I have heard that someone makes a bellhousing adapter that will accept S-10 manual trans to flathead?
Are there any other front ends recommended other than Volare? What year Volare?
What is the easiest engine swap? Chev or Ford small block. I'm looking more for drivability that originality. Thanks John

 

Welcome to the forum. Chevy or Ford engine?. That's a touchy subject here. Don't look for encouragement to go with a Chevy engine at a Ford site! At the risk of incurring the ire of the FTE membership I will, however, offer my own opinion.

The Chevy is probably easier but not by much. You don't have to look for a rear sump pan since they are all rear sump and they are slightly shorter which gives you more room at the radiator. The Ford is narrower which will give you more room at the sides for exhaust. A Ford engine will probably make your truck more valuable, however, when it comes time to sell. As far as drivability there is little difference. If you like high performance you can usually find aftermarket and used performance parts for the Chevy cheaper than Ford. If you want a Volare look for an 83-89 Chrysler 5th Avenue or Diplomat to get the latest year model although the suspension was made as far back as the 70s. If you go with the Volare consider offsetting the engine up to two inches to the passenger side for more room at the steering box. I offset mine and had no problems with the steering box at all. Other front suspensions include Jaguar, Mustang II, Camaro/Malibu/Nova and Lincoln/Ford front clips so there are lots of choices.

 

Type T5 adapter flathead or s10 adapter flathead into your google search and you'll come up with a ton of info that's already out there.

To do the S10 T5 to Ford, look up Speedwaymotors.com

Please keep it Ford - the easiest is would be to use the flathead. I've run one in my daily driver for the past 6 years so there's no issue with reliability.

Driveability issues on the other hand include things like rear gears, brakes, steering, AC and other creature comforts that you may choose to do regardless of engine.