picking up my new project , running 31 pickup,need to get it ready for spring, most of our travels to shows result in 3-5 hours on the road 150-350 miles , that doesnt seem like a good idea on a stock 4cyl, a lot of interstate highways involved , or can it be hoped up to be reliable for extended trips , going to intall juice brakes ,open drive , or should i go to flathead?
I've driven this one thru 3 states. Original engine, high compression head, hi performance cam, fully synchronised 3 spd with overdrive, hydraulic brakes
I would say go stock flathead and then maybe 2x3's and a cam I say this becuase it sounds great and is a great canvas to work off of
I have a daily driver 30 pickup with a banger, started out with a stock motor, Winfield head, Mallory dist, Ansen and a Holley 94, knocked the rods out of it, built a B motor with the same spped equipment, knocked the rods out of it twice, finally pit in an H&H inserted motor. Still a 50-55 mph truck, 60-65 with an overdrive. My avatar is a 28 with a V8 60, sold it had no low end torque, I'm now building a 30 Sport Coupe with a 8BA flathead. I wouldn't build a banger for long distance.
If you have never driven a stock banger powered old ford than you are in for a surprise.Although they may be fun to chug along in on a back country road,they have no place on a modern interstate highway (my opinion,some may disagree).They can be made reliable and can also yield substantial power but it's not cheap to accomplish this (ask anyone who has done it ).If you are diligent you can turn up some good deals on runnung flatheads and early v/8 drivetrain componants Example: when i built my deuce roadster,i purchased the engine trans and rear out of a restored 36 pickup that was being street rodded.It was a recently rebuilt 81a flatty,39 trans and 39 rear.I paid $600.00 for the whole mess.I put in a set of 3:78 gears and was able to run at 70mph all day! Just my thoughts,Bob
thanks guys , jailhousebob's answer was what i was looking for , covered the good and bad , i need it to run 60-75 mph for th highway, so looks like time to find a v8, maybe use the drivetrain out of the truck for the roadster pickup project i the corner
next question, t5 for the overdrive , use the rear inthe truck and change the gearing or change to a different banjo, opinion on best flathead to use for this , know where a 60 is but common sense is it is to small for this ,may just get it to dispaly in the garage, figure a lincoln v12 is out , have access to one , or maybe a hudson twin h would be different
At 75 you will really be flying (literally, not figuratively). The front fenders act like airplane wings, the large side area makes it easy for a wind gust to push you around. You will feel like you are changing lanes when you pass a semi. On the positive side it will feel like you have power steering. I would recommend keeping the banger and keeping the speed to 55 except for short bursts. Charlie Stephens
i am about to drive my banger on the highway tomorrow....ala hunnert car pileup yes it will be at night...when know one is around and i'll be doing 57 mph tk
There is a group of crazy ol bas-turds that run there slightly hopped up 4 bangers on a 1400 mile trip annually! Mountains and all! You can make a four banger run pretty good but will never be as much as a 8. By the way you said four banger or flathead.... Aren't they both flat heads
Doing the T-5 thing will be a great deal. Having enough gears to keep a flatty in it's happy spot is a very sweet thing... Then overdrive! Nothing but good. As stated above, the 59 series motors always look the best in these cars and mild as also stated above with maybe daul carbs and a better ignition will be the most trouble free. I have a customers Model "A" with a similar set up (sans the T-5) that has the stock A rear end, and so far so good. I don't know how hard I would push it though.
probably get flogged for this idea ,found a 58 283 out of a corvette with powerglide attached and 3 duece manifold all complete,
4 banger all the way, theyre rather underrated. With a B crank you have have full pressure oiling, add juice brakes, an open drive shaft, maybe a 39 tranny. youd have a great period and very driveable car.
Sell it to a Corvette restorer and give H&H Flat heads a call. Should be worth at least a healthy down payment on a full dress flatty.
I used to have a '29 pickup that was basicly stock looking even ride hight with a mildly built 283 and a t5 with a 9. And yes they get kinda hairy above 70, all over the road feeling like it is going to blow over and the fenders looking like they are about to fall off. The fastest I had that truck was about 80 and with the same chassis with a roadster body and lowered would have went well over 100 IMO.
mildly hopped banger with inserts, HC head, twin carbs, overdrive, hot ignition will run 60+ all day with mid to high teens mpg. I've done it for numerous years. And you'll have no more $ into it than you would with a flattie. Just last weekend on a 5 hours one way trip to Newport hill climb + ran the hill in competition. A banger will provide as much as you will ever need to safely drive a stiff sprung short wheelbase "A"
I am in love with flatheads but if you have a 283 with powerglide use it. I am 66 and my knees get stiff and while an automatic seems not right as you age your legs will thank you.
hard to believe in upstate ny that a truck like this can be found what rust there is minor for how old it is
I have one of each. My coupe has a B motor with basic upgrades and my roadster has a 59 ab with the same. I prefer the sound and the feel of the V8 over the 4. The flathead 8 is a much smoother and more advanced engine. Just my .02, Mitch
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