 55nomad
Member #742 "17th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 286
Loc: Spring, Tx
Reg: 12-27-02
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02-10-18 10:39 AM - Post#2723958
Has anyone attempted to put a 348 or 409 motor in a 55 Nomad. I like the look of the motor, will it fit without major modifications. I have a 57 283 in it now and thats the only non 55 component. I'd like to keep it original looking but don't mind the look of an original 348/409. Thoughts?
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raycow
DECEASED
Posts: 27999
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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02-11-18 09:03 AM - Post#2724036
In response to 55nomad
I did a 348 swap into a 55 a very long time ago. It was definitely not a drop-in. I had to move the engine forward to avoid hitting the firewall. This meant I lost the stock bellhousing mounts, so I used a Hurst saddle mount at the front and added a crossmember for the trans. Because of moving the engine forward, I also needed a longer driveshaft and had to cobble the clutch linkage. In addition, I had oil pan-to-center link and exhaust-to-steering box interference. The radiator just barely cleared in the 6 cyl position.
This was long before BB swap kits were available, and those might address some of the clearance issues I ran into, but of course they wouldn't help any with the 348 exhaust.
If you feel up to dealing with the clearance challenges, I would still recommend doing this swap just so you can have an engine with more eye-grabbing appeal than a belly button SB.
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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62BillT
"18th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5826
Loc: Moneta, VA
Reg: 09-24-01
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02-12-18 07:17 AM - Post#2724144
In response to raycow
Someone dropped in a 396 in my '56 Nomad before I bought it. They hammered in the Firewall some to make it fit. When I bought it, I went back to a Small Block. Although they make kits now (for BB's anyway, not sure about W's), I would still keep it SB, in my opnion anyway.
Member:
-National Impala Association
-Vintage Chevrolet Club of America
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55nomad
Member #742 "17th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 286
Loc: Spring, Tx
Reg: 12-27-02
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02-12-18 09:59 AM - Post#2724154
In response to raycow
Thanks for the insights Ray. I sure like the way the 348's look. By the way, I think we meet once and I've seen your car, 55 with a Waldorf conversion.... sweet. I lived in Danville, CA for 20+ years and spent a lot of time at the local SF Bay car shows & Pleasanton GG shows.
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wagonman100
Super Senior Member
Posts: 14349
Loc: Baltimore, MD
Reg: 11-27-04
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02-12-18 07:57 PM - Post#2724208
In response to 55nomad
That's an uncommon swap, but I would go for it. There are tri-fives out there with W motors in them. Locally there's a '57 with one in it, but I don't know the specifics of the swap. So there should be a fair amount of info on the swap out there.
Jay
Friends don’t let friends drive Fords.
1999 Silverado Z71 4X4 extra-cab short bed
1983 Malibu Fauxmad - tubbed
1978 El Camino Kustomized
1972 Monte Carlo
1957 210 handyman wagon
1957 Nomad sport wagon
1957 Cameo Carrier |
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raycow
DECEASED
Posts: 27999
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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02-12-18 10:32 PM - Post#2724221
In response to 55nomad
Sorry, that's not my 55, but I think I know the one you mean. My current project is a 60, and of course it has a 348.
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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 WagonMan 
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1649
Age: 72
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
Reg: 10-26-04
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02-13-18 08:02 PM - Post#2724319
In response to raycow
I did this with a 348 some 45 years ago and Ray is spot on. I think I still had to dimple the firewall a bit on the passenger side. I made all my mounting plates and had a 3 speed /overdrive behind it. I got mid 20's for gas mileage when I could keep my foot out of the gas and power to spare. The WOW factor when you pop the hood is totally worth it.
Charles
57 210 4dr. Wagon(bought '82)
-350/700r4 Mild Custom
56 BA 4dr. ht.(bought '98)
-265/TH350 Mostly Stock
29 Ford Sedan(bought '75)
-4.3L/TH350(in progress)
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Lee T
Contributor
Posts: 179
Reg: 07-05-12
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02-15-18 01:37 AM - Post#2724448
In response to WagonMan
I bought a 55 HT that had a 348 using the stock rear mounts and new holes drilled in the frame for the front mounts. That was in the late 1960s, and I don't remember if the firewall was modified for clearance. It was very cool and had a stock 3 spd.
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55nomad
Member #742 "17th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 286
Loc: Spring, Tx
Reg: 12-27-02
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02-22-18 07:17 PM - Post#2725283
In response to Lee T
Thanks everyone. I really like this idea, any photos?
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