Hot Rods Can A Big Block Mopar Look Traditional?

Can a Mopar big block look good in a early 60's Rod?Let's see them.

 

They should since they were first made in 1958 at 350 cubes then later became 361 then 383 then 413 then 426 then 440.

 

Got a Max Wedge intake for it???

 

Any shots of them in a 30's era car?I know all about their race history now I wanna see one in a rod.

 

33 plymouth with a 440 tunnel ram and 727

 

Heres a couple with Big Block Mopar's with the cross ram manifold set up (Pre Max Wedge!) I have also seen a couple with the inline dual 4 barrel set up with the old Golden Lion valve cover decals from the late 50's or early 60's.

 

Had a 383 with a four speed in a '31 Coupe years ago...

 

Yes as long as you dress it out right. Painted,, chrome or cast finned aluminum valve covers and a period correct air cleaner and period correct small accessories go a long way to keep the "look". Just like the Olds, Cad and Chrysler V8's in the early 50's the Mopar wedges were being put into hotrods as soon as they became available in the early 60's. Bob Norwood the guy who is now famous for his Ferrari shop in Dallas was a noted Mopar tune up guy in Grandview, Wa in the early 60's and had a wedge with the cross ram in a T bucket in the early 60's. He was also the guy who gave the Mopar State Patrol cars in the state of Washington an extra 20 mph top end speed in that era.

Any of those wedges would be a great platform for a guy who wanted to build a roadburner freeway runner to use.

 

When the Dragmaster Dart and 22 Jr. dragsters had them,they looked like the latest trick setup.

 

You provacatur, you; of course they can and are a traditional engine by HAMB standards. One of the best illustrations IMO, of this (except for the stupid Moroso valve covers) is in the June 2006 issue of Hot Rod magazine starting on page 60. Richard Riddel's all Mopar roadster is awsome, and not only that, it is really what a "Rat Rod" should look like, not these freakish cartoons of automotive junk we see every time the words "rat rod" are mentioned.

 

I am building a 1931 Plymouth Coupe. Channeled 4 1/2" and soon to be chopped a little. I run a .030 over 440/727 and tunnel ram/2-4 setup. I am shooting for the 60's altered/gasser look. Plans are 10 spokes and halibrands. I am using lake headers instead of zoomies. Thought I would try to quiet it down a little. I snagged a set of NOS finned weiand valve covers from the late 60's. (check my avatar)

 

I always hated the suspension setup on that car, but I agree, overall that car is still a work of Mopar art. To anyone who needs a link:
http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/113_0606_25_dodge_roadster/photo_01.html

 

My plans are a 383 with and early 60's Edlebrock CP390 3-2 intake, curved script Edlebrock valve covers, weiand finned timing cover,early Mallory double life duel point and lots of chrome.Tunnel rams are more 70's and newer arn't they?

 

FUNNY...YEA the BIG HEMIs are very traditional, but not so much the 383 as they came out in 1968. but personaly i don't judge any engine. O.K. maby a VOLVO! HA!...POP.

 

WRONG^^^ The B series 383 came out in 1962 if I'm correct.

 

Correct^^^ The 383 came out in 62 the 350,361 was earlier

 

That car is perfect.

 

The 383RB engine came out in 1959, as did the 361B, gang. The 383B block came out in 1962.

As all true Mopar BB guys know, the 350B was a 1958-only critter.

 

IMO, tunnel rams are very non traditional. But run what makes you happy, and a few non traditional parts doesn't mean it can't be called a traditional rod. Bags are non traditional (and a tremendous waste of time and effort, again, IMO) but folks here put them on "traditional" rods.
I'm with you, Don-Vee, I think underslung chassis are ridiculous, but at least that guy stacked his leaf springs correctly. I've seen some that didn't! I still can't see that design riding well...

 

Any more pics? I'm interested too. 440 in 33/34' Plymouths? Hotrod33, do you have some more pics?

 

How about pictures of traditional parts for these unconventional engines?

 

Are there trad air cleaners for the six pack set up?

 

I'm all about the hot rod big block Mopar. I love the fact that my favorite engine has been around since the late 50's. Here's some junk I have collected...

The 383 tri-power is an early piece, takes the Rochester carbs.

The Grant-Spalding Distributor will get an earlier non-chrome cap when I can find one.

The valve covers are a mid to late 60's piece, I'm still searching for a set of the early 4 bolt versions.

One day I'll build a totally period B-mopar, with a ground and smoothed block. I'll most likely use a 400 block with forged 383 internals for the big bore and short stroke. The 383 Mopar was easily the best engine I've I ever pounded the snot out of...

 

Here's other stuff on my B/RB Mopar "Wish List"...

Cirello mag, 6x2 intake, Weiand four bolt finned valve covers, timing chain cover, etc...

They made a lot of cool speed parts for this engine family.

 

like Patrick66 said...the 383 was an RB block first...find one and build it up and out...for max cubes...it does not have the large block by the water pump that ID's the 413-426-440 wedges...something I be planning...

 

I already have an intake and distibutor for a low deck.

 

what is traditional????? i love it. drive it and like it

 

what is traditional ?, i dont get it build it and drive it unless u r worried about the guy next to you at the professional judging car show ha ha

 

Anyone have any 4 bolt big block valve covers? I'm running a 361 w/ an STR-15 2x4 intake... HIPO exhaust... and 350 heads. Opened the valves up! With a custom Hughes cam it runs just fine!

 

I am in the middle of building a 27 T-Coupe with a 68 Hipo 383, which besides having 6 bolt valve covers instead of the earlier 4 bolt valve covers, look exactly like the earlier motors. Yes, they are not as trad as a flathead or early hemi but who reallly gives a f#*k, they run hard and love to be punished. Go for it, sounds like a good project to me!!!