Chrysler windsor 1950 with v8

[jorg]

Hi,

I'm investigating the idea of putting a v8 in my 1950 chrysler windsor newport. Has it been done before?

Is it possible to use a mustang 289/302 engine?? can I use the same axles, etc.... what about electronics, gauges, clutch, pedals etc.

 

So please advice me?

 

Thanks jorg

[Sniper]

These are the kind of questions that are based more on YOUR abilities than anything else. 

 

You do not mention what year Mustang, they started making them in 1964 and are still making them so the answers vary, a lot.

 

I have seen where some have essentially cut the floor pans and fire walls out and merged the new under the old.  Putting an old body on a new chassis.

 

Here's a summary video of one such endeavor.

 

 

[Dave72dt]

Of course you can swap a 289/302 into that Windsor and you can probably use those axles.  Nothing is going to bolt in or match up , probably no adapters for the clutch and trans, no applicable mount kits.  Every item needed to install it will have to be fabricated and adapted by you or whomever you hire to do it.  Good news is the distributor is in the front on those engines and the starter is on the right side so you may not have to notch the firewall for clearance and the starter won't get in the way of the steering box but the oil filter might.

 

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

if you have fabrication skills, tools, time, space and a bit of spare change, you are then only limited by your lack of imagination

[andyd]

Anything is possible, it just depends on your motivation...

..........I installed a 318 Poly in my 1940 Oz Dodge sedan in 1973 when the car was 33 yrs old and I was 19yrs old........all it takes is the desire and some fabrication abilities..........I still have the car and it still has the 318 Poly 50 yrs later........don't get me wrong but if you have to ask if its possible then I suspect that you either don't have the skill or the experience to do it.........lol.........a small block Frod & trans would be a fairly easy install........an issue will be the lack of a parking brake as that originally lived on the end of the stock mopar trans which you replaced with the Frod setup....as for "electronics"...........there are NO electronics as such in a 1950 Chrysler....if you use a mechanical sender for the stock water temp gauge and oil pressure guage...the amp guage just reads amps so doesn't care whether its 6 or 12 volts and with a resister in the stock wiring to the fuel guage it will more or less work........and you may even find that the speedo cable may fit or be able to be adapted from the trans to the speedo..............have fun ........Andy Douglas

[Bryan G]

I'm sure it's been done, by somebody. Much more common would be a small block Chrysler, or a small block Chevy. Expect a LOT of headaches. This is how a lot of half-finished projects got that way  It's going to be quite an investment of time and money, to have a Ford-powered Chrysler, but it's your car, your time and your money!

[jorg]

well at the moment I'm just looking for reactions so I can make up my mind, I 'm looking for somebody with experience that can tell which engine fits best or is easier to install. It doesn't have to be a ford engine, but a 289 or 302 is easier to buy in europe. Maybe there a prefabricted parts that I could use or buy and fit the driveline and a specific engine well?

 

Jorg

[Dave72dt]

Since you're in Europe, find something common and reliable from your area.  It doesn't have to be American powered.  Fabrication is fabrication. There is very little prefabbed parts for Chrysler and it will go a lot easier using engines and drivetrains you're familiar with and more readily available.

 

A Volvo or BMW powered 1950 Chrysler could be very interesting to watch being built.

Edited November 10, 2023 by Dave72dt

[QEC]

I agree with the possibility of using a 'different' v-8. The 1950 only had inline engines and having owned years back I know the inner fender panels will be in need of some work. The front suspension is adequate. You will lose the e-brake so a new rear axle will be needed. The newer engine will be 12volt but you could run 2-6volt batteries in series to get starting power and then alternately charge them through the stock system.

The only real limitations are those of your abilities, equipment, and desire.

 

I might add that the 4.2L in my 2004 Jag does a great job in moving a not-so-light sedan.

 

Please keep us updated.

Edited November 10, 2023 by QEC

[D35 Torpedo]

Nope, you can't do it...completely impossible.

[Los_Control]

I like the idea of using what is available. I'm sure you could make a 302 engine fit fine .... think about the transmission also.

Most of the modern Ford transmissions seem to be large for whatever reason.

 

I have never stuck the Ford engine in any other car before, going from experience working on my neighbors 53 Ford with a 302/A0D trans.

The car would originally have a Y block V8 with a automatic trans.

 

Whoever did the engine swap made it work, but it is a real hack job. The transmission bell housing is so large they had to lower the rear of the transmission to clear the floor.

The proper way would have been to cut the floor & tunnel out and level the engine/transmission, then rebuild the floor/tunnel ... possibly modify the firewall.

I changed the oil in the car and put in the required 5 quarts. The angle is so bad the dipstick reads 4 quarts ... you know the drive line u-joints are at a bad angle also.

