59AB Flathead VS. 331 Hemi

Hi Guys,

I have hopes of building a 30-32 roadster in the near future but like the early nostalgic rods. So I am hoping to either use a flathead ford motor or a early Hemi... either 331 or one of the smaller ones. Hoping to get input on the pros and cons of using either motor.

I currently own a 59AB motor that I believe was never apart and runs, now sitting in my garage. I also have a line on a 331 Hemi motor that is complete. I like the look of both of the motors.

I am not looking for a race car, just something reliable (do not want to always be working on it), that I can drive around and maybe do a nice burnout here and there.

Questions are...
1. Which motor is the better choice and why?
2. Will modern ******s (manual 4spd or 5spd) hook up to these motors since the bell housing is part of the block?
3. What's should I pay for a complete running 331 hemi motor and what's do the smaller hemi motors go for $$$ wise?
4. Any other helpful info, thoughts, advice, etc...

I am here to learn and hopefully build a nice car!

Thanks,
Vince

 

parts for the 59ab are everywhear. I dont see parts for the hemi often.

 

search JIMMY WHITE on youtube
watch video
buy HEMI

 

The hemi will kill you on rebuild and adapters but the value and cool factor of the car will reflect some of that.

Both engines can be very reliable, and both can be huge pains.

Power-wise, it's reputed that Don Garlits was driving by a chrysler dealer and saw the brand new 331's HP rating advertised, and stopped in his tracks because it was within 10hp of his full-tilt racing flatheads. The rest is drag racing history.

 

Hell, I'm a flathead fan and I'm having a hard time justifying this one...ha. Hemi's are just plain sweet.....

 

They're both good motors -- have a few of each (though my Hemis are 392's). I've been attracted to both of them for years -- though the amount of work involved in each is different.

Here are some comments:

a) How "traditional" do you want it - and any years in mind? Obviously the flathead is an older engine and is one of the foundations of hot rodding. The Hemis didn't come out until the early 50's . . . and probably were not used much in hot rods until the later 50's and onwards.

b) What Fits the Best - Do You Care? This depends on how much work you're willing or capable of doing. Since flatheads came in 32 Fords . . . they fit pretty dang well. You can use a stock firewall, stock K-member, stock motor mount locations, etc.. You won't be doing this with an early Hemi - they're bigger motors, usually require that you move the firewall back and will require much more extensive work for the transmission tunnel, motor mounts, steering mounts, etc..

c) Cost & Horsepower: It is typically cheaper to build a 59AB flathead than a Hemi. While this is NOT always true . . . it is typically true. Hemi parts are more expensive - just watch what it costs for vintage manifolds, M/T valve covers, adjustable rockers, etc.. My guess is that for a performance build, you'll probably pay $2,000 to $3,000 more for the Hemi. BUT - you'll also have twice the horsepower that you will from a flathead. I believe it is easier to find flathead performance parts -- at a much cheaper cost than Hemi parts, but it all depends who you know, what you have to start with, etc..


In the end, build what you really want and can afford. Either engine is a great engine for a traditional rod . . . each has it's Pros/Cons . . . each can be built to be very reliable and inexpensive to operate. If you're looking for raw horsepower -- the Hemi wins hands down . . . if you want the cool factor and unique sound of a flathead . . . go for it.


I love em both . . . guess that is why I'm building both. ( maybe I'm just sick in the head )

 

hemi all the way

 

Okay... this comes up now and then. Both VERY nestalgic and sought after engines. Putting the two side by side and looking at every aspect of the motor, you're really talking apples to oranges. I think it really depends on what you want to do with your car, how and where you are going to drive your car. Reliability and parts availability these days (for a rebuilt motor) seems to be pretty comparable. I think if you're talking pure performance aspects you move into a whole new catagory. Looks wise, it's personal preference of course (if that's even a factor). Transmission possibilites are virtually endless thanks to companies like Wilcap making all kinds of adapters. I think it really just depends you man. Maybe think about the target era of the build you want to aim for, think about top speeds, rather not your going to do road trips, etc. Very debatable subject. Both rule! I'm partial to hemis, but that's just me. I would take a Flatty for sure, but hemis are sorta' what I grew up with.

