QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I am currently thinking about buying a very old Chevy Bel Air from my grandfather and customizing it. I believe it is a 1055 coupe, but I don't honestly remember. I know it is going to need a lot of work. One thing that I am considering is dropping in a different engine. I currently have a 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII with the stock Ford 4.6L V8, and I was wondering if there was a way to make that fit? Would it require an intense amount of modification? Would I have to use the entire drivetrain, or do you think I could use just the engine and transmission from the Lincoln into the Chevy. I just want to know if this is possible.
Please let me know what you think! I have a long road ahead of me, and I just want to know how many twists and turns it may take!
-Tim
ANSWER: Anything is possable with welding equipment and metal fabrication tools. As to what parts to use and not use that is a decision that needs to be made after all the parts are measured and inspected to see what physically fits and does not. I have never heard of this particular transplant before but it would make a very modern power train especially if you use the fuel injection and computer controls out of the Lincoln. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, it all depends on your mechanical talents or the depth of your wallet and bank account. Good luck.
Brad
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QUESTION: After some more looking and research... I don't want to go with the Bel Air. I would much rather have a car with dual headlights, brows, and a generally longer car. I finally settled on the 1957 Dodge Coronet. Now of course that means that I might have to wait quite a bit for this car, but that's OK. I've got plenty of time.
I also have decided against recycling my Mark VIII engine. There are too many computer and vacuum related components, and it is somewhat of a finicky engine. I just don't think It'd make a good transplant.
With the Dodge being decided, I was thinking about trying to find an original 426 Hemi. Considering how famous this engine is, I suppose finding one is simply a matter of wallet depth. However, when I previously asked if there was a way of making an engine fit into a different car, I was trying to ask if the engine mounts, brackets, etc would be similar or the same in position, if there is a conversion kit, etc. I guess all I want to know is what would it take to make a 1960's plymouth 426 engine fit into a '57 Coronet. I expect there to be some modification to this, but I don't know what else to expect.
I'm sorry if I seem kind of repetitive. I'm doing research, but most of my mechanical work is on motorcycles. I'm trying to look this stuff up now so that in 5-10 years from now when I have the money I can have the whole thing planned out and know exactly what to do. Are there any books that you would suggest I read?
Thanks again for everything you do!
-Tim
AnswerHi Tim:
Here is what I would do. I would start reading the hot rod and street rod magazines. They are written by the guys and gals that have done or paid to have done the kind of transplants that you are talking about. As far as engine mounts and stuff being similar, forget it. As far as kits available for these transplants, again the magazines will carry the ads for the folks that make that equipment.Now, to keep from going broke investing in all those magazines and never getting enough cash to do the work, check in at your local library. If they do not have the magazines that you would like to read ask at the desk and most libraries have a budget to get in the books that you would like. Good luck and keep me posted.
Brad
