58 Ford Fairlane engine upgrade suggestions
 

hello- I have a 58 ford fairlane 500 with a 332 and fordomatic transmission. It overheats and I am done trying to fix it. I would like to upgrade to a 302 with a C4 maybe. Any suggestions on What engine with transmission combo will require the least modifications to swap? It will be a cruiser so not looking for high performance. Good drive ability and gas mileage. Thanks all! Joel

Murtsrods
 

Replace engine and trans with 302 and aod , good reliability and gas milage. Forget c4.just junk and hard to find.

While the SBF will work ok and putting one together for a MGB swap right now, the 58 is a heavy car so a little more torque wouldn't hurt. Might consider a 351w with C6 or AOD too. I am installing a 351c with T85 OD in a 57 Ford, but most Clevelands need rebuilding and there are lots of running 351w motors around in Ford pickups and vans. Later ones are roller cam motors too. Depending on condition of donor motor, probably similar cost and similar installation/swap hurdles. 390 fits right in of course and will bolt up to tranny also, no wiring changes necessary, another step up in torque. Can bolt the PS pump on another 390 FE motor too, where with any newer motors there may be some complications to overcome if PS equipped. Doable but will lengthen swap time.