The passenger car and truck/T-Bird covers differ only in that the truck/Bird cover's lower bolt holes have taller bosses where the front engine mount bolts.  They can be used on passenger cars by using longer bolts.  The '54s used a smaller water pump, so the casting is different in that area.  I believe the fuel pump mounting is also different on the '54 cover.  Some trucks used a water pump with an extended flange at the top to mount the cooling fan higher because the engine sat lower than the radiator.  The fan was mounted on a ball bearing shaft and driven by a separate belt.  The factory power steering mount mounted to the upper left water pump bolt and the boss on the pump inlet above the lower hose.  It has a pipe plug in it if there is no PS pump bracket.  Also, there are aluminum timing covers and water pumps available now.

John

John

I have a C2TE timing cover that I guess I'll use since it sounds like it doesn't make much difference.  I've done some 351W and 302's and the differences in pulley combinations and water pumps started me thinking that there may be differences in the Y's.  Just wanted to check to make sure.  How about balancers?  Are they pretty much interchangeable too?  Thanks for all your help.

Most balancers are interchangeable.  '54 balancers had no damper ring.  Some heavy duty truck balancers had extra sheaves for air brake compressors and the aforementioned fan drive.  T-Bird balancers are unique to the Bird.

John