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« Last post by brrypyn on May 05, 2024, 06:58:42 AM »
Ah, Brent et al ... finally!! After losing an engine builder (IIRC, over 300 FE builds) due to health issues in the middle of my waiting for the scheduled opening in January, I have finally located a machinist/builder to take the project on in mid May. Brent was a tremendous help in advice and parts selection to stroke my FE 352 into a 434 c.i. hydraulic roller breathing torque beast. In fact, Brent, he would not commit to the build until I sent the parts list and goals for the engine.
In addition to that, I sourced a Ford toploader 3.03 transmission (3 spd close ratio w/OD) also from a 1965 Galaxie behind a built 289 that converted to a toploader 4 spd. I also sourced the pedal assembly, steering tube and spare NOS shift tube, and linkage for the column yoke. In total, about $1800 all in which leaves enough green to rebuild the gearbox if needed. For those who wonder if the tranny is stout enough, the 3.03 toploaders were standard equipment for full size Gals in 65. GM abandoned their Saginaw 3 spds buying the 3.03s for Chevelle 396s, Olds 442s, Buick GSs, as well as std equip for Gals & Fairlane GT 390s. The OD units were, by that time, all the same ... trucks & cars. I am not a thrasher steer boy, so I am not overly concerned at this point, even with a little pepper rowing through and splitting gears. I hear the cautions, though: NEVER start from still or shower down on 1st OD as the spraq bearings will be dust. Moderate use okay. I have 2000 ft to climb the last 2.5 mi up a mountain, every day every time its driven so gear splitting a close ratio, to me, means keeping the engine happy.
This is a rare unicorn of a build result - I have not been able to find any stats to say how many of the 31k convertibles built in 65 had an FE with 3.03 OD ... not something Ford tallied. Not for everyone, to be sure. But, the next owner after I have enjoyed her should have the basics to fine tune to their particular interest. Leaving a lot of meat on bones as far as engine (only 4.030" on bore), and all the needed stuff for significant upgrade on tranny as desired. Personally, the oddball rarity of the 3 spd column shift with OD behing a capable motor appeals to me.
Some time in July, I will post with pics how she turns out. Still looking for a cowl induction set up as shown in old NASCAR photos for 64-65 Galaxies.
Brry'd in the NC Mtns
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