Projects 33 ford firewall question

Does the firewall need to be recessed to fit a sbc/tremec? I have an option to buy a OEM firewall for $500. But if I have to recess I feel like a aftermarket that has already been recessed is a better buy. My 33 will be channeled.

 

My 33 has a stock firewall with a small recess to clear the distributor. Very tight, but without the distributor recess it wouldn't have fit.

 

If you use a pre-1969 water pump & associated pulleys, along with a small diameter distributor (like the pre-electronic ignition version), no firewall mod will be needed. But, now you’re faced with mounting the alternator/generator, which may not be a concern for you (no hood, no fenders, no problem).

 

The small Mallory will just barely clear the original gas pedal linkage horizontal shaft(if that is what you will use).

 

A recessed stock firewall looks much better than an aftermarket firewall.

Either way, mock up the engine with everything in place; distributor, water pump, pulleys, fan, fuel pump, etc. so there are no surprises later.

Here's a pic of a small recess I did on a '33 firewall to fit an unmentionable engine along with a pic of my kid's channeled '34 a pretty much stock firewall.

 

Thank you fellas. I’m using the hood no fenders. Is $500 good for a OEM firewall? I’m also looking for the outer side cowl sections.

 

Around here you should be able to buy a whole cowl for $500. Maybe in AZ prices are higher. I'd still rather have an original firewall with the least amount of cutting than a modern one.

 

grab a '35-'36 truck firewall...
same size as a model 40 but has about 4" more engine bay...
it retains the stock looking reveals / beadwork...
a '37-'39 truck firewall is the same size but has a very handy battery box built in... pic...
i like to leave 1" of the truck cowl in case i need a chunk of the factory looking fold over....

 

Wow I didn’t know those could work. Is there any modifications that would need to be made? Or figment issue?

 

let your tape measure tell the story, memory says it is real close...

 

Maybe without the belt driven fan? I couldn't have done it without the distributor recess, and I'm using an old point small diameter distributor.

 

My brother & I used a 1961 283 Chevy in his 1933 sedan, adapted to the original trans. We didn’t touch the firewall. We may have gotten creative with the fan, but I just don’t remember. We did the swap in 1979. I do remember that the fit was tight.