Is it ok to put a SBC in a Ford Shoebox? JOKE!!!! I might have the chance to pick up a 1950 Ford Shoebox project that was started and never finished for next to nothing. There is no engine and or tranny in the car...Is it blasphemy to put a caddy 472 or buick 455 engine in this car (I currently own one of each of those engines). If it isn't blasphemy to put one of those in which would you put in? I love the caddy engine myself but the buick 455 is a lot easier on the pocket book. Also, do any of you know of any sites that deal with nothing but Ford Shoebox cars? I did some looking but could not find any.
I'd put a VW engine in it. Cut out the trunk floor. Put a big box of rocks under the hood. Have a hole in the firewall so you can reach the big box of rocks so you can chunk back at the people throwing rocks at you for putting a VW engine in a shoebox. Seriously might be a little tight in there, steering and all. But I bet it could be done.
I'd say run the 455. I'm glad to hear your not going with the SBC or the SBF. I have a 6 cyl radiator and upper mount that you'll need if yours still has the flathead radiator and mount. Makes the installation look a lot cleaner, PM me if you might be interested in it. Check out Dennis Carpenter for all the exact repop shit you might need. Jamco for some suspension ideas.
The 455 will be an easier install, but the Caddy would still be cool. I have done a few engine swaps in shoeboxes. You will need to use a radiator out of a 6 cylinder car...it has one inlet and one outlet and it sits forward of the core support rather than behind it for more front clearance. You will also need the front splash pan from a 6 cylinder car.
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