55 engine swap
I have a 55 Panel with no engine/trans. I had always hoped to put in a small block (302/351W) but I have a chance to pick up (cheap) a good 300-6 w/auto in an 85 F-150 (whole truck) How would this engine work in the 55? I see all the engine mounts for V-8's in the catalogs but not much for the 6's Will there be any problem getting mounts for this swap? Any reason not to do it? I really want to get this going. I've had it for several years and I think it would make a great street rod.
Any comments / suggestions would be welcome.
Jeff in northern Wisconsin
Welcome to the board!!! You have managed to stumble into a wonderful site where you can get any question you can dream of answered. If you're lucky, the answer might even be the right one (we'll leave it to you to sort through all the answers and determine the right one) You'll also get tons of opions as well, some good, some bad, and some just down right funny. For the most part we are a good natured bunch that manages tog et along really well despite all of our differences in opinions about how these old trucks should be built. If you have a good sense of humor (and thick skin would help as well) and canhandle some god natured ribbing then you'll fit in just fine.
You probably won't find ready made engine mounts from the aftermaket manufacturers but I can't imagine that it would be that hard to fab something up. The topic of using the 300 I6 comes up fairly often, I myself think its a great engine and would be perfect in one of these trucks.
When you get a chance, get a gallery set up. We love pics around here
Bobby
I used the search function at the top of the forum page and came up with some good info. One of our members, Colonel Flashman is an authority on I6's and has a monster built 300 in his truck. There was also a thread on 300 I6 motor mounts. These may get you started.
The Colonel’s 300 I6: https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=13267
A good thread on 300 I6 motor mounts: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...lonel+flashman
My personal preference would be the 351, as I run a 351C in my 56 and really like it. But the 300 I6 is a great motor that runs forever, gets good mileage and has plenty of poop to pull one of our trucks around for cruising and highway hauling. Your truck, your way. That's my motto.
Enjoy.
Austin









