1953 f100 hot rod

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03-21-2008, 11:43 PM
mh12345

1953 f100 hot rod

Hello, I am currently building a 1953 Ford F-100. I put a Independent Front Suspension in the truck and a rearend from a Ford Explore. I dropped a 302 engine that I bought from Ebay into the truck recently. I don't really know what kind of car the 302 engine is from. I want to add more horsepower!!! I love the sound of turbo's and want to put a turbo on it. I need to know what is a good turbo or if there is a company I can buy a whole turbo kit for a 302 engine. Thanks for the help. I am also open to any other suggestions to add more HORSEPOWER to my project truck.
03-22-2008, 08:20 AM
halftanked

I'd dump a 460 in there, and I might be able to hook you up with one. Hank
03-22-2008, 04:16 PM
Create

Thats awesome, Post some pics! I have a 55 F100 powered by a 302 that came from an 89 mustang GT. I had heads taken off a 1965 Mustang 289 Hipo that I sent to a machine shop to be completely rebuilt. Other than that , I converted the 89 from fuel injected to a carburated engine with a 750 4 barrel. :)

However, I haven't gotten to the point to where I have fired it up yet, so I couldn't tell you how it feels or what kind of power it will be pushing.
03-22-2008, 06:19 PM
hotroddaddy

Right on, another 53 project!! Post some progress pics, we like them here!! Im working on a 53 panel truck, so im interested in your build. welcome to the forum.
03-22-2008, 07:29 PM
mh12345

Thanks for the reply guys...I will take some pics soon and post them...just to give you some more info on my 1953 F-100 Truck. Currently it is not running we are in the middle of the overhauling stage. the engine(a 302), suspension and rear are installed. I think i am going to want more Horsepower so give me some ideas on how to gain some cheap horsepower. I am thinking of going with a flat black paint job for now. I just want to get it on the road and drive it then later on down the road i will make it a perfect show truck. You guys have any cool ideas for my truck any thing at all i am open to ideas. Thanks for looking and replying.
03-22-2008, 07:34 PM
stovens

Doing the same thing with a 48 f1! 460 under the hood. Will be putting a 71 ford 9" rear on it too. Welcome. Steve.
03-22-2008, 07:56 PM
Create

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh12345

Thanks for the reply guys...I will take some pics soon and post them...just to give you some more info on my 1953 F-100 Truck. Currently it is not running we are in the middle of the overhauling stage. the engine(a 302), suspension and rear are installed. I think i am going to want more Horsepower so give me some ideas on how to gain some cheap horsepower. I am thinking of going with a flat black paint job for now. I just want to get it on the road and drive it then later on down the road i will make it a perfect show truck. You guys have any cool ideas for my truck any thing at all i am open to ideas. Thanks for looking and replying.

Here is my 55 F-100 with a flat black paint job :)

http://www.achievethought.com/galler...2/100_1199.JPG

However, it doesn't look like that right now, i have it torn all the way down to the frame.. (again). The first time I did that I installed a Mustang II front end (as well ast he 302/c4 combo). Now I am boxing the entire frame (done) and creating a tubular x-style cross member (partially done..as seen below)

http://www.achievethought.com/galler...2/100_2350.JPG

I think its cool to run into people with the 53-56 fords.
03-22-2008, 08:03 PM
Dave Severson

Good looking truck! The tubes and plates should really stiffen up the frame and get all the flex out of it!
03-22-2008, 08:07 PM
stovens

Create
Are you into old stuff or new. In the 80's you could get a cheap belt driven blower setup that was called a shaker assembly. It was for "off road use only", but the way California is today, most hiways could be considered off road!:eek: :LOL: :3dSMILE:
03-22-2008, 09:21 PM
mh12345

-Create
very nice truck. looks good. did you paint it yourself???
03-23-2008, 08:49 AM
Create

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh12345

-Create
very nice truck. looks good. did you paint it yourself???

Thanks!

I didn't paint it, the previous owner did. It is some sort of weather resistant primer.

However, there was a lot of body work left undone before he painted it so I am going to have to redo it all eventually.
03-23-2008, 01:26 PM
trukroddr

Great to see all you truck rodders on here.I am in the middle of a 48 F1 project myself.Looks like the weather is going to get better so I can get back to working on the truck.
03-23-2008, 07:08 PM
mh12345

Any of you guys know where i can get a cheap wiring kits for my truck??????
03-23-2008, 07:14 PM
Dave Severson

Speedway sells a nice kit for about $150.00...
03-23-2008, 07:59 PM
hotroddaddy

E-z wire has some good prices.

