Model A guys, I'd like your thoughts.

I'm lost. I can't decide which way to go on an Engine/Trans combo for a 30-31 Model A.

Right now I have a really nice 8 cyl flathead, built with a Merc. crank, two 2bbl carbs, & lots of other stuff. It's hooked up to a Saganaw 4 speed. Ready to install into the new project.

I can install as is.
I can sell the Saganaw & go with a Flathead/Th350 or 700R4.
I can sell it all & go standard 350/350 (or 700R4.)

I will be having a ch***is fabricated in the next week or so, and have to make a decision.

I like old school stuff & am leaning toward the "as is" option, but the other options look good too.

I would appreciate your thoughts,
Bob

 

Flathead and manual trans, real hot rods have three pedals....or so they say.

 

I vote for the flathead and rowing the gears!

 

Give the old flattie a try and see how it works out. Good thing about old cars is you can always change to something else.

 

sounds like you've already got a good combo for a traditional hot rod build....

 

try what you have,if it doesn't work for you then change it

 

It's a no-brainer...go with the flatty and 4 speed.

 

Flathead and manual all the way!!!

RGG

 

I think the "as-is" option is your best option.

 

I always got a kick out of seeing different mills, you have the typical good early setup, if you are thinking about something different...might want to walk around a larger non-billet event, see what's out there.

 

Go with your first instinct ...flathead...can't lose...

 

Flat&four

 

If you like old school.... Why not go with the flathead with a 39 ford top loader behind it ?

 

What is the purpose of the build? Show n shine, drive anywhere any time. Comfort, reliability. Or just bragging rites with a chase crew?

 

Bingo. Before answering this question we really should know more about what your goals are with the car. Unique? Flattie. Big power? SBC. Long road trips? SBC (IMO). Pure cool factor? Flattie. Regardless of the decision, I think it should have three pedals, though....

 

Flathead and four speed

 

Echoing earlier sentiments, three pedals are better than two.

No matter what you decide, just drive the ****er like you stole it!

 

I think you got it nailed with what you have

 

go with your gut, flathead and manual

 

I say flathead/manual but my setup is currently a 350/350

 

I gotta thank y'all. The consensus went 90% toward the flathead/saganaw. It's what I had in mind in the beginning, and it's good to know that many agree. If I get this built the way I want, I'll have a great daily driver. I may even wash it once a year.
Bob

 

Q. You got two feet?, two hands?, two balls??

A. Flatty and Four!

 

I can't believe there's even a debate here....

 

One of these would make it interesting.

 

Flathead, of course!! That would be..."traditional"....and cool as hell.

 

flathead all the way

 

gotta-be the flathead & 4 speed; though my A's have had the banger, 327 sbc & 3 speed, 401 nailhead & 3 speed, 327 sbc & T-400, 327 sbc & T-400, 350 sbc & T-400, 327 & T-350 (under construction), and never a flahead.

 

if you even need to ask, sell that flathead and put a 350 in it. someone else could really appreciate that flatty.

 

+1 for flattie and 4 speed. A 350/350 may be faster, but does not have 1/10 the charisma of a flattie.