Help Please! Engine and trans question
 

I just purchased a 1956 Ford F100 with a y block motor. and 4 speed transmission. I would like to swap out the y block for something with a little bit more power. I am thinking of a 302 and rebuilding it. However i want to use the tranny that came with the truck. Is this possible? what would i need to get to do this? and where would i get it? thank you

Build the Y block

I just don't want to put a lot of money into the y block for minimal power. I'm looking for around 300 hp.

No modern engine will bolt up to your '56 T98 4 speed. Only a Y block, 223 type six and possibly a flathead.

Do you think I can get some decent power out of that combo or should I look for a 302 engine and trans?

Anyone can have a 302 but having a hot y block is way cooler and its close to the same money

Any idea what a rebuild with that much performance would cost

a lot! but you just wanted 300

Yea but at that point if think it'd be better to find a new motor/ trans. I've seen they sell adapters for engines to trans. That's not available for that trans?

I'm a y block guy so everything I say will be in favor of the y block and can be built to run fairly nice at a reasonable price

I can respect that, the truck I bought the y block is not running right now and doesn't turn by hand. It's a restoration project. But I own a body shop I'm not as knowledgeable about the mechanical side. I'm just looking for an idea of decent power for a decent price .

I'll say it straight. Its a shame to modify a stock truck as I'd say "cootie bob" a truck But its your truck to do as you please. I really feel there is a following with the Y block with the introduction of aluminum heads etc. A lot has to be changed to do an engine swap to something other than a Y block and its a snow ball effect and that's money you could have spent on y block performance parts

IMO, that stock transmission in your truck would not be a desirable transmission with a performance engine. True, you could not tear it up unless you abused it badly but ratios are not ideal for a performance vehicle. It is a heavy duty truck transmission.

Ok I am glad I'm getting your opinions. From what I've read and you guys have said I'm leaning heavy on the y block rebuild . What was the base horsepower in that y block? I know I can add some performance to this motor . I'm not looking to race it either I guess 300 ho was overboard .

it was 167 in 56 f100 but 57 cars with a 312 single 4v were 225 so you put a set of ram horns or headers and a mild cam and a ignition upgrade, no reason not to be 250-275 HP