Ok guys, Here Goes:
We have a cherry '54 waiting to turn into something. We can go with a '73 351c/Q-code 4v-C6 combo or a 400/th350 combo with a tri-power and early 'vette valve covers (have both in the yard). Both combo's are good runners with a minimum of work to be done. What would you do? We can fabricate anything-no limits!! What about resale value??
The Chev is the defacto standard, should we buck the trend and go all Ford or what? HELP!!!!

 

That's a no brainer ! Go Ford. When I bought my 54 F100 in 1985 it came with an early Chevy 327/TH400 combo. That went out first. I'll have a Ford 289/C4 in mine when I finish (in another 17 years or so).

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Apr-02 AT 03:02 AM (EST)]I'd say go with the 351C, especially if it is an authentic Q-code. More people will notice your truck with a really nicely done Ford engine than one with a Chevy in it. The Cleveland will be a bit tougher to find parts for, but most places that sell Mustang stuff will have all the dress up goodies for it you could want. The C6 is also tough as nails, so no prob there. If it was my truck, I'd drop in the 351. Besides, the tri-carbs can be a P.I.T.A. to work on, stick with the ol reliable 4V.

Gary
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1946 pickup-ongoing project
1946 pickup-waiting for resto.
1947 pickup-parts truck
1957 Ford FL 500 Town Victoria
1970 Mustang FB-daily driver
1972 Olds Vista Cruiser-4 sale
1988 Bronco II-for sale

 

You had to know what kind of answer you would get here. If I owned a nice Cleveland motor there is no doubt what I would do. My 53 also came with a SB Chevy installed by previous owner. It was a perfectly good motor so I found a new home for it in someones 34 Chevy Pickup. It looks so much happier there.

As much as I hate it, you are right, the big bucks show car trend still seems to be stuff another Chevy motor in. "Gotta be your own dog" to steal a phrase.

Dewayne

 

I bought a 56 with a very detailed 350 Chevy and am now putting a 700r4 behind it. Unfortunately I can not afford to switch it and besides functionally it is a very reliable system. Which is a better system will be argued over long after I'm dead.

That said, if I'm building from scratch and had the options you have I would go all Blue Oval. Although the 350 looks good and performs well in my 56, IMHO it really does need one more cubic inch to be right engine for an effie.

Rick

 

Go with the Chevy and sell me the Cleavland!

 

Go with the Ford. When you see all the small block Chevies at car shows, you start to think those people have no imagination.

 

GO ford and change it to STOCK!!!! Nothing, I repeat nothing is better then a stock truck. Anyone can put just anything in it...but a stock motor is something that everyone gawks over...period, handsdown......jim
http://www.48f-1.com

 

Buck the trend? Wake up pal, this is Ford country. A Vette motor belongs in a Vette. A "cherry" '54 Ford requires a cherry Ford motor.

 

Keep ford with ford and chevy with chevy thats my 2 cents worth





An equal opportunity truck lover

 

I would use the 351C for asthetic reasons. I think a mildly dressed up 351 is a lot prettier than a Chevy. And the engine is classier; it's a cool hi-po engine that's associated with some pretty cool cars. To me, it speaks better of the person who swapped it in. I'm not talking about Ford vs. Chevy, I'm talking about cool engineering vs. bellybutton engines.

If I had to thump on something, I'd go for the Chevy. Easier and cheaper to get parts for. But if you're building this to sell, do the Cleveland. It's cooler.

Best regards,