I am going to build another Henry-J to play with and would like some input on my choice of the engine!!!!!!! It is going to be strictly Gasser style, meaning nose in the air and a lot of engine in the mid section of the car... I would like a little input on the best engine to build. I am on a budget but it is not at a set $$$ amount yet but I know I can't go Hemi like I would like. I am a bow tie guy but would consider anything,,,, nothing is out. I am leaning towards the BIG INCH CADDY's right now for the available torque for stock. Cheap H.P comes in big inch engines right?? I would like to run pump gas so the big compression I think is out of reach right??? This is a car straight out of the field, to the garage, to the track,,MOKAN 2008 I hope, but probably in 2009. Will post pictures of the whole build right here.
Big inch Cad is a nice choice...alway's the BBC even though they have been done to death...OR, how about a 455 Buick. A friend built a nice 455 for his 70 GS that burn's pump gas, and also 12's in full trim...about 4K pounds.. So in a light weight ride it'll run like hell... Option's options options Tony
A PONTIAC!!..Duh... Actually, I like the Caddilac idea, only downside is speed parts are a bit hard to come by. Lots more stuff out there than there used to be, but it is still a loooong way from the availability of a small block Chevvie. Good luck, -Abone.
327,big valve heads,Isky cam,Inglese fuel injection, 4 speed,57 Olds 4:11 posi rear end,straight axle......
how about one of joe mondellos olds 455. big inches and 600 hp on pump gas.plus they are fairly available.
Anything with lots of cubes. Cadi, Olds, Pontiac or Buick. I prefer the Cadi myself. 500 inches and only 65 lbs more than a sbc. www.cadillacperformanceparts.com
Watch the classifieds and see what comes up for sale cheap - any of the 455s, Caddy 472-500, Ford 460, Mopar 440, just find a $500 donor car. Or like I did, buy a '69 Toronado for $50 with a set up 455 in it -
You want this thing to be fast, right?...... and for minimum bux too, correct? No question then, BIG BLOCK FOOOORRRRDDD!!!
I am looking for something IIIII can build here at the house!! I can do it, have a lot of small block experience, and well I can't see shelling out money for something I can do here. I do employ a decent machine shop on a regular basis, can't do that stuff at home. Looking to go fiberglass on everything from doors, hood, front fenders, to the trunk lid. H.P. vs weight makes speed!! Buick? Caddy? Mophar?Chebby? Henry Ford?? Small block vs big? I do like shifting gears!!Three peddles on the floor!!
I would suggest a Big Block Chevrolet ... some of the small block stuff will work on the Big Block ( distributor/starter/Carbs ) and making a BBC go is very easy. Lots of used BBC parts around ... and even older, out dated , obsolete race stuff would make a Henry J fly ...
DITTO! an injected 327 would be period perfect, affordable, fun to rev the hell out of and have tons of transmission options.
The crank on the caddy isnt drilled for a pilot so going manual is a little more difficult then the other suggestions.
Big block chevy, hey your already a Chevy guy why not? Plus if you feel like it you can pull out the big block and run a small block with minimum hassle. Rock crusher, 11 inch clutch, Lakewood bell and 411's, Hang On!
I was thinking you wanted something other than a small block chevy.. BUT, if your not apposed to one, then that's exactly what i'd do. (and pretty much what i do for myself in most of my builds..327's are great mills) Personally, i'd run a 327 just like was mentioned.. Nice high winding little screamer, backed by a strong 4 speed. can't go wrong. Plus with your knowledge of them, the fact that there are part's everywhere and they just plain run when done right it's a all around win situation.
Back in the middle 60s there was a street Henry J pseudo-gasser around here. It had a mid 50's Cadillac with the factory 2 4s. I've seen plenty of Henry J's over the years but I always remember this one because of the Caddy engine. Not as easy as SBC but much more memorable. IMHO
Small block Chevy makes sense from a packaging, cost and availability perspective. Caddy would be a great choice, just 'cuz they're cool. While a BBC will also make a ton of horsepower, if you're really looking for something strong and cheap, go 440 Mopar. Tunnel rams are everywhere for them, the 833 manual or 727 auto are bullet proof. Core engines can be found for cheap cheap. And you can frequently find nice finned '60s valve covers for them. regulary headers are also pretty commonly found. You can convert to a rear sump pan with truck parts (pan and pick-up tube). Lots of modern aftermarket support for hard-core internals, TONS of options for heads (iron, aluminum, factory, Mopar Performance and aftermarket). In a Henry J or Willys, that's what'd I'd do. -Brad
how about a 425 olds.Plenty of power.Or maybe a 330 olds.They has steel cranks short stroke.310-320 hp out of the car.The automatics didn't have the crank drilled for a pilot bushing but the sticks did and there is a pilot hole there to drill it.Or how about a 400 olds they were rated at 350 hp.My dad has a worked one in his 67 442 and it moves.I have a 355 chevy in my 56.I took power pac heads and had them hogged out and 2.02 valves installed.11:1 pistons with the heads it's around 12:1.575 lift solid cam with roller rockers.This motor sounds awesome.m22 to back it and some gears.4:88's
Buddy has an engine in his s10 that is a 305 with a 400 crank. Its a high winding motor 8000+ rpms. Sounds really good and has substantial power. i think he said its a 329.?.?.?
Here's a goodie!!!! Try a 394 OLDS Stone Woods and Cook used one in their Swindler A. If you're doing gasser....follow the originators of gasser match racing!!!!!
Regardless of what engine you choose, get yourself a NHRA rule book from the targeted time frame and build a legal gasser. Proper engine set back, distance of crankshaft from ground and all the rules. Faux gassers are the next Rat Rods. Build it right, man.
That was my first thought but my wallet and my dreams, in that case, are in two different categories!! I have an original 1960's record holder in the garage but through years of changes it is painted and set lower that the old days. Don't want to change it because it took my dad half of his life to get it where it is. SOOOO i build my own to look like his did in the era it was setting records!!
The Jalopy Journal
