Topic: Engine swap


Whifty    -- 05-25-2014 @ 2:09 PM
  I have a V8 60hp '37 and I have found a 42 90hp. Is this a direct swap. The 90hp is missing the fan & generator assys, will they be hard to find?


supereal    -- 05-25-2014 @ 3:13 PM
  I believe that the radiator, clutch, and transmission are special to the 60. Finding the fan, generator, etc, can be done, but it takes some digging. The '42 is common with the flatheads thru '48, so there are sources for the things you need. If your 60 is running and in decent shape, you might consider keeping it, particularly if it is original, as '37 was the first year for the smaller engine.


CharlieStephens    -- 05-25-2014 @ 3:15 PM
  The fan and generator should be relatively easy to find. If you put your general location in your post and in your profile someone close might have one and save shipping. This might be a good time to consider a two brush generator instead of a three unless you are into a total restoration. Also try a wanted ad here, on fordbarn.com and on HAMB (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forums/wanted.30/).

Charlie Stephens

This message was edited by CharlieStephens on 5-25-14 @ 3:17 PM


juergen    -- 05-25-2014 @ 3:16 PM
  Yes, but you need to swap several things. First the V8-85 radiator is bigger and sits more to the front. Next is the engine (a 42 V8-85 engine is the same exterior size as a 37 V8-85). Then you need a V8-85 trans. Depending on your rear end ratio you could use a 3.78 instead of a 4.xx ratio.

You would want a fan mounted to the generator which may be the same as your V8-60 and you may need to find the big 37-40 V8-85 exhaust manifolds. None of this is hard to find and should not be expensive.


37 Coupe    -- 05-26-2014 @ 6:23 AM
  Basically the swap I did,not a 60 hp enthusiast. The 60 hp front motor mount brackets are just an adapter on the 85hp crossmember,drill the rivets out and remove and there is your mounting for the engine. I changed rear end to 3:78 also and used a 1939 transmission. The 1937 85hp radiator is hard to find but the replacement fit 1937-1938 and 1939 standard has a 81A prefix and is made for a 4lb cap.


Whifty    -- 05-26-2014 @ 7:47 PM
  Thanks guys, you've all given me a great deal of information.


supereal    -- 05-28-2014 @ 12:44 PM
  Doing an engine swap is usually more complicated than expected. Last year, we placed a V8 in an Econoline pickup for a customer. It now has an automatic transmission, an altered driveshaft, and a rear end from a car, and wiring changes from the engine bay to the dashboard. The motor and transmission mounts were made in our shop. It certainly improved performace, and the owner, who runs a body shop, uses it for a "gofer" vehicle for parts.


rotorwrench    -- 05-28-2014 @ 4:02 PM
  Just to add,the 42 90 HP engine is an inline G series 6-cylinder. The 221 V8 was an 85 HP and the 39 thru 42 Mercury & truck 239 V8 was 95 HP. The early 60 HP had a different clutch & transmission than the larger 85HP engine so they are also affected. 221 V8 stuff isn't too hard to find and the 59 series 239 stuff can also be made to work without too much trouble as long as you use the generator mounted fan.


avrotom    -- 05-28-2014 @ 7:57 PM
  The Devil is indeed in the details, I and others seem to have missed the "90". Good catch rotorwrench.


Whifty    -- 05-28-2014 @ 9:44 PM
  This is on the VanPelt website:

Year Disp Bore & Stroke HP Compression

1942 Ford 221 3.0625 x 3.750 90 6.20:1


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