is a 3.92 80,000 mile original and will stay.RPM at 60 is about 2400 so good to go.Anyone do a 440 mopar swap? Iv'e had a lot of those but never in an f1.So I'm at a crossroad and partially torn down. And an all Ford meet this weekend at the mall.What to do.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,155
Likes: 4,754
From: Burbank, WA
Again, this is just my take on things, but with gas heading north of $6/gal a 302 with overdrive seems to make more sense for a driver than any brand big block. Your mileage may vary. 
The AOD automatic overdrive is not computer controlled, but it does use a throttle valve (TV) cable that has a delicate adjustment for proper transmission operation. It's not overly difficult, but does take some doing to make sure you don't fry your new trans. There are later versions with different names that are computer controlled, but have better/upgraded guts that don't use a TV cable. I've heard of people putting later guts into the AOD box with good results. As I mentioned earlier, there's other people way more educated on the details than me, so I would encourage you to do your research for what's best for you.
The AOD automatic overdrive is not computer controlled, but it does use a throttle valve (TV) cable that has a delicate adjustment for proper transmission operation. It's not overly difficult, but does take some doing to make sure you don't fry your new trans. There are later versions with different names that are computer controlled, but have better/upgraded guts that don't use a TV cable. I've heard of people putting later guts into the AOD box with good results. As I mentioned earlier, there's other people way more educated on the details than me, so I would encourage you to do your research for what's best for you.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
Go for broke I say! It's your truck, do it your way. My 53 has a 5cyl. Mercedes diesel in it, love it! When I bought it there was a 318/727 combo along with a poorly installed Volare IFS, so just about anything you can think of can be done.
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