Hi, I'm gettin ready to start a new project which is a 31 5w ford. I want to stick with a ford v8 on power. Locally a guy has a Big block 390 that is priced right. Question is will it fit ? with a hood. I know everyone might think "truck motor" but it's in my budget "budget" or should I go with the 351w or other. & bolt a 4 speed tranny for gears. I see more chevies in these cars and it's time for all ford. Any comments would be very helpful...thanks in advance...
If a BBC can BARELY fit in an 'A' I could imagine that an FE could. as for the powerplant that depends on lots of criteria. do you or dont you have a tranny? Cost? etc, etc. If I had an endless budget: I'd go with a Windsor based block and go 427 small block with Roush Injection and a custom 6 speed richmond. But if the price is right. what can you do. Mike
I saw a 427 Ford in an "A" once. Tight fit, but he had a hood on it. A guy I knew had a 351W in his with an auto trans, worked really well. Never seen a 390 in one, should work well in the light car.
I don't have a tranny for the FE block but they look affordable One shop has a a 390 with a c5 auto for $ 950. They pulled from truck, it looks real good. I'm lookin to find a 4sp top loader. Then box/cross member the frame for strength because that motor will have lots of torque. down the line I post up some pics...
The 390 is a strong motor and would make a good choice but you going to have to get out the tape measure to check fit. $950 sounds kinda high thou.
The Jalopy Journal
