Lincoln 337 cui what trans can I use?????

[MR JIM]

Hi there barners.
I got a 337 flathead that was a stationary engine "water pump" and now I was thinking to put the engine in a Hot Rod....But what trans would fit???
Thanx For any ideas. JIM.

[1963turnerjohn]

A LaSalle gearbox would be a stout choice

[51 MERC-CT]

The original Lincolns used a GM Hydro-matic.
A version of the same engine was used in the big Ford trucks.
Perhaps a standard shift tranny from one of those would work.

[MR JIM]

I would like standard trans.....

[Ross F-1]

The big trucks that used the 337 could be had with a 5-sp synchro trans, with either O/D 5th or direct drive. They are hard to find now, and weigh at least 300 lbs. I think you are better off adapting to something more modern.

[havi]

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Originally Posted by Ross F-1

The big trucks that used the 337 could be had with a 5-sp synchro trans, with either O/D 5th or direct drive. They are hard to find now, and weigh at least 300 lbs. I think you are better off adapting to something more modern.

I agree with this statement. But any Lincoln car with the 337, would have a trans you can use.

[Ol' Ron]

The standard shift Bell housing can be modified to use later transmission, If you can find one.

[Vic Piano]

In addition to the G.M. Hydro-Matic, which was originally adopted in '49,The 337 powered Lincolns from '49 to '51 also offered a standard three speed with overdrive.

[rotorwrench]

Not all 49 thru 51 Lincolns used the auto trans. Some were still Borg Warner style standard 3-speed and overdrive units. I'm not sure what the bolt patern is on them though. They had a big bell housing and a four bolt patern.

[1963turnerjohn]

What type of 'hot rod' is the 337 destined for?

[34PKUP]

Originally Posted by 1963turnerjohn

What type of 'hot rod' is the 337 destined for?

Obviously a 'heavy' one.

[blucar]

The Lincoln flat-head engines make better "yard art'.. They tend to be very heavy slow tuning anchors..
They tend to fall into the same category as the Cad flat-heads.. I tried to put a '42 Cad engine into a '42 Chevy in '51.. Could not find a set of front springs that would hold the thing up off of the frame.. Opted for a Chevy truck engine, a big six..

[MR JIM]

Thanx for all the reply's.
my goal was to put it in a late -20's - 30's "big' wheel base chassis" and have a cool racer with home made body.

[Vic Piano]

blucar, I wouldn't poo-poo the 337 unless you have actual experience with one or more. Back when they were new,, 337 powered Lincolns were among the top performers in their class at the Carrera Panamericana Race. Here's a photo of Jesus Nava Gonzales getting a little "air" in his '49 "Baby" Lincoln Coupe in the 1950 Race! Not bad for a heavy piece of "yard art", in my opinion.

[Shadetree]

In the mid 50's a friend of mine put a 337 in a`41 Ford Convertible. From what I can remember it ran very well.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Shadetree

In the mid 50's a friend of mine put a 337 in a`41 Ford Convertible. From what I can remember it ran very well.

I also had a couple of friends who did this in the '50's, only it was a '53 Ford. It ran OK, but bottomed the suspension. The car was completely un-driveable. I think it had something to do with their steering "modifications".

[Deuce Man]

Didn't the Kurtis and later Muntz cars in the early fifties use these engines? I am pretty sure I saw one at a show years ago. The big ol Lincoln motor was dressed with finned aluminum heads and multi carbs. Rich

[Vic Piano]

You could get the Muntz with the 337 Lincoln or the Caddy V8 The founder of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance has a '51 Muntz with the 337, he has a two pot manifold and fined aluminum heads, it is a beauty.

[Mike51Merc]

If I were you I'd seriously consider putting that 337 back in the water pump.

850Lbs alone should dissuade you.
Hard to find parts, not to mention performance parts.

[Chris Marshall]

Jim,

Don't let the naysayers get you down. While parts are tougher to find than for a typical Ford flathead, there's nothing wrong with the big brother Lincoln 337's. Is it bigger/bulkier/heavier? Yes, but so is a 392 hemi and that never stopped anyone from installing one in an early Ford!!

Regarding tranny's, find a passenger bellhousing as noted by rotorwrench above. This uses the normal borg-warner 3 speed tranny with or without overdrive. This same bolt pattern will allow you to use a later ford toploader 4 speed or 3 + 1 OD (same basic case) with minimal modifications. Add a jeep top shifter and you're in business.

As far as practicality - here's a photo of mine complete with Edmunds heads and intake in an original Henry steel 3 window '32 coupe. It's using the original borg-warner 3 speed overdrive tranny.