hello, does anyone have info on installing a 428 c.i motor in a 1955 f-100 looking at maybe getting used crown vic and useing running gear. thanks Mike

 

what year?

 

The first issue that I can think of is the oil pan. The FE motors used nothing like anything found in a crown vic. Im not saying It cant be done but unless your fabrication skills are really good I can see many problems ahead. Your starting with a truck from the 50's adding a motor from the 60's then grafting it together with a clip / frame from the 80's / 90's . Im sure AX will chime in soon with some good advice.

Rick

 

Hi Welcome to FTE!!!

I have a 390Pi in my 51....Couldn't use an IFS - long story, but in a nutshell, my exhaust headers were in the same place the MII spring towers were to go.

If you are going to use an IFS of any type, chances are good you will have to find a rear sump oil pan. Older Bronco FE pans should work.

There are other space considerations as well - like exhausting. There's not a whole lot of room. So if you are planning on staying inside the frame rails plan on a non stock steering box - probably Toyota. Remember you are going to have to eat up that side space with motor mounts.

Chances are your right valve cover will cover the hole for the lower heater pipe inlet on the firewall.

Then there is transmission. You'll probably have to cut the stock transmission cross member and have a new frame brace made and transmission mount as well. You will probably have to use a floor shift as there will not be enough room for a shift linkage from the column to the transmission that doesn't interfere with the brake pedals.

You will have to box your frame from the front to at least the firewall and have an under engine motor mount system manufactured and incorporated into the frame boxing. You'll have to put heavier duty springs into the CV IFS.

Cooling and a different radiator - possibly a manufactured radiator support, which means you will have to design some system to hold the front clip together in the front.

Maybe/probably?!! Had to with mine. And I am at this moment rebuilding the stock single axel front end - no other option and still have decent exhausting.

This is just food for thought. Sam (FTE name "sdetweil) has a 460 in his 55. You may want to PM him, he'll have all the dope!

Never mind you are a and can't PM until you have 25 posts. Sam will be along soon!

 

IMO installing a 460 would give him a easier install, there are more oil pan options available than with a FE motor which may give some hope for a IFS. Remembering back, When I was young I had a old mustang with a FE motor so I know that feeling when a FE starts, I say go for it.

 

I haven't found one yet still kicking idea around I will also need recomendation on what year to use I am still in the developement stages for a winter project thanks Mike

 

Hey you guys, I should have given you more info to start with so here it is now, I am thinking of going with stock front end, mid fifties motor and trans mount, mid fifties gm p/s conversion, and 9 inch rear, truck has 6 cyl in it now and I don't know if it's an optical illusion but it looks like more than enough room???? maybe not also if I can't do 428,429 I will probably go with 351 I can cut/weld and fabracate its just been awhile so I would like to go with easier install, thanks Mike

 

The 351 (Windsor) is a great choice. I had a 351 Cleveland in my 56 and it was th ebiggest nothing I have ever driven.

Why not a 390 FE?

Yo will ahve enought room for your engine. You just need to squeeze in all the support stuff.

Here is a picture of what I mean. I used my stock column shift to shift the C6 in my 51 truck (with the 390PI). If that rod is 1/16th off adjustment, it hits the brake pedal when pulled into first. Stuff like this, throttle/gas pedal set up , etc is what takes close design.



See any sunlight?