Projects 1928 Model A, A-V8 or 153ci Chevy II motor? Thoughts?

Want opinions... but read entire post first.

I have a nice 1928 Ford Model A Tudor. Very original, AACA senior national first place winner back in 1983. Still has all the early 28 parts. Problem is I really only go around the block in it and want to drive it further. Basically make it more of a driver. Add turn signals, etc...

I ordered the new Vern Tardel book (almost $70), so hope it's worth it. I figured I can use it as a guideline for modifying the car. I also love the look of the car he did for the book.

I am a tinkerer, not a mechanic or builder. But I think it would be fun to do this and I do have some experienced people that can guide me along the way as well.

I want to change the motor and have the option of purchasing a nice little 153ci Chevy II 4 cylinder or a flathead ('46-'48) motor. I don't really want to modify the firewall at all or chop the car up.

I would do the either motor in the original Model A green color with some polished parts for dressing it up.

What do you guys think?

Also as far as value goes, will one hurt it or help it? I think the flathead would actually help the value. Not sure what the 153 would do?

Here is a picture of the car and a picture of my buddy's roadster pickup engine compartment. It's running a 153ci.

Thoughts?

 

If you’re trying to be “traditional” you have only one choice.

 

Either engine would be a good choice. I have the 181 cubic inch version of the Chevy II in my avatar. Since the ’32 was the first year the “early Ford V8” transmission was used it is an easier conversion than for a Model A. It has served me well. The Chevy II 4 cylinder is definitely a trouble free engine. One of the nice things is that the bolt pattern in the back of the block is the same as a SBC and you can use a standard speed shop adapter to mate it to the early Ford V8 transmission. You will need to fabricate brake and clutch linkage and a mount for the wishbone the same as you would with the flathead. The original rear end will be fine with either engine. Both engines have low torque so there is no need to box the frame. I have attached a picture of my front motor mounts to help with your project if you decide to go with the 4 cylinder. Your friend's engine compartment looks great, I definitely need to clean mine up.

Charlie Stephens

 

I bought Verns book as well to help me decide what engine to go with in my A. His method does require firewall modification but nothing to drastic. The process is well do***ented and with some help along the way I think most people could handle it. Even if I don't go with the flathead the book is a good resource for other modifications.

 

Great looking Tudor you have here! Those engines are so different it's hard to compare them. They offer totally different advantages. A flathead is not cheap to build but will also add more value to your car. The Chevy 4 will make your car far more driveable than it is now and the engine is already a proven runner with some nice goodies. If it were me I would consider the cost differences and weigh whether or not I would want to invest in the flat head 8. Have you driven your friends car? Happy with the performance?

 

From what years to years are considered 'traditional'?? Or is that just somebody's opinion?? What if back in 'those traditional days' a guy puts a flatty in his Model A and it wore out or broke not long after? Okay, now the Model A's guy's next door neighbor just happens to run a Chevy 153 in his midget dirt tracker. He offers the Model A guy one of his spare engines....would that be 'nontraditional' or a good opportunity?! The OP is asking for factual info not opinions.....

 

A friend of mine had a stock Model A and put an Iron Duke in it with a V8 trans using a Chevy V8 adapter. Ran down the road nice and required very little modification. All depends on what you want out of the car, my avatar had a V8 60 flathead in it and I was never happy with the way it ran out. No low end torque, ran great above 2500 rpm but my banger pickup would outrun it up to about 50. Guess I'm not real smart because I'm building a 30 Sport Coupe with a 8BA flathead now.

 

In my opinion, if you're going to retain the current stock look and simply want a more versatile driver, go with the Chevy 4 cyl. If you want a hot rod, go with the flathaed--with the understanding that the V8 upgrade will dictate many additional changes.

 

Have you though about selling the '28 and buying a car to hotrod? That way you could do anything you want..... but you can do anything you want now, so I guess that did not help.

 

I realize that you are asking about a Flathead V8 or Chevy 153 4 cylinder but have you considered using the "banger" motor that is already in it? For the amount of money that you are going to spend, you can build a decent running "banger" plus there wouldn't be any modifications to the body or frame.
Check out Model A Mechanics Handbook Vol. II by Les Andrews, lot's of good information in it. Also, search "bangers" here on the h.a.m.b. as well as the Ford Barn.
I am running a mild "banger" in my '29 with a '38 transmission, it's a lot of fun and it's traditional as hell! All the modifications that I have made are with Ford parts and are reversible should I ever return it to stock. Check out my build page to see what I have done.
If you have any questions, give me a holler... Grumpy

 

Got a 153 in mine and it’s like it was built to go there.

 

Thanks Charlie. I remember we talked way back when I did my '32, pictured in my avatar.

I rode in his roadster pickup when this motor was in it. He has since upgraded to another 153, but the merc cruiser version of it. I am not looking to go fast, just have fun and enjoy the car. The 153 is definitely a less costly motor solution, which is very appealing.

I plan to leave the interior stock and put either '40 ford wheels or 16" spoked 35 wheels. Lower the front and a little.

