Thread: 390 FE in a 58 Olds

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Ok, I got it. Just trying to think ahead for you to save you some problems. My reluctance at the 390 swap is sort of motivated by the phyiscal layout of that block. It is big, heavy, and everything is in the way of most engine bay layouts. Have you considered a small block Chevy.........it would go in there like butter, compared to the Ford? They are cheap, and Chevy built 10 zillion of them, so you should be able to score a good one (even a complete running donor) for not much more than your $ 300.

My fear for you is that once you plop that 390 into the engine room you will find lots of obstacles to overcome. If you still want to try it, do lots of tapemeasuring before you buy it, that would be my suggestion. Not trying to be a wet blanket on your idea, but I just like to make life as simple as I can.

Don

If the project is about saving money you may also consider the price of relocating the oil filter which I'm sure will run into trouble on this deal because it hangs straight down on the left front of the engine.