Engine Swap
Engine Swap
Engine Swap
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: OK
Welcome to the site. I don't know of anyone who has or makes an adapter. I don't know if the original tranny would be strong enough for a 302. I know they make adapters to run a C-4 or T-5 behind a flathead. Maybe someone else will know. Good luck!
hotrod48
hotrod48
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Is a 51 truck tranny syncromesh? If it's a crash box it won't be much fun to drive, and the gear ratios may not let you go much faster than 40 MPH at full throttle. Why not use a tranny that originally was used behind said 302 either manual or automatic. A good used one probably can be found for what you'll put into a bellhousing adapter and clutch assembly to mate it to the stock tranny, would be a whole lot easier install, and be a pleasant and dependable driver. Once you spend all the money to adapt, you'll likely tear up those 60 year old gears and bearings and be out trying to find replacement 60 year old trannies or repair parts.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Welcome to the forum! Best place to get advice and answers to your questions. Great bunch of people here too - a real family atmosphere. 
AX, with an F-6 he may not want to go more than 40 MPH!!!
AX, with an F-6 he may not want to go more than 40 MPH!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Originally Posted by Evans 1505
AXracer: The tranny is a syncromesh 4 speed. It is a F-6 with 4000 orginal miles on the truck. Do you still tink I should go with another route.
I think I would. IMO, 302 is not your best choice for a heavy application. It's weakness is low end torque. It needs wound up a bit to be happy. The correct engine would be my choice for a truck with only 4000 miles. If money is the issue, you're going to end up spending all the money you saved and then some. Buying stuff to adapt the newer engine to the truck will get spendy.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
If you are looking to stay in the 300 cube range, you might consider a 300 six with a 4 speed, or even a truck 5 speed. That combo has good torque, and is bulletproof. You should be able to find that combo in good shape for around $500 or less, as many builders want bigger and higher rapping V8s.
I have owned both, and the 300 six will out pull a 302 V8 anyday - but you have to allow lots of time as fast they are not!
I have owned both, and the 300 six will out pull a 302 V8 anyday - but you have to allow lots of time as fast they are not!
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
F6!?!! Woah!
First thing I would do is sit down and decide what do I want to do with this big baby!
I don't suspect it is intended to be used as a daily driver or a street rod (although done right it could be, BIG rods is a growing trend), so what are your plans for it? What is the truck's condition?
I would expect that there weren't many/any engine swap adapters made for that tranny.
First thing I would do is sit down and decide what do I want to do with this big baby!
I don't suspect it is intended to be used as a daily driver or a street rod (although done right it could be, BIG rods is a growing trend), so what are your plans for it? What is the truck's condition?
I would expect that there weren't many/any engine swap adapters made for that tranny.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Highwood, Montana
Hauling tractors....in that case I would spring for a 400 or even a 460 and a simple c-6 automatic. Add a cheap aftermarket tranny cooler and you're good to go. You sure can't beat cubic inches for pulling a heavy load.... I don't know how much your tractor weighs, but even my littl old 2-cylinder John Deere 620 with chloride in the tires supposedly weighs 6,000 pounds, and my trailer weighs 2,000. That adds up.
Post some pics when you're done, I think it's cool when people fix up these old trucks and put them to serious work. A friend of mine bought a '50 F6 grain truck with dual wheels, and swapped in a new engine and automatic. He uses it quite a bit for hauling all kinds of things, it looks really cool coming down the road. (unfortunately, he went with a brand x engine....)
Gary
Post some pics when you're done, I think it's cool when people fix up these old trucks and put them to serious work. A friend of mine bought a '50 F6 grain truck with dual wheels, and swapped in a new engine and automatic. He uses it quite a bit for hauling all kinds of things, it looks really cool coming down the road. (unfortunately, he went with a brand x engine....)
Gary
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I agree that would be an excellent swap for your purpose Gonna need to change the rear end too, from what I've seen of the specs the stock ratios were meant for pulling stumps or at least a dump bed of rocks.