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By dbird - 15 Years Ago

I bought the 55 about a month ago, never intended to keep it stock, especially not the engine. Turns out that's not a problem, block is wrong ECV-C (1957?), with ECZ-C heads (1956?) and probably the original 55 distributor. I gave up on engine swaps when I fell in love with the valve covers, plus the major bother of swapping the engine. I would like to do a light build on the engine. Other plans are for the Ford-O-Matic to give way to a C4, power disc brakes (all 4) and power steering, plus, of course, air conditioning.

Anyway, I really appreciate this site, as it seems to be about making the cars fun instead of somebody's idea of perfect. I've already learned much from the forum and look forward to more.

All advice on improvements to the 55 will be appreciated.

A question that is affecting my swap meet shopping is what size aftermarket wheels will fit? Looking at 15. maybe 16 inch American Torque Thrust style wheels.

Thanks,

Don

By mctim64 - 15 Years Ago

Welcome from California! I'm not the T-Bird go to guy but I'm sure you will find plenty of answers here! Wink

By GREENBIRD56 - 15 Years Ago

Greetings and Welcome! Smile

Your original wheels are probably offset inward 1/2 inch - meaning the mounting face is a half inch closer to the outside face of the rim than the inside. My originals were - but they are the 15 inch rim size and there are others - some 14's on the '57 I believe.

Using these stock wheels, the point of closest proximity between the front tire and an interference (probably the tire sidewall) is the upper ball joint. Grovel down there and have a look.......

If you put on a wider tire and wheel combination - they will still have to miss the upper ball joint. If you were to go to a 7 inch rim width, it might work well with a centered mounting face. The inside rim would move about 1/4 toward the ball joint.

By PF Arcand - 15 Years Ago

Don: yes, welcome to the site. Changes to your engine are likely a good idea, as it is obviously not original in any case. I'm not a T-Bird go to guy either, but I would suggest you don't alter the car in radical ways. Butchered up early birds are really frowned upon, & it's usually reflected in what they are worth later. If your Fordomatic works well, it might not be worth the costs involved to install a C-4. Both are effectively 3 speeds. However, there are a couple of outfits that offer AOD conversions, which might be the more effective way to go. Check it out. You've come to the right place for help with the engine & drive line. Good luck with upgrading of your car..

By dbird - 15 Years Ago

Thanks for the responses:

Tim, I'm stuck in the great Central Valley also (Modesto), with a history of British cars, Austin Healeys big and little.

Steve, thanks for the ball joint advice, I'm used to my tires rubbing on the fenders and was more worried about that.

Paul, Yeah the AOD would be nice, but my understanding is the X member(right term?) needs to be modified, and I agree that it should always be able to go back to stock with minimal effort.

Again thanks for the welcome,

Don

By 55Birdman - 15 Years Ago

My dads bird has Torque Mags. 15 inch 70 series tires. They dont rub the back but they are close