nitroguy
Full Access Member
Hey guys, I need your help (or your delusion to push me off the cliff). Slightly off topic, but it's about IDI's, and sometimes it's fun to take a break from the normal. If this isn't allowed, please move/delete.
I've got a 1949 Ford F1 (named Frank) that I want to repower. It's got the original Flathead 6 in there, but I want to restomod the truck. A little lower, Crown Vic front end suspension, and disc brakes. Original is cool, but I'm looking for unique and most of all fun.
With that said, my other truck (Red Fred the Rusty Flatbed, if you've seen my threads here) that I've fallen in love with. That silly '84 is ridiculous, but just has SO MUCH character. I love it. But it's a pig. Fine for a flatbed dump runner, not great for a 'hot rod'.
Which led me to think, what about an idi into Frank? I'd want to turbo it, and maybe even intercool in time. Probably would go auto trans, and of course a new rearend to handle the torque. Would probably do airbags in the Crown Vic suspension to help with the weight (original engine is like 400lbs).
From what I can tell, the 6.9 is about the same exterior dimensions as a Ford 460, which guys have shoehorned into the engine compartment of these trucks. So, it should be doable.
I'm not a master craftsman, certainly, but I'm eager to learn, try, fail, and try again. This will be my side project, probably 5 years away from being done, but I want to start collecting parts and get my direction.
My other engine choices are the 302, 351, or I suppose rebuild the original I6. I think power-to-weight could be bested with the 351, but there's something super unique about the clatter of that idi.
I think it might be kinda fun. Change my mind.
Photos of when I brought Frank home a couple years ago. He now sits in my shop waiting vision (had to move/build a shop before I could ask these questions).
I've got a 1949 Ford F1 (named Frank) that I want to repower. It's got the original Flathead 6 in there, but I want to restomod the truck. A little lower, Crown Vic front end suspension, and disc brakes. Original is cool, but I'm looking for unique and most of all fun.
With that said, my other truck (Red Fred the Rusty Flatbed, if you've seen my threads here) that I've fallen in love with. That silly '84 is ridiculous, but just has SO MUCH character. I love it. But it's a pig. Fine for a flatbed dump runner, not great for a 'hot rod'.
Which led me to think, what about an idi into Frank? I'd want to turbo it, and maybe even intercool in time. Probably would go auto trans, and of course a new rearend to handle the torque. Would probably do airbags in the Crown Vic suspension to help with the weight (original engine is like 400lbs).
From what I can tell, the 6.9 is about the same exterior dimensions as a Ford 460, which guys have shoehorned into the engine compartment of these trucks. So, it should be doable.
I'm not a master craftsman, certainly, but I'm eager to learn, try, fail, and try again. This will be my side project, probably 5 years away from being done, but I want to start collecting parts and get my direction.
My other engine choices are the 302, 351, or I suppose rebuild the original I6. I think power-to-weight could be bested with the 351, but there's something super unique about the clatter of that idi.
I think it might be kinda fun. Change my mind.
Photos of when I brought Frank home a couple years ago. He now sits in my shop waiting vision (had to move/build a shop before I could ask these questions).
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