I want to run a 331,365, or a 390 in my 30 A coupe. I am just wondering which would be the best to buy and if the years matter all that much. I would like to get it to the 350hp range. There is a local 1955 331 with the ****** so I am leaning that way. I just don't want to be let down on the hp side of things. Thanks, Jackson
390, looks like 365, looks like 331, even more power for free. (my reasoning, the 390 heads breathe much better; plus bump in CR to about 10.5:1)
390s started in '59, and went through '62 in the early style. In '63, they were redesigned and the distributor went to the front of the engine.
'49-'54 (maybe early '55, not sure) motors have an extended block in the bellhousing area. '55-'62 motors have the short bellhousing which is easier to adapt to a later automatic. The earlier motors also have smaller intake/exhaust ports.
The 55 will be fine in an A they have plenty of torque. These motors weren't made to be wound up to 7 or 8 thousand RPM, besides if your running on the street after 5,000 you'll be in the *** of the car ahead of you. These motors can be made to have some more HP but it's the torque that makes them so great. That 55 has 250 hp and 300 something in torque. The best of the 331's
Like stated the early 49 -54 331 have the longer block witch adapt to early Olds mobile as well.. I would say NOT to use the Hydro use a top loader or a t-5 or a turbo 350 / 400 I have the Hydro in my car and its not very burn out friendly..If I could go back I would of used something else..
Yah but the HP is FREE !! Unless the seller knows what he has......... **** any of them is fine in a model A, it's a light car.
63 390 looks different but has a turbo 400 in the later 63 versions and has more than enough power to scare the **** outta ya. 62s aren't far behind in power but the trans is indeed slushy. You can tweek the TV rod to the trans and get em to be more fun but be prepared to do it a buncha times to get hwat ya want. Evel may be able to shed some info on that score, or maybe Evel, you too could do that if ya haven't yet.
That 55 mill should work fine for you. There is still a lot of speed equipment for it, but be don't expect to find anything cheap.
Well, I've got a Detroit Racing 2x2 for when you get ready to dress it up, but it ain't cheap! A 331 will be plenty for that car but like what was said before, shoot for a '55.
A 365" Caddy is rated at 300 hp 400 ft. lbs. You gotta remember that these were pushing a #6,500 car.
am putting a 55,331 in my 34, w/older t-85 ford colum shift ov drive ******, finaly found the adapter after bout 5 years. WILCAP makes new adapters for the cad engs,i wanted old pts. that's why took so long.
You guys are great thanks for all the info. I am leaning towards the 331 my wifes uncle used to run one on the beach in daytona. So it would mean something to him. Are the stock exhaust manifolds decent or should I run headers? I want to run mufflers for sure.
as mentined any cad motor will be great in your a ive got a 365 from 58 in the cl***ifieds right now.ive also got a few 390's and 2 63 390 if you decide to go that route. parts are availible, but not sbc prices.
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