Continuing with Street Rodder and Ford Racing's recognition of street rodders who install a late-model Ford engine in a Ford, our latest recipient is Tom Schumacher of Columbus, Ohio. Tom's '32 Ford highboy roadster is fitted with a 2001 Ford modular 4V Cobra motor neatly placed by Lobeck's V-8 Shop. Tom is the Northern Ohio Representative for the NSRA.
The roadster is based on a Brookville body sitting on a Lobeck frame with a stretched wheelbase all sprayed by Lobeck's in PPG black. At the corners are Real Rodders Wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich rubber. Bringing this package to a halt are Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors.
Congratulations to Tom, who will receive a custom jacket and be in the running for a grand prize, which is a brand new Ford crate engine.
A Handy Tip For Fitting That Ford In A FordQ: There are two different bellhousing sizes for C4 transmissions that mate to a small-block Ford. How to ID a large or small bellhousing C4 and what parts do you need for each?
A: Here's a good tech tip for determining what bellhousing C4 you have and what flexplate and index plate you need.
To determine if you need a 157 tooth or 164 tooth flexplate measure center to center from the top starter hole to the block mounting hole above it. 1.5-inch equals a 157 tooth flexplate; 1.75-inch equals 164 tooth flexplate.
Ford discontinued carrying many of the starter index plates a few years back but Total Performance in Clinton Twp., Michigan has started cutting them out for the various applications. They carry many Ford starter index plates; for more info call: (586) 468-3710.
 Tom's '32 Ford highboy roadster...  Tom's '32 Ford highboy roadster was built at Lobeck's V8 Shop in Cleveland. |  It's a full engine compartment...  It's a full engine compartment but it does fit. Matched to the 4V Cobra motor is a TREMEC five-speed, aluminum driveshaft, and a Ford 9-inch rearend. |  Tom, nice job on the roadster...  Tom, nice job on the roadster and welcome to the growing list of rodders who are now eligible for the grand prize-a new Ford Racing crate engine. |
Street Rodder & Ford Racing Performance present Best Ford in a Ford (remaining events)NHRA Hot Rod ReunionJune 19-21, 2009(Bowling Green, KY)
St. IgnaceJune 25-27, 2009(St. Ignace, MI)
Goodguys NationalsJuly 10-12, 2009(Columbus, OH)
Syracuse NationalsJuly 17-19, 2009(Syracuse, NY)
NSRA NationalsAugust 6-9, 2009(Louisville, KY)