500 in 83 Fleetwood - Page 2

csbuckn · #16 (**permalink**) 06-30-09, 01:29 PM

I have 3.73 gears in the rear. I'm not looking for gas mileage, I want to build more towards performance. Is the mid sump pan going to work?

BRUCE ROE · #17 (**permalink**) 07-01-09, 12:36 AM

With a 500, the only place you can really use 3.73 gears is on the dragstrip with slicks. The low reving engine will red line before 100 mph. A 2.73 gear would be lot more practical. Bruce Roe

steelybill · #18 (**permalink**) 07-01-09, 05:31 PM

With that much torque you can get away with even a 2.56. My El Camino had a 2.56 with a built 400, which had great torque, and performed great.
My '76 Coupe Deville had a 2.73, and seemed "light on it's feet" for a 5300 lb car.
In my current El Camino project, ('75), I have a Currie 9 inch Ford rear with a 2.50 rear ratio, with a built Caddy 500. The car weighs 3750 stock, and the 500 is about 60 lbs heavier than a small block Chevy.

csbuckn · #19 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 12:51 AM

Thanks for all the info...I started a similar thread in the RWD forum so I have to get back over there before talking about much more. Jay said he was gonna keep it over there for us. I was unsure about the best year for a donor and the pan. Thanks again

csbuckn · #20 (**permalink**) 07-03-09, 04:13 PM

Hey we were wondering about the oil pan, I have a mid sump now. Is that gonna work in the 90 FWB? I thought I read that it would work but cant find that info anymore.