I just bought a 40 Chevy coupe with the orginal drive train . It doesn't run and I have no idea of the condition of the engine, trans or rear end. I think I should replace it all and have been thinking about a six cylinder just to be different. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas that might help?
I have a 40 2dr sedan that I am building, I am going with CE engine mounts, CE bolt in mustang II frt end, CE rear springs....Mine will have a .060 over 350 4 bolt and a camaro 5 speed... The CE engine mounts bolt in the frame with a couple new holes drilled, a 350 turbo trans will bolt to the orig crossmember with the addition of a simple plate and then switch the rear end out for a 68-72 nova....With the CE rear springs the nova rear end will bolt right in with NO changing of the perches plus the CE springs will center the rear wheel in the fender opening so it looks right...... I believe I have a pair of new tie rod ends for the stock frt end if you need them....I also have a nice solid stock radiator....
I have a nice 54 235 with a 48 trans in Toledo if you are interested. 48,000 miles. I also have a couple 47 48 rears.
...I'd suggest using a good ol 250 or 292 Chevy inline six, they are great little motors and can be hopped up easily.
It depends on what YOU want. I have a '40 sedan with a camaro front clip, a nova rear, and a 350-350 drivetrain (see avitar). If I was building one with a 6 cyl. I would find a master 85 with a straight axle and switch it over to 5 hole, run a late model rear end. My '40 still has most of the original interior. We had to replace the headliner and the carpet. I love the stock interior. Still feels like a 40 chevy. Still has the original paint but that needs help... Jeff
BigDipper here on the HAMB has a 261 Chevy truck engine in his 40. Hey Dyce, that thing is cool... Smokey
The only wat to go is to run a GMC 270 or 302 six. These things used to be flathead killers back in the day. I have a few but all need to be rebuilt. they are much better than the chevy six.
Thanks Smokey!! It's been on the road since 1988. It was my fathers car. After he died it was parked for around 10 years. I have it now. It's a blast to have Dad's old car. My 40 got wrecked back in 1990. I've had a few cars since, but this one I'll p*** to my kids... Jeff
I have a '40 Buick coupe which is pretty close to the Chevy. It has a camaro clip in it with the stock rear. Plans are to put in a BIG Nailhead and change it all to a 5x5 bolt pattern. Probibly change the dash to a '50's Buick, depends on what I can find.
Make it a G***er...302 GMC inline, 4sp, straight axle,Olds rear, cheater slicks, magnesium halibrands, flaked paint with some fogging, or "endless line" pinstriping........
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