Hi guys, torn between a traditional car with a flathead and some big horsepower. I came across this pic and thought it was interesting. Can anyone tell me what engine this is (392??) and what's involved with putting a Hemi in a 32? Need to lengthen the ch***is? http://clarkehotrods.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/100_3092.jpg Thanks guys.
wow! I prefer the Ford in a Ford route myself! Either way is cool it is all a matter of parts you can find or already have and motivation to make them all work together! good luck brother!
Welcome to the HAMB, start here...and read, read, read! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118764&highlight=hemi+tech
331, 354, 392, it is really hard to tell the differences in Hemis by a picture alone. Please search...lots of good info on here.
It can be done. Just move the center of the firewall 1 3/4" on the drivers side and 3/4" on the other side. 354 Hemi. with a Chev water pump saves a couple of inches. HemiDeuce.
Huge horsepower probably wouldn't be necessary and a flathead ford in a car that came with one is way cooler and it bolts right up!
I guess it depends on which traditional you are shooting at. If you are looking at period correct bfore the 50s and valve in head engines then a flatty is the only way to go. But of the period you prefer is after over head valves became popular then a Hemi one option a**** many. It takes a lot of suspension to hold one up and you may have to hammer your firewall to get it in there.
Either engine is way cool in my mind . . . kind of depends on the look you want, the $$$ you want to spend, etc.. The Hemi is a lot harder as far as fit and fabrication is concerned - they are big *******s and they make everything harder to setup (headers/exhaust, steering, clutch/brake, motor mounts, etc).. You can save a LOT of weight on an early Hemi if you go the aluminum head route (Hot Heads), aluminum water pump, etc.. They'll end up weighing about the same as a small block Chevy if you go this route. As I've been heavily involved in both engine types, I'll stick my neck out and say the Hemi will typically cost more -- if you want the "go fast" goodies that many like --> four 97 carb manifold, adjustable rockers, cool valve covers, etc.. But - you'll have 2 - 3 times the horsepower and some would say an early Hemi is an easier engine to keep running well than a flathead . . . personally I think it's a wash in this deparment. Take time to really read on this site, look up all the posts you can about early Hemi's in early cars, PM some of the members who've actually done the work, etc.. There is plenty to learn - might as well do it before you start spending too much money and get over committed one way or the other. Either way - you'll have a great car . . . just a personal choice and a pocketbook in the end!
1963...HEMIs in coupes is traditional my man, and if you have a torch, mig, and experence anything is possible. but if you lack just 1 of these! then brother your in deep DO-DO...POP.
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