1957 351 with OD transmission

[Soliver06]

Has anyone put a 351w with a overdrive Trans ina57 third ? If so could advise of what modification you had to make. And how you liked the performance?

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[zeroroadkill]

Resto-mod? Are you planning on suspension upgrades? Sounds like a big project.

 

[Soliver06]

Resto-mod? Are you planning on suspension upgrades? Sounds like a big project.

Yes . Rack an pinion new springs shocks swaybar all new

 

[Soliver06]

Yes rackand pinion new spring shocks swaybar all new

 

[Ward 57]

Yes rackand pinion new spring shocks swaybar all new

Hope you get as much enjoyment out of it to what you can afford. As Zero stated, a BIG job.

 

[zeroroadkill]

Frankly owning an original classic is my bag. I’ve had others like my highly modified chopped ’37 Ford Tudor Humpback, but to tell the truth I love driving and working on this classic original. I get great pleasure in trying to keep her in original stock condition with as few modifications as possible. Wish I had PS & PB but she’s fun even if I have pump iron to stop, steer and park her ?

 

[Ward 57]

Frankly owning an original classic is my bag. I’ve had others like my highly modified chopped ’37 Ford Tudor Humpback, but to tell the truth I love driving and working on this classic original. I get great pleasure in trying to keep her in original stock condition with as few modifications as possible. Wish I had PS & PB but she’s fun even if I have pump iron to stop, steer and park her ?

Yes, no P/S No P/B but it's still drivable just a little more raw, But it keeps you in shape and YES they are fun to drive. I keep my very early '57 as close to original as possible. Just Found an original jack to finish up my trunk. The matting is beyond getting perfectly clean but it's a driver almost 100% to original.

 

[Soliver06]

Completely restored a 57 bird 35 years ago. I enjoyed it for many years before I let someone else enjoy it. I have gone the street rod route with a 28 model a with the 351w and enjoyed it. The reason I am going this route with the bird this time is my wife and I are retired and are planning on seeing a lot of this beautiful country in a beautiful car

 

[George Ford]

I built a new crossmember for the engine mounts. Your biggest clearance issue is on top especially toward the front. use a low manifold mine is edlebrock rpm w/750 carb. too tight 15 plus years lots of miles &smiles aod trans w/373 rear gears It is a hoot to drive 351 w w/ stroker 393 ci DO IT

 

[Soliver06]

I am putting a rack and pinion steering do you think I can lower the engine enough to get clearance up top ?

 

[Soliver06]

I built a new crossmember for the engine mounts. Your biggest clearance issue is on top especially toward the front. use a low manifold mine is edlebrock rpm w/750 carb. too tight 15 plus years lots of miles &smiles aod trans w/373 rear gears It is a hoot to drive 351 w w/ stroker 393 ci DO IT

Glad you have enjoyed it. I am leaving tomorrow to Alaska and will be gone to the end of month.I would love to talk to you about the engine swap. I am new to the forum and are no familiar with rules on here.

 

[George Ford]

Glad you have enjoyed it. I am leaving tomorrow to Alaska and will be gone to the end of month.I would love to talk to you about the engine swap. I am new to the forum and are no familiar with rules on here.

Your trans tail shaft passes through the x frame that will lock in your height I raised the body 5/16" to clear my oversize dui dist and carb on med rise manf. If you use small dist and low rise manf. you should be ok w/o lifting body. Happy to help

 

[Soliver06]

Your trans tail shaft passes through the x frame that will lock in your height I raised the body 5/16" to clear my oversize dui dist and carb on med rise manf. If you use small dist and low rise manf. you should be ok w/o lifting body. Happy to help
View attachment 28503

What did you do about power brake booster

 

[George Ford]

no power brakes or steering you could probably use a hydroboost that is powered by the power steering pump. The clearances up front are hampered by the suspension T bird radiators are junk mine is alum. crossflow triple pass unit that works great and was very reasonably priced.