Well, after much pushing by my wife, I've pulled the Olds 455 from my 42 and will stuff a Stage I, KB equipped BBB in there, I've just finished. She doesn't care about the motor but I've decided to install the aftermarket 'stang suspension parts. Motor is done. Here's my question. How does one size coil over shocks for the front of this beast, given the weight of the BBB? The suspension is 78 Mustang II with aftermarket shock towers and cross member and beefy strut rods. That installation is nearly complete. They are plenty good for a BBB but what about the shocks? Any input here would be greatly appreciated. It's gotta ride nice and smooth otherwise, I'll be sleeping in the garage "again". This may well be the only 1942 Ford 2-door Sedan with a BBB in the entire country as these cars are fairly rare. Thanks in advance and as always.
Len, it should be fairly close to the same as a SB chevy spring I'd think. The difference should be handled with the spring adjusters. To be scientific about it you would have to weigh the front end and then tell the supplier your numbers. The last "Super Rod" magazine has a pretty good article about springs in it. Is the 42 the same as the 35-40 chassis? How well did the oil filter fit between the frame rails?
Is the 42 the same as the 35-40 chassis? How well did the oil filter fit between the frame rails?[/QUOTE] No, the X-member type frame was the same for 40 through 47 I believe. The 42 is sort of a fatherless child when it comes to fat fendered street rods. It looks the same as the 46 and 47 with the exception of the grill. The 42 was one year only. On fitting the engine...should not be a major problem, but I do see headers as a potential nightmare. The oil filer will not be in place, I have a relocation system installed. The engine should go in, in two weeks. Off to the Colorado river, Parker Strip to be exact for a few days. I'll keep ya informed. Len
I have a 455 in a 49 ford albeit has a g-body front clip. my brother has a set od ta shorty headers on his and I think they would work on yours too your only issue with them may be the shift link if you have a column one. also make sure you keep the oil filter as close to the engine as possible and us large lines so there is minimal volume/pressue drop I would leave the springs alone for now the olds isnt that much heavier but sb chevy rate would be a good start if you want to change. good gas shocks would be fine.
I bit the bullet and went with coil overs, 1400 to 1600 lbs spring rate. With the spring adjusted to within about 1 inch of the bottom of the shock, the control arms sit straight, good suspension travel and, hopefully, a smooth ride. Look'n good so far.
Glad to hear you nailed it first try. Take some pics and post 'em if you get a chance. I really like to see these projects progress. I used the lightest Moroso springs I could get on my 50 Olds (Camaro clip) and I think they might still be too stiff
Here's a guide from Eaton Detroit Springs..... http://www.eatonsprings.com/m2coils.htm '35-'48 fatfender big block 367 lbs/in These are full coils and you said coilovers, but the spring rate should apply in either case.
