KCBird
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- Last seen
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2023
- Thunderbird Year
- 1957
Got a 390FE HP and a C6 to put in a 57 Bird. Anyone know of any tips for me? Thanks!
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I've got both engines, and from what I remember about the specs, the 390 is only about 50 lbs more than the 292. so weight shouldn't be an issue, I think I gain that much on steak and beer night.. And I'll bet you could drop that 50 lbs with an aluminum intake if you caredYou will need to modify the engine compartment also the transmission tunnel. The 390 weighs more than the 312 motor you will need to add heavier Springs and shocks.... You have your work cut out....
I've done many engine type swaps and as long as there is physical room for the new engine, modifications are pretty easy to do.Wouldn't it be easier and less expensive to buy a retro kit car? New frame and aftermarket body would make it easier and less destructive than trying to shoehorn something in an already tight substructure. You already have the engine and trans you want. I guess I watch too much Motortrend on TV.
A friend had a '57 with a 406 many years ago. I have seen various engine swaps at conventions. People do it. It seems that the major issue is clearing the steering box. r&p steering swap could solve that. Weight is not that different for the two engine families. I would guess you know that motor mounts for Fe series change in 1965. if you start looking through the web you may find some answers. I am not sure if anyone still makes off-the-shelf motor mounts. Good luck to you it sounds like fun to me.Got a 390FE HP and a C6 to put in a 57 Bird. Anyone know of any tips for me? Thanks!
I plan on utilizing the front mount and fabricating brackets for the side mounts. If I need to I will modify the stock P/S to get the gear out of the way. Maybe rack and pinion. Got a pretty good Bird that had been stored in a barn for a long time. No engine, trans, radiator, master cylinder/booster. A little rust in the floor pans but will be welding in repair sections soon. Will add front discs with updated dual reservoir master cylinder and booster. Thanks for the reply.How did you know Ward, Carroll Shelby was my boyhood hero, (still is).
As for the motor mount change mentioned by jack-in-sac they didn't really "change" , two more mounting holes were added to the pattern. That happened in 1964.
Don't forget that all F/E series engines can also use a front mount, commonly used in heavier trucks. Easily adaptable to almost anything.