Anyone have experience installing a side oiler 427 and Tremec 5 speed in a 57 bird? Got all the parts just need some encouraging words.
Quote from: lotsafords on 2010-06-17 17:09
Anyone have experience installing a side oiler 427 and Tremec 5 speed in a 57 bird? Got all the parts just need some encouraging words.
This is going to require extensive mods to the frame, front suspension and inner fender wells, not to mention a manual trans. A friend mounting a Rousch 351/C6 had to go this route and that's a much smaller and more conventional setup.
Problem is the Y-block mounts with the front cover engine mount, the FE has side mounts. Going into a 57 Ford not a problem, into the Bird......just a matter of how much time and money because it will fit. Randy (RCLpartsman) has a Bird with a FE in it and it is real tight but it is in there!
I've seen Buicks, Cads and Chryslers in them. always custom headers of
course. The FE will be nice.
I have a friend who put a 427 side oiler in his 57 Bird. A lot of work but he kept stock suspension and inner aprons. He had a Griffith alum rad buit and can only use elec fan. I will get some pics and details and send to you. Clutch linkage was a big problem but is workable. He did not use 5 speed.
Bill
Really appreciate your help. Anything you think might be helpful will be appreciated.
Jack
It should be an easy swap. I've seen it before, Eastwoods catalog had a picture of a FE in a bird in one of the detailing sections.
I have a 460 with C6 in mine with headers from a Ford truck and a cavlier rack. Fits nice. The trans tunnel is enlarged and the x member is trimed for dual exhaust.
I am actually planning to put a F-code Supercharged Y-block with a 5spd in it eventually. I have everything correct to do it. I want to race it in some Y-Block shootouts, even though it sure runs good with the big block.