Cheating on the Stovebolt, Help me Choose my Drivetrain!

So, here's what I'm dealing with. I'm building a 30 'A' Coupe on 32 rails and I've really begun to wrestle with my engine choices. My options are below.

Option 1: 1955 322 with a 3x2 intake to 39 Ford top loader w/ closed drive-line to a 40 Banjo rear. 322 Needs rebuild and I've got to get all the clutch/tranny adapter bits if I go this route. This would be minor firewall work. Nothing too extensive.

Option 2: Chevy 327 with a 3x2 intake to a WC T5 with an S10 tail-housing and gear. I'd run this to a T5 open drive to a 40 Banjo. This will be a fresh 327. Little, to minor, firewall work. Same as above as not being extensive.

Option 3: 1959 Chevy 235 Stovebolt with a 53 Corvette intake and exhaust. I'd run this to a T5 open drive to a 40 Banjo. Carbs need linkage and they'd be $$$. I'm starting to lean away considering how much firewall work it needs to fit. Plus, I don't see myself keeping the I6 in there forever. That being said, I think it wouldn't fulfill what I want... but it was on the drawing board, so it's an option.

I'd love to hear some input, thanks.

 

Top for morning crew, thanks!

 

I wouldn't go I6, You'll want for more power pretty quick, and it will steer very heavy cause, well, it is as heavy as a big block chevy. with 1/3 the power.

 

Nailhead with 3X2s has a bigger cool factor than the SBC, strait six is cool too but with its own set of problems. I say go Buick.

 

i say option one for no other reason than the fact that i think it's cool!

 

I'd say Buick except for that weak ass Ford tranny, guys with flatheads break those things. The 327/T5 combo sounds good except for that weak ass banjo rear end, guys with flatheads break those things. The 235/T5 combo would even eventually wear out or break that rear. 327 or nailhead with a T5 and a later rear end and you got yer self an automobile!

 

heres another vote for the nailhead! , so brent what kinda cool stovebolt stuff you got layin around over there man??

 

327's are bulletproof. But then so are nailheads. Everyone and their brother are running SBC. Nailheads are cool. Just the fact that you can tell someone your running a nailhead is cool. Go cool, Go nailhead!!

 

Oh, I got some very cool stuff.

Another thing that keeps popping up for me is that when it's finished I'll mainly drive it as I would my daily, you know, work, gym, dinner, etc. Hell, I'll probably drive it more since I walk to work more than I drive now. Also, I plan on driving some long distance trips with it too. Granted, not on a regular basis but I'd like to be able to do a 6-12 hour trip. Does that sway any opinions? Is there anything I should be aware of? Concerned? Talk to me goose???

 

or maybe try and find a buick straight 8!!! that'd be cool!!

 

I voted 327 SBC! Nothing better than a tight winding small journal small block! Nailhead does have the cool guy factor but the little nailhead will never be able to equal the power of the 327! What ever you run will be cool, but i'd put some thought in finding a tranny that will live behind the mill! As much as I enjoy wrestling a greasey hunk of cast iron while on my back, I try to do it as little as possible!

 

I agree. Nailhead/T5. Even an 8" will do a better job than the banjo. One from a Maverick should be about right. 57.0" axle flange to axle flange -- 71-74 V-8 Mavericks 8", All '75-77 6's & 8's Maverick 5 Lug.

 

I still say go Nailhead and I think the T5 idea is a good one, you can adapt one to about anything with a little creativaty. A lot of guys have them behind Y-Block Fords as do I.

 

I could go T10 but I like that 5th gear out of the Firebird WC T5. I do agree, however that I'd like to build it to last.

There's a few places that make solid axles to adapt into the banjo. That's what I plan on converting to. I do get you though, 100%

From what I've read, T5s don't like Nailheads. I'm not sure where to go with all this input now?

Thanks so much, I've got a lot to "mill" over. What else am I missing here?

 

I guess you know my answer

 

I was wondering when you'd pop in here!

 

I'd like to know what Nailheads have got against T5s.

 

I'm certainly not a pro in this department but from what I've read, high torque and aluminum cases don't mesh well.

 

If you need to see a 31 with a stovebolt 6 - there's a guy who works at pinkies rod shop who is building one.

 

I would go nailhead long before any of the other choices. I also don't see any difference with a 322 and a built 312 when it comes to a T-5. But, I'm just a dumb Y-block guy....

 

i'd do the nailhead , but not sure the trans would'nt hand grenade itself as well as your right foot. maybe some kind of muncie? good luck and kool project!

 

I do this with my T5 all the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28gtzOJdHqg&feature=channel_page

 

NAILHEAD, but, you need the strongest tranny you can find, they eat t-5s and early fords fer bkfst, not even lunch, and a banjo wont hold em if they hook up. Dont need an overdrive just use a tall gear rear, they will pull em. they are a torq monster,and look good.

 

So, you're saying a muscle car trans? I'm still committed to the banjo, I'm not attached to it if it breaks... but I'm thinking solid axles will do the trick.

That's good to know, haha. I like hearing you catch third at the end. I've helped pave enough east coast highways with ticket money... so I no longer drive like that but I want the car to be stout enough to do so.

Thanks... I'm getting that guys aren't fans of the T5 or 39 Top loader. I'm willing to hear different options. I still have a lot of homework to do.

 

153 iron duke 4cyl!!!

 

I vote for the Stovebolt. Build the Linkage out of stock inustry parts - it´s easy.
Can´t beat the coolness factor of an Vette Stovebolt.
A T5 holds up with a 235 pretty well and would be perfect for mileage on long distance!

Frank

 

Actually, all three engine choices are pretty cool, but I guess it all depends on what you're looking for in the end. It's tough to beat a nailhead for looks, and even a 322 has good torque and power. As far as the T-5 goes;they get their share criticism as being weak, but they will hold up under occasional pounding if you don't get too crazy with them as evidenced by mctim64's video. His truck certainly seems to make more than ample power. I have run one in my 350 powered '37 Chevy for years and I love it.

 

Maybe this makes you some appetite towards an inline six

Frank

 

Thanks for the laugh....

the 401's and 425's are more of problem, the 322 should be fine. The biggins make gobs and gobs of torque. If you have traction and all that torque something has gotta give.

 

Looks like the Nailhead is the favorite so far. I too am leaning that way, the more I learn. Although it's like 10:1 finding 327s to Nailheads. I've been looking around and found a yet unidentified 401/425 (not running). As well, I found a running 425 so it looks like I may be going the larger route which would put me in the market for a Super T10 or something similar.

However, at this stage I'm in no rush. There is still so much to do. I just really enjoy the search for both information and the parts.

Thanks fellas, for your info and input, it's helped a bunch.