Engine doable?
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
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Engine doable?
Hello, newbie here. I'm looking for comment from the knowledgeable crowd regarding putting a 72 Pontiac 455 engine into a 1950 Ford F1. Doable? Anyone have experience with this?
I just got the F1 from someone that pulled it out of a field. The Pontiac was freshly rebuilt to put into a Pontiac when the HOA shut me down! Now I'm where I can work on such things and I'm wondering if these two can be combined. I'd just lose money if I tried to unload the 455 and get something more common. Besides, I like the "unusual". What do you think?
I just got the F1 from someone that pulled it out of a field. The Pontiac was freshly rebuilt to put into a Pontiac when the HOA shut me down! Now I'm where I can work on such things and I'm wondering if these two can be combined. I'd just lose money if I tried to unload the 455 and get something more common. Besides, I like the "unusual". What do you think?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,867
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I can't see why you can't do it. I bought the flat six that's in my F-2 from a guy who installed an Olds in his truck.
As long as you can do your own fab work, or know some one that can and will help it shouldn't be too complicated. I would bet there are adapter kits just for this application or can be made to work.
BTW, welcome to the board. You'll find every kind of truck builder here, from strict stock to total Dark Siders.
As long as you can do your own fab work, or know some one that can and will help it shouldn't be too complicated. I would bet there are adapter kits just for this application or can be made to work.
BTW, welcome to the board. You'll find every kind of truck builder here, from strict stock to total Dark Siders.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
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ive got a 4.6 in mine. I had the motor on a stand next to my pontiac 400 for my T/A, and the 4.6 is wider than that 400 block and theres plenty of room front to back for it so i dont see any reason why it wouldnt fit. just gona have to fab up some motor mounts.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
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From: Rapid City, SoDak
Anything is possible, if you have the time, money, fab skills you could put a rocket engine on it if you wanted to. Unfortunately, taking one of these beautiful Fords and putting a non-Ford engine in is becoming anything but "unusual" anymore... 
Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 247
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From: Granger IA
I have a '59 Pontiac 389 for my 53 f100. While my truck might have a little more space under the hood (?) it might be interesting for you to know that Pontiac blocks from 326ci through 455 ci are the same size, same block casting, just different bores and strokes. So that being said, the pontiac blocks are just slightly larger than the chevrolet 350 block is.
roughly small block chevy L27" H27" W22"
Pontiac L29" H31" W27"
later year 455's had a slightly diff casting, that was a little bit bigger.
Big block chev is a few inches bigger on all the above diamentions but not much larger.
If you let these guys talk you out of that 455, I know someone that would take it off your hands!! *me*
In all seriousness the Pontiac engines are great torque monsters and with the renewed interest in the Pontiac aftermarket recently, its easier than ever to get serious power out of them.
roughly small block chevy L27" H27" W22"
Pontiac L29" H31" W27"
later year 455's had a slightly diff casting, that was a little bit bigger.
Big block chev is a few inches bigger on all the above diamentions but not much larger.
If you let these guys talk you out of that 455, I know someone that would take it off your hands!! *me*
In all seriousness the Pontiac engines are great torque monsters and with the renewed interest in the Pontiac aftermarket recently, its easier than ever to get serious power out of them.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
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Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. I'd like to use the 455. I suppose the rearend couldn't handle it, so that's another change. dlb
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
If you still have the stock diff, it's a Dana 41/44 which is plenty tough. The biggest thing that could be an issue is the gear ratio will be a 3.92 or 4.11:1, which will have that big ol' 455 lump twisting pretty high on the freeway.
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How to Paint
The truck was pulled from a field. It used to be a service station truck and has a faded and paint-sanded finish. You can see the "Mobil" insignias on the doors and tailgate. It has old moss growth hardened on the hood.
I know I need to repair the rusted out areas, but I'd like to keep the cool "patina" (albeit a bit extreme). Would it be possible to just seal the whole exterior in a clear sealer?
I know I need to repair the rusted out areas, but I'd like to keep the cool "patina" (albeit a bit extreme). Would it be possible to just seal the whole exterior in a clear sealer?