Bangers just seem too expensive to upgrade and don't seem to offer the ease and reliability of the other motors. But when I see one that is hopped up with speed equipment they are awesome. I will look at your build page and appreciate the offer for advice!

 

Hopefully the guys here with them will chime in. In the mid 60's I had a Chevy ll with a 153 in it and drove it 60k miles before putting in a V8. Mine at least was not a smooth idling engine and had many GM installed devices to "calm" it down. With 308 gears it got 25+ mpg on the rode and always 20 in town. I love the look of them and a Fontana 8 port head with 2 Webers would make it a looker as well runner. An Ansen 8 port would do the same but are pretty hard to find. Good luck.

 

I suggest this only because the car is/was a first place winner in its recent past.
I believe the best choice would be to sell it and buy one that’s already started as a Hotrod.
I’m sure with its “pedigree “ you get top money for it.
Sorry can’t help it.

 

I used a Lakewood steel bell housing with mounts added for the original A side mounts and radius rod cup ,,straddle mount at front ,,I know the A side mounts may not be ideal for everyone but the least amount of frame mods will make registration easier ,,,I'm looking for a Mercruiser alloy side cover if anyone has a spare ?

 

I vote the 153 cu.in. 4 cylinder.. Probably more power than a stock flathead and you can tell everyone that it's an overhead conversion of an "A"motor...

 

It was a first place car in 1983. Although the car is still pretty nice. It does have paint issues on the cowl (peeling) and chips here and there. I honestly don't think if I sold it I could get as nice a car body wise. I don't want to spend money on rust repair or make any body mods to it. I also would like to not have to modify the firewall... not sure if that is a necessity for a flathead or not. Although at this point I am really liking the idea of the 153.

 

Read the totally worth it Tardel book and hot rod that car. They made a bazillion of them and plenty of them were really nice in the 80’s.

Easy to make that 153 spit out 140 hp and will give you way way more useable revs.

Oh and I didn’t have to cut anything for it to fit in my 29

 

Just ordered the book and cannot wait until it arrives. I want to see what mods are necessary to get me to where I want to be.

 

I have a '31 Coupe and have decided 99% to retain the Model A 4-banger. One huge reason is that the notarized paperwork I got with the car (from a "no ***le" state) used the engine number for a VIN. I was able to convert that into a proper, "original ***le" in my state. One of the big reasons I decided to retain the 4-banger was to retain the engine (VIN) number. I have no idea if the engine is the original that it would match the frame number, but I suspect there's a good probability it wouldn't. I hesitated to open the huge can of worms with the state by doing an engine swap and be asked to lift the body to check for the VIN number there.

I'm not trying to dirty up this thread with my question and situation, but VinnieCap might have a similar situation or concern.....I don't know. Any suggestions or input about the "legal" side of an engine swap on cars that used engine numbers for the VIN? I'm sure it varies state by state, but when a state agency is involved things have the potential of getting messy.

When I started driving (back in the late '60's) it was in a '49 Chevy and I know it had a couple engine swaps because I blew up the original and the first replacement. Never even concerned myself with the legalities of things then, but now that I'm an old phardt I think about such things.

Lynn

 

Since it IS a Ford......why not a little 2.0 FoMoCo 4 cylinder from the mid to late 80's(maybe even later model!)
Sure the Chevy may be "cheaper" but there is a lot to be said keeping it all Ford. JMHO
6sally6

 

Rod, if you are worried about vibrations you could put in what is called a Floater Motor Kit. We had one in one of out A's and it did calm down vibration alot.

 

I was hoping that the mercruisr dosent vibrate as much ,,we will see what happens soon,,

 

Send me a PM if you have any questions about fitting the 153

 

I vote for the 153 Chevy. I know Ivan's car runs very well with it and you can crib off him to do your own swap. Also have him help you with the details, he does nice work.

Mollydog

 

I did an 8BA flathead in my'28 with no modifications to the firewall (other than to fill unnecessary holes). I couldn't fit a mechanical fan without cutting the Firewall so it has an electric one. That is the main concession I have for being "traditional". I am using an F150 RTS transmission. Converted a 1941 rear axle to open drive. I did choose to modify the frame for using the A rear spring behind the axle. Split front wishbones. It will go down the road at 80mph in overdrive at 2100rpm. I have had it to 100mph and was still not scared. Couldn't be happier with my choices.

Here is my build thread: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/28-closed-cab-av8-project.1049181/page-2

 

Ivan is the best... he helped me with my '32 years back and we've become good friends since. I like hanging out with him.

 

Be sure to post his PM and your response to it so we can all benefit from the information. Wait a minute, wouldn't it be easier if he just posted on the forum in the first place?

Charlie Stephens

 

Go with the 153. It looks and fits well and you've got good help with the details. Your car is solid and you like it. Not like it can't go back original some day if need be.

 

153 without a doubt. I had one in my 36 Willys sedan and drove the hell out of it. I have a Pontiac SD 4 cyl just waiting to find something to put it in. Love those motors.

Pat