4.6 installed into a '56 Ford

[RICH MUISE]

By any chance does anyone here have any specifics as to why a 4.6 modular will not fit into a '56 Ford Fairlane without a Fatman or similar clip. I've got some friends that want to do the swap, and I'm telling them it won't work without major frame/suspension alterations. I'd like to give them specifics if I can.

[JPotter57]

I don't know that it won't.   I've seen a 4.6 two cammer in one at Cruisin the Coast, and a friend of mine and dad's has just put one in a 56 Crown Vic.  Dad has put a 4 cammer in a 55 or 56 Lincoln.  Check with him, he might know...

[RICH MUISE]

Just saw your response, James, Thanks. Thor had sent me a link to an article with lots of pics on one guy's installation into a '55 Fairlane with stock suspension. Very tight fit, lots of fabrication of motor mount and tranny mount. A little more clearance cutting on the frame and engine crossmember than I would have liked if it were mine, but all in all, not horible.
The worst part to me seemed to be to move the engine far enough forward to clear the firewall and floorpan, the starter was ending up about 1/2 way through the engine crossmember. They cut a big notch 1/2 way through the crossmember and boxed it in for clearance.

[JPotter57]

That sounds like they tried to install it very low in the chassis, like a scrub motor.  If you set the motor up so that the crank centerline is the same as the stock engine, you shouldn't have to butcher up the crossmember.  I can't see having to cut the member for the starter, crazy.  The starter is higher on the mod motors than it is on the other engine families, so it should clear automatically.