Big block to small block bracket/adapter

Homewrecker · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2001, 11:03 AM

My Unique Cobra is set up for a Ford FE engine. I am thinking about going with a 427 Windsor stroker. Does anyone know of an adapter bracket that will attach the Windsor block to the existing FE frame mounts. I may want to put a big block back in at some point in time. Have any of you guys (10%ers or other

) that switched from big to small used the existing motor mounts or did you cut & weld?? (I also don't want to mess up that power coating)
Also, did you have to change your transmission mount location or was that the base point for where the 351W is located in the frame? I don't have either of these motors laying around so I don't know the difference in shape or orientation/position.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance

poorboy · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2001, 09:40 PM

Homewrecker;
Cutting out the present mounts and putting in new ones is the only way. Any type of adapter would raise the engine too high. The engine would have to be placed in the frame with headers to line up with the side pipes. I think the transmisson mount is in the same location, I'll check to make sure.
Poorboy

marmmansa · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2001, 10:02 PM

Call southern automotive in GA. ask for big daddy Bill.#770-898-9360 If there is another way he will know for Bill does alot of motors for unique.Tell him mark from CT. sent you he is a great guy.

Homewrecker · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2001, 05:10 AM

Thanks guys!

Poorboy;
Why would it set the motor too high? Are the mounts on the two blocks located in very different spots?

Marmmansa:
I have called Bill about this subject, but he always turns me around & convinces me to use the FE. Then we talk for an hour about 427s & 428s & 406s. He is a great guy! Maybe I'll try him again.

Clois Harlan · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2001, 06:27 AM

Dave,

I'm in the process of doing the opposite-small to big. So if you want to switch headers and transmount I might be interested. I have been told that I will need to cut out my old engine mounts and weld up new big block ones. I will let you know after I talk to Brian Anderson at B&B.

Homewrecker · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2001, 08:58 AM

Clois:
I plan on keeping the headers & tranny mount for now. I am testing the water to see which way I should go. I like everything the 427W has to offer, I just wasn't sure about the extra work. I don't have a welder at this time, but I think that I would change to the stroked small block eventually & figure that I probably don't need to spend the money twice.

poorboy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2001, 12:22 PM

Dave;
The risers that come up off the frame are different lenghts, plus the style of mount are completly different. To make an adapter you will gain to much height. The trans mount is close enough to use. You would have to have someone build new headers.
Poorboy

RACER X #99 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2001, 04:30 PM

I went from a SO FE with toploader to a 351W and Tremec in my Contemporary. I had to cut out the old motor mounts and weld in new ones also had to cut back on the trans mount and relocate mounting holes for same. A little work but saved 100 lbs of excess iron.
Found a set of 351 W headers made for a Shell Valley Cobra replica and with a little tweaking they matched up to my 427 sidepipes.
RD