1941 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe

[westonz28]

I am working on a 1941 Coupe. Paint is done and now it is time for the engine. I know I will get flamed about the Chevy 396 in a Ford but I have all the parts for the 396 and no Ford engine parts. What would you do? Use what you have or go find a good engine and rebuild it and then find all the parts and install it. Then let the 396 sit on a stand. My question is, has anyone done this before and where did they get the motor mounts? Any video or pictures of how to install the 396 would be great. I found small block mount but no Big Block mounts.
Will the BB 396 even fit in the Coupe?
Thank you for all your help.

[39topless]

You may have better luck on the H.A.M.B. forum.

[JSeery]

The HAMB might be a better bet for an answer, or even better yet a street rod site. You don't really expect a site decayed to flathead Fords to recommend a BB Chevy install do you?

The biggest downside I can see is you move your car from unique to run of the mill. Chevy's in street rods is about as unique as dirt!

[corvette8n]

Sell the 396 and put in a hopped up flathead.

[woodiewagon46]

I agree that the HAMB will get you more answers for your question. As for the "Big Block", it is going to be tight, to say the least. You will have to fabricate your own motor mounts. One of the biggest problems you are going to encounter is the exhaust on the drivers side. No one that I know of makes headers that will clear your steering box so you are going to have be "creative". There are several companies that sell small block kits for your car. Try the HAMB.

[done4]

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Man, you just entered a mine field, definitely HAMB. You'll get lots of help and do what ever the hell "you" want to do. Good luck!

[flatford8]

Its your car do what you want but, as others have said.... That 396 is worth some money.... Sell it and get a flathead and save yourself a ton of headaches.... Mark

[waterboychuck]

I put a 350 Chevy in my coupe. Go to Speedway or Summit for your motor, and transmission mounts plus anything else that you'll need.

[A bones]

As a former owner of a '41 ex drag car.... I can only say I wish it was more original when I got it. The thrill would have lasted longer. it's all about respect.

By the way, you do know you have to cut and open up the cross member. Renovate the third member.

[anothercarguy]

Originally Posted by JSeery

The HAMB might be a better bet for an answer, or even better yet a street rod site. You don't really expect a site decayed to flathead Fords to recommend a BB Chevy install do you?

The biggest downside I can see is you move your car from unique to run of the mill. Chevy's in street rods is about as unique as dirt!

That is one heck of an auto correct or quite the Freudian slip .

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by anothercarguy

That is one heck of an auto correct or quite the Freudian slip .

Didn't catch that one, that is a little bit funny! I sometimes feel decayed!!!!

[Russ/40]

If your looking for big block kind of performance, you wont be happy with a flathead unless you go with a boost solution. Its a financial decision.

[Fourdy]

Well, I built a 327 SB with TB350 initially for my 40 but I really wanted a flathead. Yah, I heard all the verbage about costs of flatty compared to SB and then ending up with a lot less power.

Jumped to the blown 276 flathead and have never looked back. As the running debate goes with my Son that is a Cheby guy, I can keep up with him at least to 55 mph then after that the speed tickets are the same for everyone. lol

I have the built 327 on a stand and give it a pat each time I head out to the Flatty. My advice is to do what the little guy on your shoulder tells you.

Fourdy

[JSeery]

Looks nice!

[Marvin/TN]

Is there a Rams Horn exhaust manifold that will fit on the 396? I don't know but if they will fit. look for a Rt side exhaust Manifold and use it on the left side. The outlet points forward than it's just a matter making a pipe to fit around the steering box and oil filter. Did this on a 350 CI engine. Like I said I do not know if the Rams Horn manifolds will work. I also have a GM steering box installed and I would think it is bigger than the OEM Ford box. Just saying. I can't post PICs but can E. Mail them. No cutting of frame or X member to install 350/350 eng and trans or firewall.

[Henry Floored]

A far better swap is a 302 Ford with a C4. Fab some mounts like the old Hurst ones that use the original Flathead motor mount biscuits. This will leave tons of room for exhaust plumbing. Plus with the skinny C4 trans you won't have to hack the X member.

It will be lighter, be more economical and if built right will put a 396 to shame.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Henry Floored

A far better swap is a 302 Ford....

..........and if built right will put a 396 to shame.

No kiddin'? DD

[A bones]

Originally Posted by marvin/tn

is there a rams horn exhaust manifold that will fit on the 396?.

IXNAY

[petehoovie]

Any OHV in your '41 is also known as (AKA) a 'Shore Throat'!!!

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Marvin/TN

Is there a Rams Horn exhaust manifold that will fit on the 396?.

I'm guessing your not familiar with BBC? Totally different exhaust that a small block

However, Speedway does make the second set.