Powerglide 2 speed. Classic truck power plant discussion

[Arizona_928]

I some how came into the possession of a 53 ford f100 that has been in the family since the 1980's.

Very straight, minor surface rust. Current power plant is a 1968ish 302 that is seized, and a powerglide 2 speed. I know absolutely nothing of the 2 speed powerglide. Is it something I should keep? Maybe swap to turbo 400, t56? Is the power glide something that is doable with a low hp diesel?
I've been looking at another 5.3l cheb FI truck engine, or a kubota v2203 diesel... I'm not looking for high hp. Just drivable, reliable, and hopefully efficient.

[legion]

It might not be great for your uses, but IIRC they are sought after by drag racers.

[asphaltgambler]

For overall driveabilty, trash that unit and look for a modern 4-5 speed automatic. A question - seems very odd someone would put a GM 2 speed behind a small block Ford?

[Arizona_928]

It's a cheb 302.
it's a complete powertrain swap. Looks like it was used for drag racing. Has a very wide set of bias ply on the rear.

[wdfifteen]

The 302 was the original Z-28 engine. It’s not a good engine for your purposes. The PowerGlide doesn’t sound like a great choice for a high-reving little V-8, so that combo is kind of puzzling. A real Z-28 engine might have some value to a Chevy enthusiast selling it might help fund your project.
For your stated goal I’d just drop in 350/350, they made them by the millions, they’re stone reliable, it’s probably the cheapest most effective way to reach your goal.

[Sooner or later]

If you are looking for efficient don't go with the powerglide .

Why the Kubota?

[dafischer]

Maybe a 307?

[Evans, Marv]

From back in the day, all I remember were the powerglides in the gutless 6 cylinder Chevys of the time.

[masraum]

Right, as has been stated, a powerglide is bad for driving around, but apparently, good for drag racing.

The Chevy 302 is a rare bird, another vote to check if it's real and then sell it to someone and then get a more modern drivetrain, possibly a ford of some sort (although a Chevy is better and cheaper )

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

A real Z-28 engine might have some value to a Chevy enthusiast selling it might help fund your project.
For your stated goal I’d just drop in 350/350, they made them by the millions, they’re stone reliable, it’s probably the cheapest most effective way to reach your goal.

My pops made the same comment. But his prices are pre internet days.

I've been looking at the 350 crate engines. $1,600 260hp from jegs. Around the same price for a 4.8/5.3 and a 4l60e

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by masraum

Right, as has been stated, a powerglide is bad for driving around, but apparently, good for drag racing.

Guys with a big engine in a relatively heavy car that only need to shift once in a drag race love race-built aluminum PowerGlides.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by AZ_porschekid

My pops made the same comment. But his prices are pre internet days.

I've been looking at the 350 crate engines. $1,600 260hp from jegs. Around the same price for a 4.8/5.3 and a 4l60e

Putting the biggest engine you can afford in a ‘53 Ford pickup might not be the best way to achieve your stated goal.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Putting the biggest engine you can afford in a ‘53 Ford pickup might not be the best way to achieve your stated goal.

Very true! My pops offered me a 454 that he had laying around.

That's what interests me with the kubota swap. Everyone is doing the 4bt, 6bt, 12 valve, 24 valve. *Yawn* another cummins swap.
The v2203 seem to be pretty powerful units with a power adder. Efficiency of a diesel. Powerglide seems like it's out. Maybe a 700r4 since I'm not planning on high hp.

[Sooner or later]

Everyone is doing the Cummings for a reason.

Which specific Kubota are you looking at?

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by sooner or later

everyone is doing the cummings for a reason.

Which specific kubota are you looking at?

v2203


Because they're cummins swapping everything these days. Sheep

[Sooner or later]

I just can't see the Kubota mod. The small v8 is so easy and every swinging dick can work on it. Put a simple FI on it and be done. A turbo Kubota might get ya 100 hp and 200 lbs ft.

You'll never be happy with the Powerglide for the street. They are great for drag racing because they are durable and simple. On the street, you'll be either in too low or too high a gear at all times.

If you stick with GM, I'd put an LS backed by whatever modern GM auto you want. The coolest thing, though, would be to change it back to a Ford engine. An HO 302 Windsor would work fine and is available relatively cheap.

[VincentVega]

5.3l takeout

yep, nothing new and played out but hard to beat the $$/power/reliability factor

Sounds like a cool project, good luck

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Sooner or later

I just can't see the Kubota mod. The small v8 is so easy and every swinging dick can work on it. Put a simple FI on it and be done. A turbo Kubota might get ya 100 hp and 200 lbs ft.

That's all one needs. Just enough to get out of its own way lol
I don't want a hot rod. Just want a fun cruiser.

[Sooner or later]

What gear ratio in the rear end? If it was a drag car....