 

I talked online with another forum member who owns a few Hot Rods including a 53 Ford. He installed a sbc 350/700R in his Ford because it fit so much better then the Ford engines and did not need to modify the floor. There was a conversation about this. Many say it is better to put a Ford engine in a Ford car.

Then those who have done it, know it can be a lot of extra work to make it fit right.

 

I realize you are asking about a mopar not a Ford .... just pointing out you need to measure your clearances for bell housing & floor areas also when searching for a engine to install. ..... A lot of the old 40's-50's cars shared the same size motors/trans ..... modern cars and engines often share nothing including size and they are different.

[jorg]

Hi,

I have my eye on a flathead v8, but would it fit and work with the fluiddrive? Or is it already done by somebody and maybe with a write up?

 

jorg

[Plymouthy Adams]

52 minutes ago, jorg said:

Hi,

I have my eye on a flathead v8, but would it fit and work with the fluiddrive? Or is it already done by somebody and maybe with a write up?

 

jorg

 

I am assuming this car has already been modified in the past. with the flathead V8

[DJ194950]

If the flathead V8 is a ford there is nothing to gain over the Mopar flat 6's as the horsepower is the same and the mopar has more torque.

 

Seems a waste of time .  Rebuilding prices on the Ford are way out of site also!

 

Stay with the proven winner!

 

Just my opinion of course but you can look up the facts I have stated.

 

DJ

[Los_Control]

The only advantage of the Ford V8 is they sound awesome. ..... I had one when I was in school so brings back memories for me.

What DJ stated is all true, plus they tend to run hot and many fight overheating issues ..... which can be solved. Seems they all have cracks from casting.

Not uncommon to go through 10 blocks and only find 1 worth building. Some cracks can be repaired, many are fatal.

There are many speed parts available for them all cost a arm and a leg. Also depends what year the engine is. I would only mess with the later 8BA (48-53)

The older ones can have strange bell housing not sure which years ....8BA trucks had the most popular bell housing for transmission swaps.

Also the 8BA has a normal distributor, early models had various distributors on the front of the timing cover .... real pita to work with.

 

The only reason why I would consider putting mine into my truck Is it is a  low mile engine. Farmer must have over revved it and spun a bearing, the crank has been turned 10 thousands and it has stock pistons with zero ridge in the cylinders. .... then the fuel pump went out and he parked the truck in the corner of the barn. It needs complete tear down and cleaning ... everything including rings & bearings are in excellent condition .... I may replace the cam and install adjustable lifters in it.

I would only consider it because I already have it ....I paid scrap prices for it and was happily surprised when I tore it down.

Unless you can hear it run, or you have documentation from a machine shop for work done .... they are basically worth scrap prices.

 

I considered selling mine once to a Ford enthusiast .... He would only consider it if I took the block in and had it magnafluxed. Would not even talk to me without first a clean bill of health from a machine shop. I cant blame him, he already went through several blocks looking for a good one, put a few grand in machine work in his current block to find out it is junk .... He has about $25k in custom accessories Crank, Rods, Pistons, Cam, dual carbs, all the chrome .... probably make about 300 HP If lucky .... boy they sure look cool though   

 

I have since picked up a 318 and now wont even consider sticking the 8BA into the truck.

[QEC]

A big 'no' on the flathead. Huge rebuild costs and NO adapter to the Chrysler trans.

Go back to your local wrecking yard with a tape measure and see what v8 + trans look like. Jag, Benz, Audi, Lexis and the rest of them. Start looking for a Cherokee or Explorer rear axle or something with similar wms width and bolt circle.

[RobertKB]

If the car is the one shown in your profile, it seems a shame to modify a beautiful car like that. Is the original engine broken? Unless you have great fabrication skills or the money to pay someone else, you could end up with a project car that’s never finished. 

[andyd]

Should we assume that the flathead V8 is a Ford Flathead?........if so then you won't really achieve much of an improvement over the flathead mopar six or eight and to be honest your installation probably won't impress either the flathead Ford guys or us Mopar Morons..........not trying to be annoying just stating  reasonable fact.....the installation of a late model OHV or OHC V8 would at least give a reasonable increase in power and be much simpler due to parts availability and cost........but your choiceas I have mentioned I stuck a 1962 318 Poly V8 in my 1940 Dodge in 1973........if I was doing an engine swap now then I'd go for a late A series 318 or better still a late model Mopar Hemi  & overdrive trans........anyway your choice .....heres a pic of the Poly in my Dodge........regards from Oz.   

[jorg]

I could get my hands on a flathead v8, and in the Netherlands a v8 is more desired, that is why I was thinking about a swap. but I probably stick with the original engine, as I can read it is not a preferred option.

I have a 1950 ford also, and that car will get a flathead v8

 

jorg

[QEC]

...and I was starting to think that we would be invited to follow along with a unique swap, perhaps with one of these...