If it helps you, there's a HEMI Tech section cooking here with the help of all the Hemi knowledgable people around here. I have a link to it in my sig. line.

Good luck! Let us know what you do...

 

All the points you guys have made are greatly appreciated.

I plan to drive the car whenever I can. Highway trips also. No racing it, but do want to get on it now and then and spin the tires a little. Want it as reliable as I can get for longer trips as well.

The plan for the flathead was to get the block done and add new edelbrock heads and manifold (2 or 3 carb).

Budget is an issue if there is a major difference in getting the motor done.

I really like both, the reason I posted here. I have seen great cars with both motors and they are all awesome.

I even like the smaller hemi's... 241 Red Ram, 276 Firedome, 291 etc...

 

I warning the 331 adapter kit can get pretty costly. I got mine from WILCAP. It is great all parts fit. I am putting a gm manual trans behind my 331 hemi. Also getting the hemi to fit into some cars will be tricky.

 

Definte manual transmission. Do hot rodders use 5 speeds or is my mustang past coming thru?

 

The 331 is a 1953 Chrysler.

 

I have both engines. Basket cases for a basket case Model A. My 1300 lb HA/GR has had a best of 12.41 at 109, in the quarter. A flatty can feel powerfull in a light roadster, (I guess around 2000 lbs.)

An Iron Hemi will add several hundred lbs to the front of your little car. I think that will affect the handling and traction, no matter how much power it produces. I think I should save the hemi for a little slingshot rail project. It would look pretty awesome in the A. I just dont' think it would be the best choice for a street car. The road to my house is very twisty. I really couldn't open up the hemi there. You would have to decide how you want to use your car to make your best choice.

 

I dont think you can even put those two engines in the same sentence. There just is no comparison. HEMI fo me

 

Try installing a hemi into a little roadster.
The weight effects the handling and steering.
Space?? You will have to do some creative work at the firewall and steering box areas.
No engine like a hemi. But I would never install one in a project. Just too damn big and expensive. Big price to pay to relieve alittle testosterone.

 

Ardun heads, you get to build both engines at once!

 

Purely from an aesthetic point of view, one of my pet peeves is seeing a flathead with as much air between the intake and the top lip of the cowl as the motor itself takes up! Looks like you could stack two flatheads on top of each other to fill up the engine bay. I mean, c'mon now--a hot rod's at***ude is all about the MOTOR, right?!?

So, here's how we're remedying THAT situation in a '27 T coupe:

 

That is why God made Thickston, Weiand, Edelbrock, Harrell hi-rise intakes. To do just what you don't like, to fill up that void in the engine bay.

Dollar vs. dollar-hard to beat a strong running Hemi (and this is coming from a die hard flathead guy).

Long Live the Flathead!

 

Well Dv8 has a 331 hemi in his 29 coupe..it has an Edmunds 2x2 on it, and when he hits that gas, it GOES! Other than the intake, the thing is pretty stock. In comparison, he also has a merc flattie in his 29 truck. Its a quick little thing, but not the same league. Trust me. Either one will wipe out my flattie powered T roadster.
Tim
MBL

 

vinman12, to help you on your decision making process - on which engine to use - here is a piece from the HAMB Tech files on "Flat heads."

It starts a bit slow but keep reading; it DOES get better, and there are LOTS of "flatty" guys participating.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23305

 

No offense taken and I appreciate your input. I should have been clearer on the car. I want to use a 32 frame for sure (possibly a new 32 frame) then use a 31 or 32 roadster body. Most likely make it a highboy. Not sure what body to use gl*** or metal, I am sure that is an entirely different debate.

I am about half way done reading "How to build a traditional Ford Hot Rod" by Bishop and Tardel. Love the car they built!!

 

quote: A great example of what I'm talking about: those hi-rise deals just look like a long-eared jackrabbit peaking up over a flower mound littered with chrome nuts!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

 

Hello..Flatheads are beautiful..Been there, wanted a Hemi in my last to build..Here is a picture it's in a 1935 Ford Sedan..Just got it on the road yesterday..Ran into some problems but easy to fix..
Duane..

 

Cool engine!!!