flathead? olds 455? hemi 331?

My project is to the point that i have to decide what engine i want to install to go any further. the project is a 1930 model A coupe chopped 6 inches, 32 grill, 4 inch drop front axle, complete bocked A frame with no z-ing, i have a 40 ford rear for it with good brakes and 35 ford 16 inch wires but know i have to chose another rear to use two of the engones. i have narrowed it down to three engines that i have available.

the first is a 1950 ford flathead pulled out of a running car. bone stock. it has everything from the oil pan to the carb. i would run a t-5 behind this to give it alittle more flexabiliy

second is a 68 or 70 olds 455 . this will come with the original auto trans and is also complete and ready for install. i think that i would have to upgrade the front spring and the cross member to run this becouse of the torque and the weight of the motor. also i would blow the 40 rear apart.

the third is a 1953 hemi out of a chrysler imperial. it is still in the car, has 94K miles and appears to be stuck. i have to buy the whole car to get this motor. the only good thing about that is i could sell off what i dont use to recoupe some of the cost.

any advice would be appreciated.

thanks

 

I'd go with the flathead, since you know it's a good runner. A twin carb intake, headers, and some chrome acorn nuts on the studs and you'll be set. Doesn't have to be built up full-tilt to be cool. Even all stock would be good.

The Hemi would be cool but would cost quite a bit of $ to get going, plus it might end up being the extended bell ones and then you're talking even more $ to get a ****** on it.

The Olds would be a great engine if you were fixing up a '70 Cutl*** or something, great engines, real good power, but not going to look right in an early car like that.

That's what I say.

 

Flatty would be my first choice. Hemi would be my second, only because it needs a rebuild. Third would be the Olds.

 

wow.
typically, I would say "put an olds in it" if I didn't know that they arent the prettiest things in the world. flatty or Hemi if you want to look at it-but if you are experiencing the "need for parts shredding torque" then go with the olds...but be aware that dressing the "monster" up will be both costly AND difficult.


unless you use all offy stuff, then it will at least be "forgivable".

 

Flatty if your using the wire wheels.
Hemi if ya want to go FA$T.......

 

The flathead fits the rest of the car, from your description. If the Olds were an early style ('49-'64), I'd vote for that, but you've got the flathead, know it runs, and if money's tight, you can drop it in as is and add the carbs, heads, headers, and ignition as time and money allows. However, if the Imperial can be picked up cheaply, don't hesitate to salvage the hemi and keep it on ice for future use. They're not getting any easier to find, you know......

 

Flathead for this one. A no brainer.

Frank

 

i think it comes down to money on this one, well and i guess what you expect out of the car. i put a good running flatty out of a 53 truck in my forty and loved it till i lost a hose on the free way and cracked a exhaust valve to the water jacket. then i built my 303 olds punched out to 4" and i have to tell you there is no comparison i would have never missed the olds if i never had it. the flattys are great but no comparison for power unless you want to drop major bucks. the hemi my choice on this one your gonna spend major bucks to build it but in the end you get it all!!! so i think it comes down to money and time. flatty will go right in youll get spanked by just about everyone but its the **** they sound so good just straight piped out the back. but if you have the money and the time HEMI

cory

 

Flatty!

 

If cost is a concern, I have two comments:
1) Olds 455= cheaper than the other two, but more than twice as expensive to build as a SBC. Maybe 3x. And that's for a normal re-build, not a "race" engine.
2) Flatty and Hemi= fairly expensive to build


If weight is your concern, shy away from the hemi-- those are heavy.

If power is your concern, go with the 455 Olds. It'll way out-power both of the other two (before the hemi guys say nay, remember that he has a '53 331 with terrible heads).

If you want a PRETTY engine, go flathead-- those are pretty when they have polished finned aluminum heads.

If you want an intimidating-LOOKING engine, go with the hemi.

If you want an engine that would be correct for the late '40's, early '50's, then go flathead. If you want an engine that would be correct for the mid '50's to early '60's, go hemi. If you want late '60's power, go Olds 455.

Bottom line, there are many reasons people choose what they choose. You will have to make your own choice.

 

i think Blownolds covered it

 

1. Flathead, most correct
2. Hemi, kind of period correct
3. Olds? what are you thinking?

In that order, all the reasons have already been stated...

 

Throw the Olds in it, bring it to the HAMB Drags and BLOW away everything that gets in your way.

 

thank you for your advice. gives me alot to think about. since i already have the 40 ford rear the flathead seems like the way to go. less additional cost. and as alot of you have said, period correct. the car already has the mounts for this engine too.

thanks again
i will keep you guy updated.
29arod