Thanks for asking Don, I have had the same fears and had conversations with Stan (the designer/builder of FPT) from the beginning as I was very skeptical. He was very confident in his product and explained it in principle.

You have to consider that the steady rest must be tight so the engine doesn't rock or in any way be loose. Just like the original style. Then realize that one is "pulling" and the other is "pushing" against each other. They are 5/16" steel rod. And remember the engine actually is "sitting" on front and rear motor mounts as well.

I have had no issues yet, knock on wood. However, I run an automatic with a shift kit so I'm guessing that's less stress with shifting. I still wouldn't mind installing a safety chain or turnbuckle, link for some kind for insurance.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Alan I am wondering how the steady mount stabilizers on the headers is holding up? At least that is what I assume they are from the pictures at the FPA website. Seems as if they may be a bit on the light side to keep a high torque engine in place.  

Don Woodruff

 No,might have been a different Barry. Nothing in my '57 right now.Still have the 312 & std 3spd w/od, sitting ,waiting for body repair.Years ago I swapped in a 428cj and C6 and a 4:30 gear set....way too impractical for a driver,but it sure did go! It all seemed like a great idea back then,but I'd like to get back to Y power and have something i can drive. Never did put more than 50 miles on the thing before parking it and tearing it all apart.    Barry in Manitoba

Barry, I thought you had an AOD in your 57?

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

LordMrFord, thanks for the heads up on the starter flywheel. I'll keep my eye out for issues with it. I think the flywheel I have IS tapered though.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I had problems with Bendsen's starter. One starter bearing broked after half year and a flywheel was not tapered for starter gear. So a gear just always not go far enough.


Hyvinkää, FI

The torque curve of your engine caught my eye. That Isky 300 cam looks like a good one.

Best regards,



Paul Menten

Meridian, Idaho

 Thanks for the blog link,maybe the pics of progress will inspire me to get off the computer and back out to the shop to work on my long neglected 57 'bird   Barry

I've tried do do a blog to inform others of install questions about this project of mine.

There will also be random tbird and yblock photos posted there for other reference as I get around to it.

I'm still working on the bird AND the blog so they're both still in the works.



http://birddropnz.blogspot.com

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK