69 Econoline with a 347 stroker & AOD

As some of you know I'm a roaming builder/mechanic dealing primarily with old cars. A couple weeks ago a shop asked me to do some work on a nice 58 Corvette and when that was done they asked if I'd come back and build this van. It had been taken apart a while back by someone and now needs reassembly along with all the modern upgrades the owner wants.

It's getting a rebuilt engine that began life as a 5.0 with roller cam. The long block was built by a machine shop (with nitrous use in mind) as a 347 stroker with forged pistons, I beam rods, GT 40 style aluminum heads, Quick fuel carb, and a Howards cam. The engine will deliver power through a built AOD transmission. I'm also installing an MSD ignition system, Holley electric fuel pump, electric radiator fans, and some aftermarket gauges. Once those things are done it'll get driven a little by the owner and then the drop spindles, disc brakes etc. (which are already at the shop) will be installed. Then it's off to paint! Should be a pretty cool truck.

I just take pics of unusual projects and I forgot to take a pic before I started but here's some after the easiest/quickest engine install I've ever done. I put the engine in through the passengers door in about 5 minutes.

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That's very cool.

Oh, I'm all over this one. Keep it coming!

That engine looks tiny in that great big van.

I didn't realize how offset the motors were in these. This is a sweet build

singleslammer wrote: I didn't realize how offset the motors were in these. This is a sweet build

It's offset quite a bit. I believe it's due to the rear end center section being offset. I'd intended to run the fuel system on the passengers side due to the fuel fittings placement on the aftermarket carb. However, I was asked to make a bracket with the fuel filter & electric pump mounted on it so when the rear tank is removed and the saddle tanks are installed the components can be relocated quicker. The owner wants 40+ gallon gas tank capability for some reason. Anyway I ended up routing the fuel system on the drivers side because the offset rear limited space. Replaced fuel lines from tank to engine compartment and increased line size to 3/8".

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Installed AOD trans using the original crossmember & mount with some brackets I fabbed for the crossmember. Also installed headers, electric fans, starter, etc.

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Been rebuilding things like the power steering pump and installing the MSD ignition, gauges, tach, etc. while getting everything ready to wire.

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Very nice!

Engine is my copilot

Been wiring and mocking up the power brake conversion. The conversion requires a right angle booster/master mount because there's no room to point forward.

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That is going to be really cool!

Interesting Master setup. What is it from? or is it custom?

How did I miss this? Awesome build. Any idea why if going to the trouble of a built motor he didn't start with a late roller block 351 and punch it out from there? Build costs wold have been the same and the extra cubes plus torque would be great for something line this.

I love it!

2002maniac wrote: Interesting Master setup. What is it from? or is it custom?

I believe it's from a similar Ford van but may be from a later year.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: How did I miss this? Awesome build. Any idea why if going to the trouble of a built motor he didn't start with a late roller block 351 and punch it out from there? Build costs wold have been the same and the extra cubes plus torque would be great for something line this.

I think the slippery slope affect is to blame. It's my understanding that the original 302 came out for some mild freshening and then the project escalated and a later 302 roller block was used.

Awesome!

351 is taller, so that my have been a factor, it was with the RX5.0

Rad_Capz wrote:

Adrian_Thompson wrote: How did I miss this? Awesome build. Any idea why if going to the trouble of a built motor he didn't start with a late roller block 351 and punch it out from there? Build costs wold have been the same and the extra cubes plus torque would be great for something line this.

I think the slippery slope affect is to blame. It's my understanding that the original 302 came out for some mild freshening and then the project escalated and a later 302 roller block was used.

Ah, that makes sense. Been there, done that, paid the consequences.

aussiesmg wrote: 351 is taller, so that my have been a factor, it was with the RX5.0

But because of the V angle it's not that much taller, but it sounds like scope creep.

a short deck windsor is still a cheaper build then a tall deck 351 even if space isnt a factor!

I can ask if a 351 was considered but whatever the reason it's what was there when I was called in to put everything together. Headers very close to floor on passenger side and I'll trim the floor a little for clearance.

I've been wiring for the modern electronics. Added a new fuse panel to feed the relays etc. to power MSD box, thermostat control for 2 cooling fans, tach, gauges, and oil pressure switch for the electric fuel pump. Once wiring is complete & tested I'll neatly bundle and sleeve the wiring to make it pretty.

I've got some issues to take care of with the power brake booster clearance and function as well as modifying the hood latch support to make room for the master cylinder. Apparently the later model trucks that had the popwer option had a different setup for the support & latch mechanism. The chrome booster in the pics above probably won't be usable and the firewall will have to be modified to allow a stock Ford booster.

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Things have been moving along so here's some updates. Installed a Lokar gas pedal and cable to eliminate te old rod system.

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Also installed a remote oil filter system with braided hoses and AN fittings because the oil filter is almost impossible to get to with power steering.

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Finished up the fuel lines in the engine compartment.

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Too nice to put a doghouse over!

Well done.