The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Ford Flathead vs small block chevy debate!

sanborn · 03-25-2013, 03:40 PM

Two comments about this topic-------
1. You can install a SBF into a 36 to 40 Ford. You need to pay attention to components like use of the short water pump and use of an electric pusher fan instead of a mechanical fan. A true rear sump oil pan is required if using the original suspension/crossmember.

My 40 sedan uses a 289/C4 and it fits without any alteration to the frame, X-member or firewall.

2. The real reason most early Fords used the SBC instead of the SBF is that the GM engine was smaller, ran cooler and would run circles around the Y block engine. By the time Ford brought out a good small block, it was around 1966 and the die was already cast for the SBC.

03-25-2013, 03:40 PM	#133
sanborn Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Shelbyville TN Posts: 174	Re: Ford Flathead vs small block chevy debate! Two comments about this topic------- 1. You can install a SBF into a 36 to 40 Ford. You need to pay attention to components like use of the short water pump and use of an electric pusher fan instead of a mechanical fan. A true rear sump oil pan is required if using the original suspension/crossmember. My 40 sedan uses a 289/C4 and it fits without any alteration to the frame, X-member or firewall. 2. The real reason most early Fords used the SBC instead of the SBF is that the GM engine was smaller, ran cooler and would run circles around the Y block engine. By the time Ford brought out a good small block, it was around 1966 and the die was already cast for the SBC.