If you look at the converter you have now, you will see the snout fits inside the back of the crankshaft when everything is bolted together. this hole is for the pilot bushing if the engine was hooked to a standard transmission, or the snout of the converter if an automatic is used. It helps support the front of the converter. The converter you have now has a larger snout than the FMX converter since it was used on a different engine. That is why you need a reducer ring machined for the crankshaft to make the FMX converter fit in that hole as it was intended.  You don't have to drill the FMX transmission, when you bolt up the FMX transmission to your bellhousing TWO holes line up but two holes don't. You bolt up the holes that line up and mark the two that don't and drill the bellhousing. The transmission and maybe the engine in you car may have been changed at some time in the past. Do you have any history on the car?

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Easy:

Two things in you list of things to do need clarified.  First, you need the FOM tail housing gasket, not the FMX.  Yes, you drill the FMX case for the top two bolts.  There would not be a flat surface on the bell housing face in which to tap holes.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Thanks Gary. Now I understand. Should'nt be too hard to do for a novice. As for the history of the car, the only information I have I got from the badge numbers on the car. The car was given to me. The guy that had it was warned by the city for having junky cars in his front yard so he had to get rid of it. It seemed to be the orignal engine/trans combo but you never know. Here's a picture of the trans that's currently in there.

What do guys make of that cut-out in the bellhousing?

58 Ford Custom 300 - San Pedro, CA (So-Cal)

Easy

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane" is the expert on this subject, he can tell you anything you need to know about both transmissions. He has a FMX in his 57 race car and has done the swap on others as well. I was hoping he would chime in, I am working on memory.  When you have questions in the future when you are doing the swap start a FMX conversion threat so others know the subject of you questions. Your off to a good start. keep us informed


Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Okay, so I got a little off topic. Let me get back to the cam questions.

If I keep my FOM and use one of Mummert's 272* cams will I have better performance from the stock cam that's in there now?

I did'nt really have any problems with my Fordo so I don't think it's smart to change it just for the sake of a cam.

58 Ford Custom 300 - San Pedro, CA (So-Cal)

Thats what John Mummert recommends, he is an engine guy so he would know.  Everyone that gave  you their ideals is trying to keep you from becoming discouraged with you project. If it is a pain to drive you won't like it. There are some forum members that have fast street cars, but it is the whole package that make them fast and still fun to drive. Too much in any one area can kill the drivability. I am with you on the intake, multiple carburetors looks really cool even if it won't preform like one of the new aluminum intakes and a single holley. One thing about you car you can upgrade the transmission any time you want without taking out the engine. While you have the engine out look for any casting numbers on the block and any tags or numbers on the transmission. If you go to www.ford-y-block.com  ,the tech area for lots of information on Y-Block. header in the works http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic59718-4-1.aspx

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Easy: All things being right, you should definately notice a difference in performance,with the 272 (advertised) degree Cam. Even his 265 degree Cam is a bit longer on duration & has more lift than the stock cams. Mummert is very familiar with Cam sellections for the Y-Blk. Ignore his suggestions at your peril! Personally, I'd likely go with the 265 on a Fordomatic. Note that most of the cams used in rebuilds in the past, are even milder than the 256 degree standard 1957 Cam.

Paul

Thanks Paul that's exactly what I was looking for. One question though, what's your justification for selecting the smaller cam when using the FOM?

58 Ford Custom 300 - San Pedro, CA (So-Cal)

Easy: I didn't select that Cam. This is just pass on info. You'l notice that John says he discourages use of anything beyond the 272 degree cam. His Ads indicate the 265 as the best choice, with Fordomatic. But best discuss it with him. One person if I recall on this site, quite some time back indicated he wasn't totally happy with the choice of the 272 degree. But that's from memory and isn't guaranteed...

Paul

So, do you want the big cam sound or not? The smaller you get, the less of that you will have.


Lawrenceville, GA