Frame/engine/trans combo's
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Frame/engine/trans combo's
Okay.
Sometime this summer when I can make it home, I am going to really start to tear into my truck. 49 F-1.
I am going to start with the frame so I have a good base, work towards a rolling chassis, then the body, engine/trans.
My question is, I think I am going to go with a 350/351 and a 4/5 speed.
I am pretty sure you can get mounts/crossmembers for these. Am I right?
With a 4/5 speed will I need to make a trans tunnel?
Also can the factory frame handle 450/500 horsepower?
I have no intention of putting a "new" computer controlled engine in this.
I want to keep the manual steering, no ac, basically put a 60/70's v-8 in. A lot more power then factory.
I want to keep this as much bolt on as possible. I know I will have to do some modifications that aren't I just don't want a lot.
Thank You
Sometime this summer when I can make it home, I am going to really start to tear into my truck. 49 F-1.
I am going to start with the frame so I have a good base, work towards a rolling chassis, then the body, engine/trans.
My question is, I think I am going to go with a 350/351 and a 4/5 speed.
I am pretty sure you can get mounts/crossmembers for these. Am I right?
With a 4/5 speed will I need to make a trans tunnel?
Also can the factory frame handle 450/500 horsepower?
I have no intention of putting a "new" computer controlled engine in this.
I want to keep the manual steering, no ac, basically put a 60/70's v-8 in. A lot more power then factory.
I want to keep this as much bolt on as possible. I know I will have to do some modifications that aren't I just don't want a lot.
Thank You
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,276
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From: Westminster,Md
If your commited to the Darkside..May I suggest BIG-BLOCK..
Gobs more H.P than you can strangle out of a small block..
Check some of the big block owners on this site,consider off-setting engine for ample steering/headerupgrades...just my .02$...Have Fun!!
Gobs more H.P than you can strangle out of a small block..
Check some of the big block owners on this site,consider off-setting engine for ample steering/headerupgrades...just my .02$...Have Fun!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
The 351 sounds like a good choice though it would take some work to get 500 HP out of it. I doubt if you will need to build a tranny tunnel for the 4/5 speed if you get the engine low enough. As far as the frame handling 500 HP it depends on what you plan for the suspension. If you go with an IFS you will want to box the frame to the firewall at least and that will strengthen the frame considerably. You will definitely need a stronger rear (like a 57-72 nine inch) and disc brakes if you plan on stopping this beast... 
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,014
Likes: 9,958
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I agree with whats been said. I am running a big block Caddy in my 49 (500ci) with stock suspension. I didn't have to tunnel my cab floor or beat the heck out of the firewall. These old trucks have tons of room under the hood. I've boxed my frame in the front but I still get tons of twist out of the old thing when I'm really hammering on it (the big 500ci makes tons of torque...lol)
I would suggest boxing the frame and upgrading to disc brakes. Being able to stop is very important (dang! I must be getting old...I never thought about stopping when I was young) That much horses through the stock rear will eventually eat it up. Swapping a 9' Ford from 1972 an older Ford truck is almost a bolt in swap.
Don't sell power steering short. You'll probably want it and its fairly easy to do using a 79-85 Toyota 4x4 box.
Good luck with it
Bobby
I would suggest boxing the frame and upgrading to disc brakes. Being able to stop is very important (dang! I must be getting old...I never thought about stopping when I was young) That much horses through the stock rear will eventually eat it up. Swapping a 9' Ford from 1972 an older Ford truck is almost a bolt in swap.
Don't sell power steering short. You'll probably want it and its fairly easy to do using a 79-85 Toyota 4x4 box.
Good luck with it
Bobby
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I probably won't put a 500 horse engine in the truck, I would guess around 300 to 350.
I just wanted to know if anyone would think I would have problems. I don't really want a big block. Would be fun though. I am not trying to sell power steering short, just don't really want it.
I am thinking of updating, the drivetrain, lights, seat belts, (all the leagal stuff), and some guages.
I spose I will give more detail.
I am thinking a drop, not dragging or anything like that. Probably 2 or 3". This is all so it will handle better. IFS front, and either dropped rear leaf, or 4 link. We'll see how much I want to spend when we get their.
Now a good question. As I said, before I would like to keep this as much bolt on as possible.
How many of you have a small block Ford/Chevy engine?
I have heard/read that a SBC will fit better cause the accessories don't stick off the front of the engine as far. I do know that someone does make a kit to make all the pullies closer to the engine on a SBF though.
I just wanted to know if anyone would think I would have problems. I don't really want a big block. Would be fun though. I am not trying to sell power steering short, just don't really want it.
I am thinking of updating, the drivetrain, lights, seat belts, (all the leagal stuff), and some guages.
I spose I will give more detail.
I am thinking a drop, not dragging or anything like that. Probably 2 or 3". This is all so it will handle better. IFS front, and either dropped rear leaf, or 4 link. We'll see how much I want to spend when we get their.
Now a good question. As I said, before I would like to keep this as much bolt on as possible.
How many of you have a small block Ford/Chevy engine?
I have heard/read that a SBC will fit better cause the accessories don't stick off the front of the engine as far. I do know that someone does make a kit to make all the pullies closer to the engine on a SBF though.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
If you want to have shorter accessories just grab them off a 94-95 Mustang and 96-01 Explorer with the 5.0L.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
The SBC might be an easier fit (depending on what SBF engine you use) since you don't have to worry about the front sump oil pump but the distributor being in the back is a pain. It is slightly wider than the SBF and a little heavier. The space in front of the engine is not a factor. I'm using a SBC with the long water pump and I still have room for a mechanical clutch fan and the radiator in the stock location. Overall, either engine should be an easy install. If you go with an IFS, power steering will likely come with it unless you go with MII. The Volare or Jag is as close to bolt on as you can get with an IFS since all they require is notching the frame. 
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