Hot Rods So, what do you think is the coolest hot rod engine ever?

Damn, Chris.....you .got a lotta guys passionate about their personal choices and their reasons posting here. I like most engines simply because I'm an engine-type guy. Love the sbc but I do more Pontiac engines. They're basically a bigger sbc with the distributor on the other side of the cam.
But I'd love to do up an F.E. ford some day for a project like yours. Most production F.E.s have an oiling system that will live ok on the street but the side oiler was an improvement for the NASCAR guys...I'd love to start with one of those blocks and build from there. With a swap to a lighter aluminum intake they're not all that heavy either...lighter than a BBC but then, what isn't? Yeah, a 427 ford would be a blast in your 36 and you could actually use it to tow if you wanted...

 

Early HEMI

 

Ide have to go with a 49 or 50 olds 303, stock valve covers, 2x2 intake. Simple is my game

 

I'm glad there are guy passionate about stuff that I am not. That keeps everything interesting. I wouldn't personally dump $8K into a motor that in the end only makes 200hp, but I am glad there are guys that take up that torch. Sometimes, you just can't rationalize it by trying to sort out what is most economical. Otherwise, that stuff would disappear.
I love early small journal stuff, Nailheads, Cadillacs etc.
My problem is deciding which route to take. I take a lot into consideration. Transmssion choices are one of the deciding factors.

 

Why the rod talk? All of them can be broken, and I have experience there too. Of all the rods to break, BBC! Now we all know if you don't break something now n then you ain't tryin hard enough. By a miscue from a pal I rec'd his modded N2O plate vs the standard. I accidentally shoved about 450 HP worth of blue bottle tune up at it when it was supposed to be 200. Oops, broke number 4 rod in 3 pcs, blew out the cylinder from the 9 o'clock point to the 3. Split the piston dome right off too. However, with all that carnage at 600' she still ran a 10.70@111. Anything can be broken, no?

 

Chris, the COOLEST engine that you can have in the "shop" truck is the one that gets you on the road again, ASAP. LOL.

Stick with your current build plan and have some fun this summer. Save this one for the "nice" truck.

 

Oh, it is Bret. I have 3 more cabs and assorted parts. The shop truck is a done deal. It should be on the road by May, I hope.

This one is for my original truck that I have had since 1970. It's a keeper and won't ever be sold. I'll be buried in it.

 

The nailhead in Ron Myers' old '39 has kool written all over it!

 

Probably not the best choice for this application, but I've always dug the OHC Pontiac 6 and would love to use one in a rod someday.

 

I'll take the beating for this so bring your best, or worst (!)...
I love that nailhead. The color, carbs, finned aluminum, stunning. However, those radiator hoses. It's like the girl with a perfect ass n thighs, wearing her CFM shoes, she turns around and has a face that could stop a charging bull moose. He didn't build it for me, I get that, but nothing says "Me too!!" with less class than those fuckin things. Look at most any weekly cruise night poser's engine and there they are. I'd rather see a smooth stainless tube and 2 connecting hose stubs, all held in place with vintage clamps.

Go ahead, kick my ass, I can take it. It's just my opinion about something shared in the open, and some of you know I'm not often shy with it. I will say I mean no offense, just have to ride that one doggy style, face in the pillows...

 

Since you seem quite knowledgeable about OHV conversions on bangers. I thought you might enlighten me on just how much something like this might cost.

 

Whew! I was getting worried.

In that case, I vote full dressed Nailhead, and as @theHIGHLANDER said, the the hoses should not distract. I'm a fan of clean black OEM hoses that you have to pick through to find the right diameter and bends, and wind up using 1/4 of the hose ya had to buy to make it work. LOL

 

Rich- I love your "CAN DO" attitude!

 

Great post for us who crave engine porn. Gotta go with the early hemis, and love the photo of that Desoto Fire Dome Eight. Right size, right weight, right look.

 

I actually started to reply to this then it occurred to me that there is no reason to try and drag out the drama. Maybe someone else will play with you.

Back on topic, @Roothawg as far as the 394 Olds goes, you can't get much more extreme than the Chet Smith motor that I posted and stay traditional, granted the parts that show above the head are one off but they could be duplicated and this one originally ran Big Carter AFBs. If it were not for the 12+:1 compression it would make a neat street motor, but as it is unless one would spring for dished pistons it is pretty much a race only engine unless one lives where E-85 is plentiful.

For cool factor in your little shop truck what you really want is anything that looks like it should be there and out of place at the same time. Its a balancing act at the very least.

I'll give you an example, my old '46 Coupe was outdated when "Street is neat" became the mantra, that is why I got it cheap I think. It was perfect in my eyes with the 331 cad, but when the motor got tired I got a well dressed Cleveland Hamster that I picked up cheap from a wrecked OT car. it was more then quick enough with the Ford mill and a blast to drive but when the caddy got freshened and went back in the car was right again. The Ford motor never looked correct under the hood of the old heap.

So any old mill tat you have that looks out of place and like it should be there at the same time is good as far as I can figure it out.

What is within reach for you?

 

Exactly. Like I said before,if we all liked the same girl it be a very boring place.

 

Actually if you read mine and roothawg's posts you would notice that while we use one engine more than another we are eclectic in our likes and desires. The first motor that I posted while I would not expect you to recognize it is mine.



One should always have the common sense to not bad mouth another man's woman.


The first motor that I posted while it is crusty and dirty on the outside if fresh and ready to fly.Truth be known other then the Toyota V8 that I posted as anything but an SBC (no one should ever use a blanket statement and not expect it bite them in the ass) if possible I would own every engine that I posted on a stand and ready to fly. To further extend out conversation I have built and run a few ford motors too, I learned a long time ago that a wrench like a hard dick has no conscience.

 

The op asked for an opinion,he didn't say It had to be the same as his. And as far as bite me in the ass? I'm not trying to change anyone's opinion,run what ya want, if it's not what I like,I'll just keep scrolling.

 

I've got a call into a neighbor that is the President of the Buick club. We'll see if this is even doable.

 

Fixed it for you...

 

LOL I hadn't planned on pulling that one out but if the show fits I guess.

Opinions are fine, internet drama is not. Any opinion, even one not accepted as PC is acceptable when delivered in an intelligent manner and a good attitude.

 

Now that is funny

Right.

 

Some times it happens and the fella in question doesn't even know it. I have been guilty a time or two and had to go back and try to fix it. Maybe it falls under the measure twice and cut once rule.

 

Root, you'll soon see that the 425 is the Mac daddy, both in HP and price. Don't forget, every Wildcat or Riviera from that time needs it too so supply n demand. I learned too that the more common 364 (?) can use some of the early stuff but has the later bell housing pattern. For what you're doing even a 322 will scoot pretty well. Flywheel/clutch stuff sells fast so don't hesitate there either. Good luck, awesome choice...

 

I seldom even see a 425 for sale, but I have seen more then a few 401s running and within reach of the average rodder.

I haven't seen a 364 in a while but the couple that I have owned and used were pretty stout. I can't imagine one not being enough motor to provide many happy motoring miles in a '30s era ford.

 

I had a 401 a few years back for this very project and sold it. I had kids in high school, buying cars, band instruments, private lessons etc. So, I opted out since the parts were so high.
I would really like a 425, mainly because we had a 66 Rivi with one in it. I should have kept that car......

 

Nailhead's
Old HEMI's
Cadillac OHV's