I have a 1950 F1 with a very tired 8 BA flathead and 4-speed. Planning to do an engine (and maybe transmission) swap. Have access to a 240 6, a 300 6, and a 292 V8, all good runners. Each has a 4-speed connected. Which would be the easiest swap and how difficult? Are there any vendors out there with adapter kits?
1950 F1 engine swap
- Thread starter jckid
- Start date
ActionYobbo
Senior Member
The 240/300 are basically the same engine and are too long and the oil pump is at the front where the crossmember is so you have to move the motor 8” through the firewall to get it to clear the crossmember. By comparison a Chevy 350 is almost a drop in fit.
Back in the 90’s I had a 51 F1 project that had no motor or trans when I got it. I had various ford motors but they all required massive amounts of work to fit them. I ended up using a 350 Chevy with a steel bell housing with a toploader and 8.8 rear end. The closest motor in size and shape to a flathead is a sbc. For me it was just engine mounts and a radiator and it was done
Back in the 90’s I had a 51 F1 project that had no motor or trans when I got it. I had various ford motors but they all required massive amounts of work to fit them. I ended up using a 350 Chevy with a steel bell housing with a toploader and 8.8 rear end. The closest motor in size and shape to a flathead is a sbc. For me it was just engine mounts and a radiator and it was done
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1952henry
Well-known member
It is my understanding that you would need a rear sump pan for the 292. You could fab side mounts for use with a car engine, or find the front timing cover and mount from a truck 292, assuming you have a car engine. Rear mount would require some creative construction.
I try not to tell strangers what they should do or not do with their project. I will say none of these choices is a direct plug and play. I don’t know your abilities, I don’t know the current health of these engines, and don’t know your shop facilities.
If you are clever, if the chosen engine is not an oil burning sludge monster, if you have a place for the required surgery, giddy-up. Otherwise, may I suggest you keep an eye open for a decent flathead?
I try not to tell strangers what they should do or not do with their project. I will say none of these choices is a direct plug and play. I don’t know your abilities, I don’t know the current health of these engines, and don’t know your shop facilities.
If you are clever, if the chosen engine is not an oil burning sludge monster, if you have a place for the required surgery, giddy-up. Otherwise, may I suggest you keep an eye open for a decent flathead?
flatford8
Well-known member
Like others have said……if you like the way the truck goes now, even with the tired motor, another 8BA would be the easiest and most cost effective. If you have mechanical ability you can start Friday afternoon and be driving it again on Monday. Good pickups are only going up in value. Keep on the lookout for someone who is building a Hotrod truck and get the flathead they take out. There are good running motors taken out all the time.
Good Luck with your truck……Mark
Good Luck with your truck……Mark