I have a '26 ford coupe open engine style hot rod and have a 390FE big block for it. Looking for opinions on this particular setup being engine weight and engine position is somewhat of an issue. Is it best to notch the cowl to position the engine farther back? or maybe lengthen the wheel base a tad? Either way, lets here some opinions/ words of wisdom. thanks.
I am only 15 so I don't know, but I like the look of a extended frame better than back in the firewall
I'm running a blower on the front of my rod (similar style as yours; open engine) which adds around 80+ pounds to the front-end and around 4" front stick-out length. I moved my motor back as far as I could go for pulley clearance and more traction; even to the point of putting the engine slightly into the firewall. If I could do it again, I would not have notched my firewall. In your case, I would probably try to move it back as far as I could within reason while still having it look good. I'm no expert on where a motor should be; just my opinion. Make sure to take into account what steering gearbox/column, brake set-up, and radiator you're going to use as it stinks to finish welding something into place only to find you have no room for something else. If you're really short on room and don't mind the front end being lengthier, than sure, a longer wheelbase would work too. Depends on how you want it to look also.
I've been looking at '26-27 Coupes for a while, and have concluded that extended wheel bases don't look as good as stock or near stock on these coupes. Mine will have the engine set back into the cowl a bit.
I also forgot to mention that I raised my cowl 2 1/4 inches so it looks a little more model A. So that should help with proportions with a large motor.
On my 26 I put the back of the block even with the firewall. As tight as it is in there I didn't want to take any room away. Don't know your plans, mine is chopped 6" and channled around 4" also bottom 2" of my car has been removed. Here are some pics to give you an idea.
Your engine choice is abit different but i would try and keep the front axle in the stock location or as close as possible. Model T wheelbase is 99 1/2" stock and model A's are 103 1/2" This is an option for your firewall, this may cause negative replies but here it goes. The 26-27 T firewalls are not atractive to say the least, they have no beads or body lines and are set out to far at the top. If i were to have a 26-27 T i would swap out the firewall with the 25 and earlier, it is very close to the same curvature but would need to be widened aprox. 2 inches. The earlier ones also bolt on, some minor mods would have to be done but wouldn't be that tuff. This firewall has nice stampings and a formed bellhousing area that is very close to being spot on for a v8 swap. With this mod you gain almost 3 inches of room, this and pushing the axle 2 or 3 inches forward should be all you need. hrm2k, although i like shorter wheelbase rides yours is a GOOD looking ride for sure.
Im probably going to get as close to the firewall as I can and extend a tad in the front. I want my proportions to look right. The blue T reminds me a lot of my pop's T, except his is green. Nice work man! Holy Toledo!
Wow, if a stock Model T wheelbase is 99.5" then mine is really short at 95"! I didn't know that. Learn something new every day.
One suggestion is to reverse the firewall. This allows a further setback, and removes the top portion which on a stocker would normally cover the back of the motor. Hardly affects footroom inside the cowl area and looks clean. Requires metal fabrication and retrofit, but well worth the effort. As with anything, it's your car and ultimately up to you what looks the best.
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