How are you gonna get your gas tank back in, with that tube setup?
03-23-2008, 08:22 PM
stovens

Just bought an American Autowire kit off ebay. They make a pretty well stocked 15 and 22 circuit kits. The 22 kit is called hwy 22. Leaves you with just about everything you need to do whatever, whenever. It is pricey, but you add as you go, doing only the parts you actually have, comes with light switches, turn signal flashers, dimmer switch, new ignition switch, basically it is simplified for idiots like me! Mine was 385 delivered via mail. Not bad!
03-25-2008, 05:12 PM
mh12345

Any ideas on more horsepower out of my 302??? What exhaust do u guys think sounds the best???
03-25-2008, 06:40 PM
stovens

I like flow masters, but I'm biased, they make them just up the road from here!:LOL:
03-25-2008, 07:21 PM
Create

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh12345

Any ideas on more horsepower out of my 302??? What exhaust do u guys think sounds the best???

home made :LOL:

lol
03-25-2008, 07:29 PM
Dave Severson

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh12345

Any ideas on more horsepower out of my 302??? What exhaust do u guys think sounds the best???

Your original question was about adding a turbo.... Are you planning on using a turbocharger? The engine build for a turbo vs. non-turbo engine would be a lot different, mainly compression ratio, camshaft, and cylinder heads....
03-25-2008, 08:22 PM
mh12345

well i would like a turbo but i don't know alot about them. from what i knw the 302 i dropped in is stock but what would be needed for a turbo. or do you think i should not put a turbo and do other work for ore horse power i am open to ideas anything that will give me more ponies!!!
03-25-2008, 08:37 PM
Dave Severson

Well, what's your budget??? Turbo's aren't cheap, but horsepower seldom is. Converting it to a 347 stroker is another option. Add a good set of aluminum heads, and matching carb and intake with a matching camshaft and they make good horsepower.

Might be best to decide what the primary use is going to be, how much money you're willing to spend, is fuel mileage a consideration, and how street friendly you want the engine to be. Once you have a plan in place, picking the correct parts is much easier and a lot more accurate!!!!!
03-25-2008, 10:08 PM
stovens

I'm a little sad after finding this listing online at craigslist. The truck is farther along than mine for half of my current investment!:CRY: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/car/613104204.html
03-25-2008, 10:20 PM
Dave Severson

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovens

I'm a little sad after finding this listing online at craigslist. The truck is farther along than mine for half of my current investment!:CRY: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/car/613104204.html

Well, the "moving, must sell" line pretty much sez it all.....
03-26-2008, 07:18 AM
32steel

[QUOTE=Create]Thats awesome, Post some pics! I have a 55 F100 powered by a 302 that came from an 89 mustang GT. I had heads taken off a 1965 Mustang 289 Hipo that I sent to a machine shop to be completely rebuilt. Other than that , I converted the 89 from fuel injected to a carburated engine with a 750 4 barrel.

I'd like to ask what you are using for a distributor. I have a 1988 EFI 302 and am converting it to a carb also in my 53 F100. I've gotten conflicting recommendations on what distributor to use. I've been told that the distributor needs to be a special length because of the roller cam used in an EFI motor.

Comments appreciated.
03-26-2008, 06:23 PM
mh12345

i kinda want just bolt on horsepower if you know what i mean. Any ideas??????
03-26-2008, 06:43 PM
Dave Severson

Take a look at the Edelbrock packages, especially the Performer RPM package..... Cam, Lifters, Intake, and Carb. If there's still some left in your budget then get the aluminum heads that go with it....
03-26-2008, 08:14 PM
mh12345

well i am not sure how much to spend just want to get the most hp for my buck i guess i would spend about 1000 for some upgrades
03-26-2008, 09:26 PM
stovens

I did pretty well through Ebay getting a performance series carb and intake from Edelbrock. When I rebuild the engine I'l add the cam that goes with it. The are all balanced and blueprinted to match eachother. Haven't installed them yet though! I also upgraded the distributer and coil. The heads for my engine are very pricey, but you will get them cheaper fopr a small block ford! Good advice!
03-27-2008, 08:09 PM
mh12345

thanks stovens.....any ideas on a cool interior??? i am doing a flat black paint job so pretty much any color will go with it but i want to do something modern yet stylish but still has that classic look. let me know if you have any ideas thanks.