RE: I KNOW it's a sin...
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Klamath Falls
RE: I KNOW it's a sin...
Shortbed, congrats on your purchase! I don't think anyone should decide for you what engine to install or whether it's a sin. (but installing a chevy is ...haha)
My experience is limited, I haven't done everything and some of the stuff I have done didn't work out. Since I'm not charging for advice,it's probably not worth much. You decide.
In 1961 and 1962 I was regularly campaigning a 55 ford sedan in D Stock. Back then there wasn't much in the way of inspection and most guys didn't have enough $$$ for protests. I replaced the 272 with a 292, cammed it up a bit, shaved and ported the heads, rejetted the 2bbl, etc. I held my own in the stock class.
BUT, when I pulled off the 2bbl and ran 3x2s or a single 4bbl in CHEATERS, the old Y-Block just didn't have the legs. Then I got lucky. A pal at a wrecking yard (that's what we called them back then) got me a '62 390. It was basically a drop-in. I kicked serious butt with it.
I'm pretty sure you will find the same situation with your truck. I think the Y-Block motor mounts will work. As I recall, I didn't have to change much except radiator hoses. The 390 is a workhorse and it also responds to minor tweaking. A cam and, intake, good carb and electronic ignition will make big performance difference for small $$$.
I don't want to start a war with those who favor the Y-Block but I found that most of the blocks have to be angle decked to square them up with the crank. It's a bit expensive but a necessary first step if you're going to build a performance engine.
Hope I've given you some insight. Good luck with your project.
My experience is limited, I haven't done everything and some of the stuff I have done didn't work out. Since I'm not charging for advice,it's probably not worth much. You decide.
In 1961 and 1962 I was regularly campaigning a 55 ford sedan in D Stock. Back then there wasn't much in the way of inspection and most guys didn't have enough $$$ for protests. I replaced the 272 with a 292, cammed it up a bit, shaved and ported the heads, rejetted the 2bbl, etc. I held my own in the stock class.
BUT, when I pulled off the 2bbl and ran 3x2s or a single 4bbl in CHEATERS, the old Y-Block just didn't have the legs. Then I got lucky. A pal at a wrecking yard (that's what we called them back then) got me a '62 390. It was basically a drop-in. I kicked serious butt with it.
I'm pretty sure you will find the same situation with your truck. I think the Y-Block motor mounts will work. As I recall, I didn't have to change much except radiator hoses. The 390 is a workhorse and it also responds to minor tweaking. A cam and, intake, good carb and electronic ignition will make big performance difference for small $$$.
I don't want to start a war with those who favor the Y-Block but I found that most of the blocks have to be angle decked to square them up with the crank. It's a bit expensive but a necessary first step if you're going to build a performance engine.
Hope I've given you some insight. Good luck with your project.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, CA
Thanks!
Right now my main concern is making sure the brakes work! It's in pretty rough condition, so there are a few things I want to do before I think about the engine. Making it GO won't do a bit of good if it won't STOP!
The main reason I posted the Chevy question is, until I got this truck, I was a GM man. From my '88 Trans Am to my 72 Chevy, the 350 is all I know. When I popped the hood on that Ford and saw that 292, I felt like I was looking at a spaceship. (an OLD spaceship)
TC
Right now my main concern is making sure the brakes work! It's in pretty rough condition, so there are a few things I want to do before I think about the engine. Making it GO won't do a bit of good if it won't STOP!
The main reason I posted the Chevy question is, until I got this truck, I was a GM man. From my '88 Trans Am to my 72 Chevy, the 350 is all I know. When I popped the hood on that Ford and saw that 292, I felt like I was looking at a spaceship. (an OLD spaceship)
TC
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,890
Likes: 9
From: La Verne, California
58S.B.
The Brake Master Cylinder might be the problem, after sitting for a period of time the seals & rubber could have gone bad & it then needs to be rebuilt.
The Brake Master Cylinder might be the problem, after sitting for a period of time the seals & rubber could have gone bad & it then needs to be rebuilt.
Originally Posted by 58shortbed
Thanks!
Right now my main concern is making sure the brakes work! It's in pretty rough condition, so there are a few things I want to do before I think about the engine. Making it GO won't do a bit of good if it won't STOP!
The main reason I posted the Chevy question is, until I got this truck, I was a GM man. From my '88 Trans Am to my 72 Chevy, the 350 is all I know. When I popped the hood on that Ford and saw that 292, I felt like I was looking at a spaceship. (an OLD spaceship)
TC
Right now my main concern is making sure the brakes work! It's in pretty rough condition, so there are a few things I want to do before I think about the engine. Making it GO won't do a bit of good if it won't STOP!
The main reason I posted the Chevy question is, until I got this truck, I was a GM man. From my '88 Trans Am to my 72 Chevy, the 350 is all I know. When I popped the hood on that Ford and saw that 292, I felt like I was looking at a spaceship. (an OLD spaceship)
TC
