Hello, My name is Steve, and I bought a classic car

[mrsteve50]

I recently bought a 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 as a father/son restoration project. According to the serial number, the car had the Ford-a-matic 2 speed transmission mated to a 292 CI V8. Well, the 292 and trans are long gone. Somebody along the way had replaced it with a 351 Cleveland mated to a (I believe) C4 transmission. I have read in several places about the good and the bad of this combination, but the goal of this build is to be a daily driver for me, I don't for see any problems. My goal for the engine is to have something that is mild mannered enough to drive in the city, but still has enough gumption to do 80 MPH to Vegas twice a year and maybe a trip or two to Phoenix to visit the kids.

So far, the plan is to convert the 2V to a 4 barrel intake, install a better cam, and throw a set of headers on it to let it breathe easier. Not sure about the particulars on how I am going to achieve this yet, but hoping to get some "expert" advice along the way.

 

[Sheriff41]

Welcome, Steve! The 351C / C4 combo is okay for a cruiser. If you decide to change the transmission you'll find the 4R70W automatic w/overdrive is a popular conversion. Several members on here have done the swap. Considering your '59 Ford, there would be some fabrication to complete the swap.

 

[giantpune]

I have a C4 sitting behind a 351. They'll do fine there for a cruiser. I'm not sure about your expectations of doing a 80mph road trip. It really depends on your rear axle ratio. Even with a 2.75:1 or 2.89:1, you'll have the engine up around 3500 rpms. They have no problem doing that for a short time. I wouldn't be planning on a 2 hour round trip like that. The transmission will be ok, but you may be asking more than the engine wants to give you.

I'm actually in the beginning phases of pulling the C4 out for the swap @Sheriff41 mentioned. Mostly for the overdrive. There are some simpler swaps if you don't want to go to a computer controlled transmission.

 

[Don C]

Nothing wrong with that engine/transmission combo.
Before you start on the engine you'll need to assess the overall health of it.
Compression test all the cylinders.
Connect a mechanical oil pressure gauge to see what kind of oil pressure you are getting at idle and 3,000 rpm, with the engine cold and warmed up. Watch the needle on the gauge when you accelerate and decelerate the engine, if it jumps up and then drops you probably have worn bearings.
A common problem is the original umbrella type oil seals on the valves, the get hard and fall apart and clog the screen on the oil pump. You'll need to pull the valve covers to check them.
Check the exhaust for oil smoke, can be either rings or valve guides. Black smoke will be carburetor too rich.

Your rear end gear will somewhat dictate what camshaft you want to install, and also it's cruising ability.

For the transmission check the fluid for a dark color and see if it smells burnt. You'll be able to quickly tell if it has bad bands and clutches, if it slips. The C4 is relatively cheap to rebuild.
An AOD would be the easiest swap, and can hold up with a mildly built 351C. Getting hard to find, though.

 

[mrsteve50]

Nothing wrong with that engine/transmission combo.
Before you start on the engine you'll need to assess the overall health of it.
Compression test all the cylinders.
Connect a mechanical oil pressure gauge to see what kind of oil pressure you are getting at idle and 3,000 rpm, with the engine cold and warmed up. Watch the needle on the gauge when you accelerate and decelerate the engine, if it jumps up and then drops you probably have worn bearings.
A common problem is the original umbrella type oil seals on the valves, the get hard and fall apart and clog the screen on the oil pump. You'll need to pull the valve covers to check them.
Check the exhaust for oil smoke, can be either rings or valve guides. Black smoke will be carburetor too rich.

Your rear end gear will somewhat dictate what camshaft you want to install, and also it's cruising ability.

For the transmission check the fluid for a dark color and see if it smells burnt. You'll be able to quickly tell if it has bad bands and clutches, if it slips. The C4 is relatively cheap to rebuild.
An AOD would be the easiest swap, and can hold up with a mildly built 351C. Getting hard to find, though.

Don,
I would love to do that, however the engine was just put in the car, it was never hooked up to run. The title I got was about 8 years old and from the Tucson, AZ area. The person I bought it from in Temecula bought the car and never did anything more than put the chrome wheels and new rubber on it. I'm planning on rebuilding the engine, so I will have the machine shop check out bearings, wear and tear, and overall engine health before I get to far into the build.

Thank you for the advice though. I hadn't thought about most of that.

Steve

 

[mrsteve50]

I have a C4 sitting behind a 351. They'll do fine there for a cruiser. I'm not sure about your expectations of doing a 80mph road trip. It really depends on your rear axle ratio. Even with a 2.75:1 or 2.89:1, you'll have the engine up around 3500 rpms. They have no problem doing that for a short time. I wouldn't be planning on a 2 hour round trip like that. The transmission will be ok, but you may be asking more than the engine wants to give you.

I'm actually in the beginning phases of pulling the C4 out for the swap @Sheriff41 mentioned. Mostly for the overdrive. There are some simpler swaps if you don't want to go to a computer controlled transmission.

I believe I have the 3.0:1 rear axle ratio, but I am going to verify that when we get to the underside of the car cleanup and repaint.

I will have to take my foot out of it some then. At 65 I will get better mileage anyway, not that it will be great to begin with (LOL).