27' Ford Roadster build poll

Well they say opinions are like assholes...everyone's got one! I hope so cause I need some! Opinions that is.

I'm building a 27 Ford roadster from scratch for the Lonestar roundup. Monday it was just 5 sheets of 18 ga sheet metal. Now it's a turtle deck with one of the side panels (behind the door) almost done. It'll sit on a shop built (also from scratch) 32 Ford frame. I'm enclosing some pictures of the build and will post it all on the HAMB when it's done.

I'm looking for opinions on engines. I only work with ford engines so that narrows it down (no offense to the chevy guys). I'm debating putting in a 4 cyl with a T5 from a Thunderbird and dressing it up with dual carbs and such, or maybe a turbo and possibly putting a hood on it. But I'm not sold on the idea. I just can't seem to give up on the 8's. I can't afford a flathead so unfortunately that's out. So there we are what do you think. I have about a month to decide but I knew you guy's would help with you thoughts. So thanks ahead of time!
Eddie

The poll is 4 or 8 cylinder

 

I would have to go with a V8, buts its your car so build it how u want it. And that body is looking pretty good

 

v6 with a charger

 

I've been wanting to build a banger T for a while - go for it.

 

2300 ford by all means, great little engs.

 

v8 IMO

 

289 would rule in that

 

Normally, I'd say put the banger in a T, but with the '32 frame I would go V8.

 

v8, lots of dressup parts avaliability, so itd be very easy to put it in an era or style.

 

I think a Model A or B banger with a T5 would rock. But a later vintage Ford four cylinder would also be cool.

Impressive fabrication. Keep the pictures coming.

 

I think you'd have fun with it with a banger in it, but if you really want it to go, put in the eight. Either way, cool build

Flatman

 

At this point I could care less about the engine choice...I'm just a little distracted by your metalworking skills! Looks wonderful!

Oh yeah, the engine...um...V8!

 

That thing deserves a V8! Maybe a 289. Lots of hopup parts available and they're inexpensive. BTW, Excellent metal work! Do you have any dimensions on that turtle deck? I have a 27 T roadster, but no deck. I'm sure I can hammer one out if I have a drawing, template, or even just dimensions. If you want, I can make an AutoCAD drawing of the results and post it here on the board in JPG form.

 

Thanks for the compliment on the metalwork! And the input on the engine.
Eddie

 

Thanks again for the compliments! I usually use 289's or 302's but I am wondering if the four banger would be more interesting. I am building this especially for the lonestar roundup to try and show off my metalwork. It will be there with the 1930 Pontiac roadster pickup I built and both will be in bare metal. Thanks very much again for the compliments and the input.
As for the dimensions, I will be happy to draw them out but it will be a while as I'm trying to build this whole thing before the show (April 4th). Keep reminding me if you don't mind or I'll forget. Aside from the build I'm a single Dad of a 2 yr old daughter and sometimes by the end of the night I doubt that I have any brain cells left!

Eddie

 

how much for a turtle deck?...it looks great and i've been searching for a long time...only if your interested

 

CRH,
I couldn't agree with you more! I too am distracted
Topcat, You are one talented rodder! That is some fantastic work!
I wish that I could minipulate a peice of cold rolled like that!

I have a gennie 27, but if I was loooking to build a body was able to pull that together, I'd be as proud as could be!
Do the banger for in an early style, That's what I voted for.
Can't wait to see the results!!!

 

I'll have to work out a price, but it will be a while. I do this for a living but I'm not taking on any jobs till after this one's done. I'm the only one in my shop so I can only work on one project at a time. Do you have any ideas what these things go for? I usually build entire cars and just sell them so I find it difficult to come up with prices on things like this.
Eddie

 

Thanks again, you guys are too kind! Moving the metal just takes practice like anything else. I'm leaning towards a 4 banger but I'm still undecided.

Eddie

 

I would build a 302 or use a scat 3.25 stroke crank and use GT-40P heads. You want to use a cam that is overdrive friendly. The engine would make plenty of torque and the P heads can be found as new bare castings CHEAP! I would simply tell everyone that it is a 289.

 

ScaryLarry from the Jalopy Showdown events has a 2300 in his roadster.
It has a log intake with two Strombergs and a header hangin' out the side of the hood. I'll look for some pics.
That makes a great little driver.
Have fun,Smokey

 

Thanks, I would be very interested in seeing those!
Eddie

 

I would definately put a V8 in it, four bangers suck IMO.

 

Come on guys, I need some more input!
Thanks,Ed

 

Offy 4?
YEE ha!

Shitbox 4?
No f way...

 

"There is no replacement for displacement". V8, man.

 

My dad raised me to believe that a hot rod was a small, light, simple car with the biggest engine that you can afford, and that when you blow that engine up, it is god's way of telling you that it is time for a bigger engine. It only took me 3 engines to get to 489 inches of bbc in my 27T drag car.

 

stick shift v8!!!.no contest!

 

IMO the finest 27 on 32 rails ever has to be Dave Thackers.
You can see a feature and great build pic's and drawings in the Feb 2004 Rodders Digest.
Really, you need to see it before you go any farther.

 

Y block.