As we progress on the rebuild of out y-block I am really getting interested in maybe using it in our '27 T hot rod. My biggest sticking point right now is what trans to use to make it possible? The frame is 2x4 rectangular steel so may can make just about any mount to make it work. I am reluctant to use a manual as fabricating the linkage and getting the pedals to fit in the tight T would be pretty tough I think. What trans swaps are available that would allow us to run this engine in our project?? thanks-

Dan,



As I recall, you are the instructor for a high school shop class and you have a 292 and a 272 that you and your class are working on.



You might want to go with a stock type transmission like the Ford-o-matic or Cruise-o-matic because you can find bellhousings and transmissions that attach with no fuss. If you go with the Ford-o you can use either a car bellhousing and use the engine side mounts, or you can look for a truck bellhousing and go with the bellhousing mounts.



My theory about the truck bellhousing mounts is that the designers wanted to put the mounts in line with the firewall and use the firewall to help resist the torque of the engine. I wonder if your T-bone has enough of a firewall to make a difference. The other part of my theory is that the truck mounts help stiffen the entire front frame by using the engine as an element in the frame design.



Side mounts my be a lot easier.


Best regards,



Paul Menten

Meridian, Idaho

Yep, you are right, so I am guessing that any y-block equipped car or p/u from '54-'62 would have a trans that would mate up? I am brand new to the y-blocks so dont know what swaps are possible etc. I'll research the advise you gave and see what I learn. If I could at all possible use engine side mounts I think that would be the best set up. Our steering is going outside the frame and the front end is suicide style so we should have pleny of room between the frame rails for mounts - you are right about the T firewall, dont think I want to rely on it for any structural support.

Yes, if you used any of those ford autos and bellhousings it would be easiest to install. The truck has the ears sticking out for mounting to the frame and the car has the mount on the tailshaft similar to most apps. Seems to me you could locate one of these easily. They are heavier than new stuff of course-but in your app it shouldn't matter. 1955 and some 56 were air cooled and later had lines to the radiator in case you wondered. I have a complete 55 setup in my garage floor, It always shifted great but tended to leak if not driven. Also have a brand new overhaul kit for one that I'll never use.



Just to add this, I would think your engine side mounts would be adequate either way for this app-not using the "front" mount typically found on a y powered car AND using a tailshaft mount per the trans. Jusz my 2 cents.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

so if I'm following you guys I should probably look for '57 & newer (so I can run a trans cooler) Ford-o-matic (so I can run the car bellhousing) and I should be fine building side mounts on the engine with mount under the tailshaft of the trans??

Yep. Sounds easiest to me.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Only downside to this is having to rebuild an oldstyle trans or get one that is in working order.

Of course that could be something more you learn, right. Manuals and parts are out there.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

cool, the search begins...

Dan   If you find you need a 55 56 bellhousing let me know and i will send you one just for shipping cost  Carl   Ohio

I have three auto trans. One Ford and one Merc. One I'm not sure what but I think it was in a truck. Still bolted to a y-block. Would not want to ship. Where are you located? henryelectrical@yahoo.com