Projects 53 Ford Sunliner 351W install

Hello,I've been working on getting my motor in this 53'. My set up is a t5 trans out of a 2000 Mustang, a 351W out of a Crown Vic. I have bolted the two together for setting everything up. I bought the motor mounts and trans mount from Butches cool stuff. The set up works really well. I bought a new oil pan from a 250 econoline. Well I have the motor in and its sitting just how I want it. I've got four degree rake on the motor and rear end so they are parallel. I bought a set of 88400 headman header as suggested with other posts I've read on the web. I know they will work with a 302 but there is no way they are going to work with my setup, deck height being taller and overall width being wider. Passanger side is good drivers side hits the steering box. Has any one done this set up? Any suggestions on headers or manifolds?

 

Very traditional. Jk. Looks good. I have no experience to add.

 

Could you raise the motor up a little?

 

I'd look at a set of block huggers for a 302. Sanderson make a few flavors of those too...

Something like these, although you'll want detailed measurements before buying...

https://www.jegs.com/i/Speedmaster/...st&gclid=COOCxpjL4OICFRqjZQodI5sCiQ&gclsrc=ds

 

Thanks Steve,
I ended up ordering some similar ones from Summit Racing. Hope these will work.
https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/sum-g9063

 

Casey there isn't much traditional about this car in the sense of it ever being stock. It was quite customized in the early 60's and ran a 283 chev engine back then. I am however keeping it all ford on this rebuild.
Shane

 

I wasn't being a jack wagon, there's a few guys that get pretty crazy about traditional around here.

 

Casey, No worries. Glad you took the time to read the post. Probably be some hairs on end when I roll it out of the shop with Mustang rims on it though! LOL

 

Same DeSoto grille I had in my light blue '53 Vic. I tried a 302 in mine, but my shop had me too busy to find a rear sump pan!
Ended up trading the car off, only 72K on the odo. No rust ever, no window leaks, nice car...I lowered it severely.

 

That won't go over very well...

 

Not quiet the same (351W/AOD in 54 Merc ) I couldn't find an exhaust manifold for the drivers side. Called Summit and the tech guy suggested the headers for a Maverick (I think) with a 351W....got them the next day and they fit perfectly. I know the frames are different, but it might work.

 

Looking good, Shane! You are making great progress.

 

Mike here is the original grill. I am however going to drive the hell out of this with the DeSoto grill for the time being.

 

Steve it is coming along!

 

So I have done a bit of work. Notch is all welded in and painted, oil filter works, cut out the tunnel/shifter to fit the trans( have a bit more work there). The new headers came in today so installed the starter and mocked up the headers. I am quite happy so far...I think its doable. Also I did the rear disc brake conversion a couple weeks ago, that worked out well until I tried to put on the 14" rims that came with the car (it doesn't work). So yes those are Mustang rims! They work and came off the donar = free! I'm liking the stance of the car.

 

So what header did you end up with ? Here was another option in a '53 notice the tube location as compared to the Hedman. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/another-sbf-header-for-53-woohoo.1058469/

 

For some reason it wont let me view the page. I used Summit Racing Block Huggers Part # SUM-G9063. I don't think these would work with a 302 set up though. They would hit the starter and the motor mounts I believe.

 

Talked to Shane last night and he is making real progress on his Dad's old custom. Look forward to seeing it on the road soon.

 

Looking for a picture or two of the front sway bar installed on a 53 ford Sunliner/Crestline I may have the parts not sure though also has anyone done the 66 mustang fuel tank install would appreciate some input or a couple pics of the install. Done a bunch more work on my 53', drive shaft installed, brake lines and power brakes done, stripped down the steering column from auto to manual, the front brakes on and went over the rest of the steering. Been tough with the family camping and getting the Jeep fixed up for hunting season.

 

Lookin good. I wanna put a T5 in my 51 Mercury to replace the Merc-o-matic.

 

Good work, Shane! We are coming up your way soon to check out the progress.

 

Went to visit Shane recently and have a look at the convertible. He is making great progress, and doing a some good work on this project. It will be up and running soon, for the first time since the early 70's!

 

Steve was good seeing you again. Thanks for stopping by! I have done some more work on this project... I built and installed the trans tunnel (that's a first for me!!) Installed a new fuel tank and the new pedals are in, front seats are mocked up and in. Been loving it!! Waiting for my motor parts hope they show up this weekend. I cant wait till this thing moves under it own power!!

 

Well this was on my door when I got home yesterday!! Time to pull it apart!

 

Shane - great work on the trans tunnel and gas tank install! The convertible is coming along nicely, look forward to seeing it on the road.

 

Been working away on this for most of the winter. Emergency brake is all set up and floor was gravel guarded and painted. Its coming along. On to the inner fender wells. The fire wall was pretty rough filled in all the holes I wasn't going to use and smoothed it the best I could. I'm no body man but it came out alright.

 

A little work on the motor! and a re-paint. Wasn't happy with first go round. Sh$t happens!!

 

For someone not good at body work you did real good on that firewall. Continue to take your time and ask questions, get guidance and you will have a beautiful car.

 

Engine looks great.

 

I am glad your headers fit. I have used the weld up header kit from Speedway several times to put small block fords in different things . Have even made them into fenderwell headers with a few extra bends.
Nice work on the car. I have a soft spot for 53-54 Ford's .
You might want to rethink that shift knob after you park it outside in the summer sun. Or wear a glove. Those sockets will get real hot real quick.