331 in a model a questions

i bought a stock '30 model a roadster. full fendered and not rotted. so... i have a nice running '54 short bellhousing 331 hemi just sitting around which would be cool to stick in there. hood sides would have to go, probably for sure some firewall cutting needed. i could use some advice on inflicting as little damage to the car as possible. also i need a suggestion for a decent T5 trans adapter/flywheel/clutch setup for the later 331. i have a pair of later heads with the water ports in front so i can run a dry intake. also need to shorten the water pump and pulley for the best clearance. any ideas are appreciated. i'm more into late 40s, early 50s cad/buick/olds, so this model a stuff is kind of new to me, although i can handle it no problem with some good advice from someone who has done it.

 

The '54 has the big timing cover/W-P. You could go with the Hot Heads cover w/o a fuel pump & it uses the short chevy W/P. You might be able to redrill a '55-58 cover & put freeze plugs in the holes @ the bottom, fit to the oil pan would need checking. The '54 cover has a bolt behind the W-P.

 

Checked out the Hemi Tech Index yet?

 

Join the Hemi Tech social group...

 

I'd reverse the stock firewall. What trans you need depends on if you still want to run the torque tube or not.

 

Besides making room for the engine, what are your plans to reinforce the frame ? You will be putting about 700 pounds of motor up there.

Don

 

If the engine is "nice running" then why screw with it?
Considering the car, there is no advantage to the 'dry' intake unless you just gotta have an alum piece.

If as mentioned the car has a closed drive shaft ***embly then good luck finding a suitable trans, and even if you do what happens to the location of the engine?
Several 5-speed adapters are available.

.

 

Here's a pic of my 31 with trk 354, I used the 331 front cover. I
wanted to use stock water pump, and fuel pump. Flipping the
firewall will gain 5", I fabbed my own which is 5 1/2". I have 32"
from face of rad to face of firewall. The rad is in stock position, and
I use the stock hood. I have an 18" fan blade with 1" clearance at
the top, and about 3/4" at bottom. (3 deg angle on engine) Have
1/2" clearance on distr.
Flipping firewall w/chev water pump would be the easiest way to go.

Good luck, Rich

 

rich, that's helpful. stock exhaust manifolds from the look of it?

obviously, the frame needs some boxing/crossmember work and a different rear end and open driveline will be used with a T-5.
who has the best adapter stuff to use the T-5?

 

I like these guy's, I'm using a Muncie 4 spd.

Rich

http://www.wilcap.com/Hemi.html#392350

 

You still running the stock gas tank ? Its in the way if you flip the fire wall.

Inflict as little damage as possible???
Frame, cross members,floor, pedals, gas tank (=relocation area too) fire wall, rear end , brakes

That means your quarters and doors will be OK, you'll be changing or modifying everything else.

 

i have a 276 desoto hemi i want to use in my 31 coupe, i can't see how i can run hood sides?

 

the body is what i would like to keep from cutting. gas tanks are around if i need to go back, but that's unlikely. the frame and suspension is a given. fitting the engine and T5 is my main concern, clearance-wise. any ideas are appreciated.

 

Budd:
I plan on using blisters similar to these only painted
body color.
Rich

 

It fits in there. Some guys move the radiator forward and run without a hood or a custom hood to cover it. 32 frame gives you 3" . Some guys reverse or cut the firewall and keep the stock radiator location.

So I guess after you decided what wheelbase you want , the rest falls into place of what to do.
Mine has a blower and I have a custom frame, but I fit it all under the stock hood with reversed firewall.

 

Do not use the Chryser water pump.

They are VERY expensive to have rebuilt!

Box the frame, go with an automatic and use a dual master cyl.

P*** GO with the tires spinning -)

 

3 pedals or bust.

 

Have you found out how to do a T-5 behind your hemi? I'm looking into the same situation.

 

Wil-Cap?

 

This is how I would do it. Hemi engine----TR Waters adapter----QuickTime SB Mopar to T5 bellhousing-----T5 transmission.

 

Not so. I rebuild and sell plenty of them... Although the 55-56 pump is a bit expensive to rebuild it is still cheaper than all of the alum shiverlay adapter ****.

There is a concurrent project thread with a t-5 swap to an oem bell. Check with brigrat.

 

Where can I get those blisters for the side panels?

 

Those are custom made...... If you notice the side panels are also custom.

 

Here's some that are close to that style:

http://www.reidsrodparts.com/BODY1.html

Rich

 

Thanks for the info. I think now I am going to cut the firewall n set the engine back n keep the hood sides stock looking.