I'm rebuilding a 53 Ford convertible, and am going to swap in a Ford or Chevy small-block with an automatic trans. My question is will an auto trans fit? The convertible frame has a large x-member, unlike the other models of that year which use a k-member (like a 32 Ford, Henry's ideas lasted a long time). So will something like a turbo 350 trans fit in the convertible frame? I have just sandblasted the frame, and will likely use Jamco suspension parts. Want to keep the frame as stock as possible. Anybody made this swap on a 52-54 Ford convertible?
Here's what the 53 convert looked like when it was originally built as a custom car in the early 60's. It ran a 283 Chevy and a four speed, but I want to go to an automatic. Anyone put a small-block/automatic combo in a converible?
Your best bet would be a 200R4 if you are running a Chevy,due to the pan configuration it is narrower than a 350 and a plus is it is an overdrive,if you go Ford the C-4 is going to give the most clearance.The overall length of a 200R4 is 27 7/8" from bellhousing flange to tail you might want to compare that to the four speed and bellhousings overall length.
Thanks JeffB2, I appreciate the info. Anybody else tried a V8 automatic trans swap in the 52-54 Ford convertible?
They came with automatic transmissions, so I would imagine there's lots of room. I putting a 351W with auto in my '51. I've yet to see how it fits.
have a 54 ford w/200r4 trans and 355 ci sbc had to cut and raise floor app 1 in for clearance user lokar shifter work great . talker
thanks for the input, guys. The convertible frame has an x-member, and looks like it has more interference issues with transmissions than the other models of 53 Fords, all of which have a k-member, and a wider space for the automatic trans to fit into. Guess I will have to get a block and trans and see how it looks in the frame. Will post the results, and takes some pictures.
I am by no means advocating a SBC in it, but doesn't Fatman or somebody make the mounts and rear crossmember??? I thought I saw something like that when I was considering a sbf in my 53. If you wanna put a y-block in it, I can point you in the right direction...
Brockman (mufflers) have kits to put either engine in a 52/53. I don't know what kind of problems there is with the auto. The C4 is pretty small, should be no bigger that the Fordomatic behind the flathead.
I swapped a 429 Caddie with a turbo 400 into a 53 Ford Convertible years ago, don't recall any big issues with the K member.
Guys I need to find someone who has done this swap. I've seen pictures of several. Putting a Ford 4.6 2V Modular V8 in a 1954 Ford Car or a 53,55 CAr. Please help me I need some insite from someone wiht first hand knowledge. [email protected] or call me at 325-668-1015 if you know someone or if you are the guy who has done it. Thanks I really need your help in finding someone. Ron
That 4.6 is gonna be a tight fit in the '54. You won't be able to do it without a frame stub conversion. The 4.6 is real wide and interferes with the stock upper control arms and spring pockets. I have a '54 Ford 2 door and was going to use a 4.6 mod motor. I took some measurements and found out that it wouldn't fit without a frame stub swap. Didn't want to cut up the frame or do that much fabbing, so switched to a 351W with an OD trans.
I'm back on this project now. Throwing this thread back out there to see if there are any more ideas around the engine swap.
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