Engine Placement

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Oct 4, 2004 | 08:45 PM

56dog1

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Engine Placement

I need to know how far back to mount my 351 Cleveland with C6 transmission in a 56. Mid Fifty says about 34 3/4" from center of cross member to front of frame for small block. Is this right?
Also, do I need special quality bolts to mount the pads to the crossmember?

Oct 5, 2004 | 06:45 AM

mt54

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From: Northwestern PA

What works best is to mock it up with the rad. Rad. clearence is the biggest concern.
It will depend on what type of fan your useing. With that in mind place it where it needs to be, then you may have to mod the fire wall for clearence.
Mike

Oct 5, 2004 | 07:11 AM

merc546

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From: Michigan

If you want to be sure that the eng/trans fits you will need to have the rad installed and the cab in place. Mt54 is right about the fan issue.

If you are going to use a mech fan keep at least 1-2 inchs clearance to the rad.

You will not have a package problem with your eng/trans selection just make sure if you have a firewall mounted brake booster that you can remove the rocker arm cover.

I have done a 351W/C6 and a 351W/FMX/AOD (changed trans) both in 56's booster was one of the main package concerns for me.

Chuck

Oct 5, 2004 | 08:44 AM

Randy Jack

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From: Riverside, So Cal

I have a 351C/FMX in my 56. I run an electric fan now, but it came with a mechanical fan and shroud. Mike (MT54) is right on about positioning. LOTS of room around it with no firewall mods required. In fact, there is a fist-sized clearance between the heads and bell housing to the firewall/cab floor.
Forward/aft positioning is very forgiving. I would only caution about setting the engine height in the compartment. Make sure you can get the pan off without pulling the motor. It will also look better if it sits higher. Doesn't get lost down in that big hole.

Oct 5, 2004 | 02:30 PM

56dog1

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Good Advice

Thanks for the information. I'll mount the radiator and get the engine and transmission in. I'm am worried about what too deep means. I do want to have my brake assembly clear the valve cover. I had this problem with a 56 with a 428.

Oct 5, 2004 | 08:19 PM

husker

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From: Manhattan, KS

56, I mounted a 460 in a '54 with a c6 behind it . I used the bolt in or weld in mounts from one of the suppliers of older Ford truck stuff, Can't remember which one maybe Bob's F100s. I also mocked the engine in before welding in the mounts. I move the engine as far back as I could with about 1" clearance from the valve covers etc. I mounted the engine high to get a proper angle for the drive shaft and still clear the floor of the cab. I run a fan and have a couple of inches from fan to radiator.

Oct 6, 2004 | 01:20 PM

51dueller

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From: Saskatoon SK Canada

It's better to have the exhaust manifolds bolted to the engine when your mounting so you don't have to try many different headers to get some that fit.