Is 300 hp sbc in an A coupe too much?

A '40 Ford does not weight anywhere NEAR 4000lbs unless its a big sedan with an all iron big block, auto, air, 5K in stereo equipment, power seats and LOTS of insulation and a full trunk of ice chests, lawn chairs and cry-baby dolls....along with the four 200lb gold chainers riding along. Then you'll see 4000+ on the scales. Otherwise, no way.

 

Is 300 hp too much, that depends. Post a picture (of the wife) and then we can give you an honest opinion.

 

Well... I guess ol Grits is feeling better...

 

x2 In fact I was wonering if that was enough...you do want some passing power right?

 

If its your wife's car I'm sure she wants safety over traditionality (is that a word?) Just put some disc brakes on there and don't worry about it

 

Box the frame, build in some good cross-members and make sure the suspension is set up properly to handle more than 300hp. I agree with the 'upgrade the brakes folks'.....especially since its your wife's car. Disks up front are best but I'm running 11" F100's on the front and '68 Bronco 11x2 drums on the back of my dad's '29 coupe. The early juice brakes are cool to look but at 70+ on the highway things get hairy if you gotta keep looking for a hole to dive into when traffic 'stacks up'.

300 will be fun. The 283 for our coupe is a little hairy chested but if you build a bigger motor (350/383) then a 300hp motor is easy and cheap to do and will idle smooth and be VERY driveable.

-Mike

 

Is 300 hp sbc in an A coupe too much?

You can NEVER have too much hp!!!

 

He's referring to the power to weight ratio. A 289 Cobra and a SBC powered "A" coupe are going to be close. Otherwise, your right, beyond that there is no comparison.

-Bigchief.

 

Too much horse power compared to what?

 

300 hp and '40 Ford brakes will both work fine for a Model A.

More hp is good; more braking is even better. Being able to merge briskly onto the freeway is great fun, but being able to whoa up on short notice when a dimwitted teenager writing a text message pulls in front of you has more practical benefit.

 

A Flathead V-8 ?

 

well I gotta 500ci Caddy in my 31 sedan, can't wait to go for a ride!

 

Its called driving with some common sense. If you have that, then drum brakes, 300+ hp., bias plys, non progressive linkage... becomes safe. I mean, a model A weighs about half as much as the standard '40 Ford, so the brakes are twice as better than they were on the '40.
If it worked back then, it ought to work today. Man, some of you guys just overanalyze some simple things, and you just make it complicated.
So if you're looking for an answer to your question, for your wife, 300hp. sounds about right, and so do disc brakes.
Just my .02 cents.

 

i have a 500 caddy in my 28 sedan and a 427 chev in my 31 coupe - horse power - its all in how you use it. your the one pushing the go pedal.
have fun and respect it.

 

and thats good to hear.

 

If it's too much at first, you can always put a throttle stop on it. Then when she's ready, or when you want to drive it, you can open it up.

 

After she drives it she may want 400hp.

 

Yes fella's I'm feeling a lot better, not great but better.
Thanks youz guys

 

only 300????

 

The thing is, "Back then" everyone had shitty brakes and hard slippery bias tires so if one slammed on the brakes everyone else stopped the same. In the here and now, we have 4 wheel disc brakes, sticky softer compound radials, etc etc....your driving isn't the problem but if that yahoo in front of you isn't paying attention and hits the skids hard, your 50 year old technology isn't going to cut it no matter how you slice it. It all comes down to driving room, leave your self plenty and you'll always get stopped. Tailgate with old tech. brakes and your going to assend someone sooner or later.

There really is a difference or you would be buying 2009 mustangs with 4 wheel drum brakes.

 

Oh....onto bigger and better things....300 horsepower....not NEARLY enough hahaha

I'm thinking 425+ and your definately getting warm

 

I dont think it is too much power but i would recommend putting disc brakes on it

 

Thats what I was thinking...
Mine was making around 350+...I wanted more, too...It was a lot to throw around, real assy in a turn, with even light throttle attacks. Just don't let her whack it too hard coming around the corner on some hard-ass 8.20 cheaters!
I had three Rochesters, progressive, and a 3.54 gear, it was fun!
Not too much, though, unless you were inexperienced, or insane...
Sometimes I was insane.
It had drums all around...never a stopping problem...just KEEP THEM ADJUSTED!

 

Ya know, these little cars running a touch of horsepower are kinda self-steering to an extent.

Couple a wimpy frame with a somewhat serious engine and there's a lot more self-steering to be had.

The things that break won't always be engine or driveline parts....

 

Do YOU ever plan on driving it? If that's the case then you'll need way more!

 

I'm wondering how many responders recommending "More Power" have ever driven a stock framed A with a touch of horsepower?

Not pickin' on any particular person, just wondering....

 

I was wondering the same. Most people seem to drastically overestimate how much power their engine really makes.

 

Re: Brake issue ,if you can lock and slide the tires with whatever brakes you have more pewerful brakes won't do a damm thing for you. I'm with C9 frame needs to be boxed as otherwise it's like driving a wet noodle when you give it some power.
Re: Horse power , common sense is what's needed here.

 

Did I miss something?
I didnt read that the frame was not boxed..or was stock

 

The idea offered, of having a long throttle travel is a good one. even if it only opens to 3/4 WOT, it will be responsive and not terrifying to her. The old block under the pedal technique. Flip side is: there's nothing like more brakes than you need.