Is it necessary for me to box my frame? I am looking at the Ford M-6007-F460 with a C6 built for the motor for my 56 F100. Rating is 550HP with 545T. Suspension is basicly stock front and rear.

Appreciate the help.



Ford Racing Performance Parts [M-6007-F460*]

 

I would, thats a lot of extra weight...I'd also, re-enforce frame, maybe a new cross member, midfifty i think has specifically designed Cross-members...good luck

 

I had the same setup in my 56 that was installed by the PO with no boxing plates and a stock front end...no problems in the time I had it and no evidence of frame damage now that I have torn it down for a complete rework.

 

I would at least spend some time carefully inspecting the frame for any stress cracks (if you haven't already done so). You never know what abuses a truck may have put through in the past 50+ years. You may need to use an inspection mirror. Pay particular attention around factory rivets.

 

Hi there,

As long as you have the motor out why not? I would venture to say that with the added 100 lbs or so, your front suspension is going to groan a little. If you decide to go with a non-stock front end, then you will have to box it anyway and that means removing your engine - so you might as well do it and get it over with.

Also, something of concern is not so much the added weight, but the incredible difference in available torque. With 550 HP even on the automatic, if you firewall the gas, all that power isn't going to convert instantly to MPH, it's going to really twist/torque in it's mounts and that translates right to the frame.

I have a 415HP 390PI with a C6 in my 51 and I did torque break the tubular motor mount system at the frame. My frame is narrower than yours so I have even less of a lever arm in the mounts than you will. First thing the pro shop welder did when I was having the new, stronger mounts made, was box the frame, and mount the motor mounts to the box.

For the sake of safety, sturdiness and to keep from having to take everything all apart do it later, it's simple and reletively inexpensive to do at the motor swap.

J!

 

hate to see you take off the line and leave your body sittin' there an the frame/engine down the road in front of ya!!

 

500+ HP will tax the frame, especially if you plan on some hard launches such as trips down the drag strip. The unpredictability of the built in flexibility (a deliberate Ford feature for longevity over rough terrain) of the chassis will also make those launches rather "exciting" as the chances of a straight launch will be much less than Indian casino odds.
Sounds like you are still in the planning stages, and that your engine and suspension choices are not particularly compatable. You may want to reevaluate just what you want your truck to be when it grows up, your financial resources, build skills and experience, and build accordingly. IMHO Putting a high HP high cube (and $) driveline in a riding lawn mower may look and sound cool, but won't mow grass worth a dang.

 

 

somthing like this???...

 

I wonder if they boxed that frame? LOL

 

Thanks for all the feedback.