427 FE install in a 57 Ford

[c6rodder]

I am a new member. I'm 70 years old and starting a project that is out of the norm for me. I am and have always been a Chevy guy but recently went crazy and bought a 1957 Ford Ranchero with a 292 3 speed and then bought a 427 side oiler to install in it.
I do all my own work but could use some help from this forum.
Any and all info that you can impart to me through this forum would be greatly appreciated.
I am not worried about the engine or its workings or things to look out for but need info on parts needed and problems to look out for in the installation. Such things as tight fit areas, headers that can be used, motor mounts, hood clearance, etc. Really want to use the Ford cast iron HI PO headers but don't know if they fit around the steering box area. I know that 58 Fords came with the FE block as an option but don't have one to look at and measure.
Any help would be great.
Gary

[jerry clayton]

The 332 and 352 engines in the 58 and 59 fords were very tight at clyinders7 and 8 by the steering gear--they used an cast iron exhaust manifold that cross section was only about 1 inch thick where as every where els was around 2 inches--very tight!!!!!!!!!
However,---I ran a 406 nascar engine with addition of dual quads plus a 1962 four speed and the exhaust restriction never bother it a bit---might of been faster with the +60s hp cast iron headers, but I don't think it was necessary-------

Ed Donovan also had an ranchero that he put a 427 in but I don't remember what year-------
Mine was also a 292 originly and the radiator gave no cooling problems, however I don't remember if the 57 were smaller or not---you will need to lengthen the wires to your distributor ---------

[randyr]

Maybe it would help to get rid of the steering gear and convert it to power rack & pinion. I installed one of these on a 64 Galaxie (with similar suspension) a few years ago and loved it. 57 FORD RACK AND PINION CONVERSIONS

[Dave Severson]

Welcome to CHR Gary, sounds like a very nice project!!!! At least you got away from them dime a dozen chebbies anyhow!!!! I did a guy's '57 Ford years ago, put a 428 CJ in the car and fabbed up a set of fenderwell headers to alleviate any problems with the steering box!!!!! Never have messed with the cast iron headers, but if my (feeble and weak) memory serves me correctly there were a number of different configurations of the left hand side header and I seem to recall one that had last drop on it?????

[c6rodder]

Great info from all. Thank you. That power rack and pinion system looks nice and the company that markets it has a lot of good stuff for my set up.