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Tube Chassis, 547 CI BBF, Trick Flow 340 heads, FTI TH400 Level 4 Transmission, 9 Inch Rear, Strange Axles & Struts, Billet Specialties Wheels.
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Rear View/Back Half
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Tube Chassis
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Strange Struts
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Billet Specialties Wheels/Tube Chassis
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Engine Mock Up
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Fitting the Body
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I haven't worked on the car for a few years. Just retired and getting on it again. Started with 429 SCJ block and aluminum Cobra Jet heads. Change of plans. Going more race than street legal. But, still both. Purchased a Ford Performance A460 block and Callies crankshaft. Purchased Trick Flow 340 BBF heads. Blower is a Blower Shop 14-71.
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Eliminator blower intake manifold.
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Changes are the Ford Racing A460 Block, 547 CI, and FTI level IV TH 400 transmission.
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Blower Shop 14-71; 547 CI Ford; A460 Ford Block - 4.5 in bore (M-6010-A460XBB); Callies 460 Magnum - Crank 4.3 in Stroke (994-H29-MG); GRP Custom Aluminum Rods - 6.8 in length; JE Custom Piston - 8.5:1 compression; Comp Cam 290I/302E lift, 112 Duration, .796I/.796E; Titan oil pump; Dan Olson 460 Oil Pan; Trick Flow A460 340 Heads (TFS 5461T802-M87); Jesel Rockers 1.75/1.75 ratio; Comp Cam 9.65 in, 3/8 chromoly push rods; Eliminator A460 Ford blower Intake manifold.
57timemachine on May 26, 2024 said:
It is real sweet to see something other than a 40 or 41 Willy's. That is going to be one real sweet ride. Looking forward to the build. Cheers.
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Mario on May 27, 2024 said:
The 40 Ford Coupe has always been one of my favorites, either stock or full racer. Yours is mind blowing with a 540 engine!
Best of Luck in finishing it up and keep posting pictures on your progress. We'd love to see them. Mario
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Mario on Mar 1, 2026 said:
Hi Bootlegger, thanks for the 40 Ford pictures, that's an Awesome dragster! You are one Talented car guy! Best Regards, Mario
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BOOTLEGGER on Mar 2, 2026 said:
Thanks, Mario. However, I can't take credit for the expertise behind the construction of this car. Particularly, when I haven't seen an all steel 1940 Ford Coupe full tube chassis car. This car is being hand built from the bottom, up. Although, I help where I can, and stay involved in the build; Credit goes to Norris Willis and his assistant, Sanford Grant. The shop is Willis Automotive of Jacksonville, NC. Thanks for the compliments.
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Mario on Mar 2, 2026 said:
Good to hear from you Bootlegger. Well you're still a part of the team doing the work. And it's a beauty.
BTW I live in NY but when I was in the Marines I was stationed in Camp LeJeune just outside of Jacksonville, NC. A really nice town. Take care and Good Luck on your project. Mario
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azmusclecar on May 24, 2024 said:
Having just purchased a 71 Nova with a 540 in it, I've come to a new appreciation for strokers.
It was a former drag car and I'm going to take it back to a street cruiser.
At age 73, my drag racing is behind me due to aging physical limitations.
I love your build and hope to keep tabs on it. I'll live vicariously through your thread. It's safer for me, and others. Best wishes, Rob
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