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Hey All! I normally hang it in the '73-'79 forums because of my '75 Dentside. However, a good friend of mine has purchased a 51 F1 which just happens to be the same truck my Father had when I was just knee high. He has decided to let me weigh in on the build to make it a "family" thing. (We are pretty much brothers at this pint and he knew my Dad well.)
All that to ask, if you were building an F1 what motor would you want in it? The project comes with a big block chevy that we will be selling Current considerations include the Coyote and the Cummins 4bt. I'm just looking for ideas and opinions here, to get the brainstorm started.
And yes, I realize that opinions have been compared to a certain piece of human anatomy
Oh yeah and here is the 7.3 diesel that was originally destined for a 60's era f650. Sadly enough, it may no longer be a viable option, as the pic shows...
What kind of truck is the owner after...driver, show?
Kirk is correct, flatties are the best. Can't beat the sound and the delight when looking under the hood. Other engine choices are made for a variety of reasons. But still.....
Do you want to create a multitude of modifications ? Then transplant a C^@*& , SBF ,SBC or BBFE engine in it . "Art " has a 428 that created so many other mods during install . The "Firstride " has the 239 8rt truck engine that was plug & play . Actually the "Firstride "(5 yr. build )was built during the build of "Art" a decades long build . Nothing wrong w/ the flattie . In almost 3 yrs. of shows the flattie is much more appreciated .
Hey Sly,
Welcome aboard! It looks like you have some chassis & truck building to do before
engine choices need to be made. Anything from the 289/302/351W Windsor family of engines
will fit nicely in your truck. Coyotes are expensive & require a ton of work... not sure if I've seen more than 2
done successfully on here. The diesel weighs a lot more than a standard gas engine & they are Loong.
With the Coyote & diesel engines you are definitely in a small group - certainly not your standard build.
We have a 351W in our truck with an Edelbrock Top End kit - personally I'd go with a nice 302 with a C4
or an AODE...nice cruiser.
It really depends upon what your friend wants to do with the truck and what skills an money are available for the project. If he wants a driver then you would do better to find a flathead V8 or the more modern engines that Ben suggested. The Coyote or the Cummins are going to require significant changes to the chassis to make the work in harmony with the rest of the truck. The Coyote would make it faster and the Cummins would make it a "puller". Neither as drivable around town as the engines previously mentioned. You can search through the thousands of pictures on this forum and get some ideas. There lots of outstanding trucks from pure stock to restorods to darksiders.
Her is my work in progress to get you started. I used the OE stock Ford Flathead V8 but installed a Ford 4R70W Automatic (includes overdrive).
Mine both have Chevy engines and they fit excellent. If I insisted on Ford I would put a fuel injected 5.0 5 speed in out of a fox body mustang. These trucks are so light they really dont need much power to fly, 250HP would be plenty good enough.
Thanks guys for the input. I have most certainly been searching through the pages here as I love this forum on any given evening. But all the more when I have some research to accomplish!
The flatties are amazing, I am sure. I'd be down for an all original. My '75 dentside has the Big Six in it and man, I love that thing. I see the same kind of nostalgia when you all talk about the flat head motors. Having said that, my buddy describes this build as "rowdy" The Coyote is still in consideration. Many thanks to those offering feedback about how much work it is to get that (or the diesel) actually installed; my friend is pretty talented and I have no doubt that we can make it happen. Also considering the Cummins R2.8 (not the Rbt as I previously mentioned) or the less sexy (but still powerful) 4.6L V8.
Pete, your build looks delicious. It's making me drool over here.
Once again, I will continue to surf the forum as decisions are made. And as always, great chatting with you all. It's gonna be a great build no matter what!
How about a 487 inch early hemi with a 7/8 stroker,030 over,14 to 1 comp. 871 littlefield,40% over twin 5 inch shotgun injector,ran in nostalgia dragster in the northwest years ago. 1300 hp and 1800 lbs of torque. Make ya a deal.
How about a 487 inch early hemi with a 7/8 stroker,030 over,14 to 1 comp. 871 littlefield,40% over twin 5 inch shotgun injector,ran in nostalgia dragster in the northwest years ago. 1300 hp and 1800 lbs of torque. Make ya a deal.
Fasttalker?
You our know the rule here. "Without pictures it doesn't exist".
No pics,I don’t have a camera but no worries, I’ve got a guy from Seattle area coming by today who’s seen it once already and is ready to buy. Going into a 66 Belvedere he sez.
Let's be realistic. A Coyote? A Cumins? What about a Pratt and Whitney R2800 Double Wasp? That's Rowdy. The Transmission adapter will be a chore though.
The following engines will fit these trucks F1s with no modification. ( not counting original equipment like flathead V8s six and the 52 215 OHV six......same as 223 to 64.
1. Small block Chevrolet....you can even find early Ford Mounts that mount to the original location. Ram horns will clear the steering. Can be adapted to the original transmission. Can be adapted to use the original clutch linkage with a 5 speed or later Ford manual 3-4 speed or Ford 3 speed OD transmission. The Ford manual means no modification to the transmission crossmember.
2. Small block Ford 65 up 289-302 and 69 up 351W. Mounts will have to be made to fit the flathead frame mount or use a after market cross member. A 289-351 C 4 combo will fit with out modification to the existing frame. A Transmission mount can be easily adapted to the transmission cross member.The 289-351 C4 combo is the easiest to do. It will require low profile valve covers, some tweaking on exhaust header or manifold to clear the steering gear.
3.331-390 Caddilac this engine can fit almost like a flathead. It can be adapted to the original 3 speed. Adapters are available for a host of transmissions. Mounts are available to mount to the original flathead frame mounts or they could be easily made.
4. 303-394 Oldsmobile Where the Caddilac goes so does this one. These have factory tri power in the J2s.
5. Early Hemi 392....Any engine put in a Early Ford Hot Rod will fit in a F1.
6. Buick Nail head....see note 5 fits or adapted to Early Fords will fit F 1.
7. Ford Y block.....has been done clutch will have to be fabricated....not a big choice of auto transmissions.
8. FE Ford Big Block. Again this has been done but exhaust clearance will be a challenge aftermarket mounts are available. These fit much better in a 53 up F100.
9. 240-300 six where the 302 goes so does this one and a C4 fits. Radiator may have to be moved up for mechanical fan.
10. 385 series.... Modifieds....Cleavlands......If you can stuff a FE in a stock F 1 these will fit too.
11. Small block dodge....but why?
12. Big Block Dodge....Ok more like it see note 10.
Best fit.......the Early 331 Caddillac to 1955.
Best most trouble free fit.........
289-351 W with a C 4.
My vote Small block Ford C4. This will fit in an F 1 with no modification other than motor and transmission mounts modified to fit the original frame. Of course drive shaft work will need to be done but that is true with about any combo.
Diesels......
Modulars......
these require special fuel or electronics....
the Modulars are simply too wide for stock steering and they will require different front suspension. I assume late Model diesels would be the same.
Again small block Ford C4 carbureted would be the easiest choice. These engines can be souped up for impressive power.
03-21-2018, 06:31 AM
Current considerations include the Coyote and the Cummins 4bt. I'm just looking for ideas and opinions here, to get the brainstorm started.
