Still looking for drivetrain options on a 61 Unibody.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

I re wrote this below & can't Delete it here

 

The Y-blocks (292 and 312 were the most popular) were last used in '64.
The C-6 was introduced in '66, hence the moniker "C" (for 1960's) and "-6" (for 1966).
No, a C-6 won't fit a Y-block because the bell housing is part of the casting, and they didn't make 1966 castings for the Y-block.

The easiest option for a '64 or earlier is to use the original drivetrain (of course).

There are retrofit kits available to put in later engines, including FEs (352, 360, 390 et al), Windsors (289, 302 351 et al) and even 385s (429 and 460).

However, before upgrading to a larger engine, I would put my money into safety upgrades, like disc brakes to ensure the truck can handle the increased power and speed.

Hope this helps.

 

Not without a lot of design-engineering and machine work.
But C-6 is the wrong choice to run behind a "Y" Block unless you plan to run a awfully short, low (high numerical) rear gear ratio. That kills economy, is rough on the engine, is expensive to operate & runs everything at substantially higher RPM @ less mph/mpg.

Only A/T that Fits "bolt up", OEM, is old F-O-M [Ford-O-Matic] (some call it 2 spd ) But it's really 3 speed, with 5 position detent. [PRNDL] forward 2 positions, D & L have only 2 gears, [or 1 upshift/downshift] either Lo +Intermediate, or Intermediate +Drive.
You'll find "Y" blocks lose performance with an A/T, but I would speculate a C-6 would cripple a 272 or 292 CID "Y" block because of huge drag & loss coefficients they have. it's around 20% - 22%.
FWIW I have seen guys running C-4s & A4OD trannies behind "Y" Blocks by using an available adapter and adding a "X" Member to mount it. C-4s only take around 10%, or 1/2 the power loss of a C-6, to operate.

Brad, why don't you look at powertrain options instead? I mean if you're considering altering the drive train you're not affixed on pure stock anyhow, so why not go ahead & bite bullet (so to speak) and instead of piece-mealing a drive train together, design a power train & modify the truck/ chassis to accept installation & run that instead?

In the long run it costs less, runs better, is more efficient & probably performs better
too if it's a power train made up of matched components. When I did my 61 Integral Bed I was faced with what you're going thru. I finally went for FE, C-6, 9" Ford Rear in
the end. I had to make engine mounts, and add a trans X member, and make rear shock brackets, but it wound up being what I needed. That was back in late 60's. I've learned a lot since. A variety of more desirable power trains (IMHO) are available now.

FBp

 

There are direct bolt on custom bell housings in aluminum to bolt a C4 automatic trans to the 292 312 engine.

They include bell, converter and flywheel. and pricey.

either a ford o matic or cruise o matic will bolt up if it is pre 64 and has the correct casting for the bell housing mount. hard to find some one to rebuild them.

I would follow along Petes thoughts and install a later model engine and trans combo as everything is avalible to bolt any brand of engine in there your heart desires. Just less hassle and a more modern combo.

Garbz