Hey Everybody! Happy Seis de Mayo. With this latest flip deal all but sewn up I think I may finally be able to afford to build my dream car, a 28/29 Model A Roadster on '32 rails. I want to go for a sort of "Late Lakes Era" build. I know it's been done a million times, but you can't help what you like I guess. I've got this thing pretty well envisioned, the stance, the wheels and tires, no windshield, etc...but I can't decide what to use for a power-plant. I have two motors sitting out in the garage, both of which would be cool...a 264 "Baby" Buick Nailhead, and a 331 Chrysler Hemi fitted with 6 97's atop a Drag Star intake. The Nailhead would be rad...but it doesn't light my world on fire like the Hemi. The Hemi is HUGE though...and I haven't found a single picture of one in a 28/29 Roadster to aid in my visualization (except for the one in that super-slammed gold car sitting on black stock A wheels). I think to make it look the part I would have to run radical set-back, and I'm afraid I'm going to run out of room real quick in a 28/29 Roadster and my 6' height. What do you guys think? My boss says that Hemi's are the new Small Block Chevy. But his devotion to those small valved Buick's is unhealthy at best. Anybody have any pics to help aid the decision making process? Here are a few that have inspired me. This last one is a model kit.
Ask your boss to go buy a SBC,which you can get at a dealer,or pony up for a HEMI. New small block MY****! Go with the big valve cover man!
A 325 cu in D500 Dodge Hemi is about ¾ the outside dimensions of the 331 Chrysler and much lighter; want something slightly smaller? then consider a 270 cu in Dodge Hemi, with its lower deck height. A little Dodge Hemi fits within the frame rails of a 32, but not a Model A frame. There may be some Hemi fans with a Chrysler 331 who would consider swapping.
The new SBC??? LOL I'm a nailhead guy (obviously) but it sounds like you got yer mind made up for the hemi. Quit lettin yer numbskull boss dictate what YOUR car is gonna be and you'll be a lot happier in the end. BTW... cool project idea!
Modern banger, dressed up like an Offy. Fun that you can still drive at $4 a gallon. unless the hemi is a runner.
If you asked the Ol' man he would say build the nail head and throw it in there. But I am going to have to go with the Hemi because there are just finer points in life wherte the Ol' man and I didn't agree. Set it back towhere you are almost uncomfirtable then move your seat or seats back into that panel just in front of the deck lid to compensate. You can throw a corvette style filler between the seats if you want to make it purdy..make sure you cover that Hemi with a hood punched full of louvres.
Try something a bit different..................... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=151281 . .
Got a traditionally built SBC in my '29 Roadster hooked to an early Ford 3 speed and a torque tube/banjo. I love it. I really don't think you can go wrong - Flatty, Nailhead, Hemi, SBC, they are all great traditional engines.
FLATHEAD!!!!!!!!! I think a Hemi, Nailhead or even an early Chevy V8 would be cool if you were considering a post 1955 build but let's be honest. If you are looking for a late 40's build there is really only a few choices and the flathead would probably be your best. Do it and hook it to a early 3spd or a t5 and be done. You'll love it.
I know... I just don't have one of those. I guess I could sell the hemi and the nailhead and then build one. Hmmm...gotta find something to put that hemi in though. Hate to sell it.
There's always the William's Bros. Roadster...not sure if the Chrysler Hemi would fit as well though.
They ARE!!! But then again...you keep calling me a "rat rodder", so I guess having the "New Small Block" in my roadster would be pretty fitting. All kidding aside though. I really can't make up my mind.
You might want to take a few days and look at the 83-87 Buivck Grand National Turbo-3800 V6. They scream! In 1988 through 1992 I saw one every week turn out at a local Drag Strip and do "Fun Runs." He loved to pick on the Corvettes and the big power Blue Oval cars. I never saw that car ever lose a race. I did see one in a roadster last year in Spokane, WA. and it too was more than impressive. It set record at several local strips up that way. About the same weight and size as the SBC and SBF's. They are hard to find but they do haul the mail! Just my two cents worth. Normbc9
Man.......... I thought I was the only one who picked up books and only looked at the pictures! I guess I'm not alone.
I appreciate all the response...but I've got a Nailhead...I've got a Hemi...those are the choices. I'd love to see some examples of both in a 28/29 late Dry Lakes style Roadster. I'd especially love to see some photos of a radically set back Chrysler Hemi in a 28/29 Roadster, like the Williams Bros. car...especially photos of how much it affects interior room.
rebuilt engines for sale I have purchased several transmissions from jaspers and I have never had a issue just get this cheapest thing you can get near you.
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