Big block clearances on 39 ford

[palepainter]

Before I committ to a drive train for the project I have in front of me, I was hoping to get some information with anyone working with this frame and a ford big block. I am considering the 5.0 and a 429 that I have available to me. The 429 is out of a 73 and has the dipstick in the front. I am worried about clearances for steering linkage with mustang rack. Has any one made this transplant? The late model 5.o is such a friggen plumbing nightmare. I feel the 429 is more appropriate for the car but conerned about clearances. Thanks for any advice.

Mike

[AnimalAin]

I've had a 390, a 302, and currently have a 351W in my '40 coupe. In any case, you will need a rear-sump pan. The late 5.0 probably has one stock. The bigger motor makes a difference, but be prepared to take a significant chunk out of the firewall. Neither of your choices are that hard, but both will take some work to get fitted to this car.

[jerry]

hang it where it will go off an engine hoist and check how it fits.

eaqsy way to fab up motor mounts, check for clearances, etc.


jerry

[born2late]

I put a 289 in my 39. Had to cut the firewall back about 4 inches. Steering linkage was a bitch because I went through the firewall fairly high to get good alignment to where I like to sit. Pedals for the stick trans were fun to. Block hugger headers were a must. 460 would probably need fenderwell headers. Dual sump Mustang oil pan fit nice with a Mustang II crossmember setup. Looks like I will have good rad clearance with an electric puller fan. Bellhousing to trans tunnel is tight but thats the way I wanted it for more interior room. Good luck.

[palepainter]

Thanks guys,
I appreciate the insight with your own decisions. I am going to go with the auto tranny. Hopefully that will help with the pedal issues. My biggest concern was with the header and steering linkage. But it sounds as if I should be able to get around it. I am prepared to hack. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Mike

[enjenjo]

If you use an auto trans, you have to do serious cutting on the X member, and the floor You can get a rear sump pan and pickup out of a E350 Econoline with a 460

[38Chevy454]

Well, mine isn't a Ford, and it has a BBC instead of a BBF. That said, in my 38 Chevy I made it all fit with stock firewall. All new crossmembers for Must II suspension, engine mounts and trans crossmember, gutted it down to the bare frame rails and then built up from there. Moved the radiator forward about 3-4 inches, used block hugger headers (Hooker brand), my steering has three U-joints to clear the engine, brake pedal arm is cut shorter to clear the engine (under floor master cyl), and <font color="red"> EVERYWHERE </font> is about 1/4 inch clearance, or less.

You have to just put the engine in and see if the BBF will fit, you will need a rear sump pan. Auto trans is much easier to hook up.

[palepainter]

[ QUOTE ]
If you use an auto trans, you have to do serious cutting on the X member, and the floor You can get a rear sump pan and pickup out of a E350 Econoline with a 460

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I figured the crossmember was history. I will be building a new tubular replacement. Thanks for the tip on the sump and pickup.. There should be a lot of those around.

Appreciate all of your help.

Mike
www.mikelearn.com (http://www.mikelearn.com)