Hehe, in about 1963 I owned a 1954 Rambler station wagon that had an Olds 371 engine and old 4 speed hydro installed in it. I didn't build the car but traded straight across for a 56 Ford. I have NO idea how the builder got the Olds in there, but he cut some of the front subframe away. The car ran like stink and I hurt the feelings of my buddy when I beat his brand new 383 Sport Fury. Car was the best sleeper I ever owned, except the wicked cam made the entire car shake at idle.

Anyway, as for your swap..... that engine bay is very narrow at the bottom but flares up at the top, so you might be able to get a sbf in there. The heater box will probably have to go and I think some of the suspension pieces are in the way. The Olds had a rear sump pan, but the typical Ford pans are front sump, which might cause a problem. But later double hump pans or a Bronco pan might work.

As for the rear end, mine had the stock Rambler rear which I think was something like a 4:22 ratio. It took a beating and hung in there for me, you might be able to get away with keeping yours too.

Post lots of pictures as you go, this one will sure be different and bring back lots of memories for me.

Don