I'd run an Olds V8, but thats not an option. With that said, 283! Loved your coupe from the first time I saw it on here, great to see it in person!
If moneys tight (like me) use the sbc and save up the funds for the flatty build. That dual quad would look pretty cool under the hood.
I've always been a SBC guy, that's how I will start this. OK now that that's out of the way, here's my 2 cents. My friend if you at all can see your way thru it stick with the flattie. My 49 is needing a rebuild and I'm bitting the bullet and keeping the flattie. Both your car and mine deserve the guts they were born with, not to mention they are just plane cool!!! I know, just like you do, it's not cheap, but since when did we walk into a speed shop, or order from a catalog and expect less. Keep the flattie, in the long run I think you'll be glad you did.
Bore and stroked flathead=300 plus cubic inches plus a Mitchell overdrive. Keep the banjo rearend forget the 8 inch ford
I had a 40 Coupe in highschool and I had both in it . When I bought it the engine was junk, I put a 48 Merc Flathead in it and ran it for a while . I then put a Chev 327 in it and ran it that way until I sold it. To me having a flathead is like having a MG .... they are constantly in need of repair. They cost too much to fix and they aren't reliable . I don't care what anyone says , you just can't beat a SBC . Not only are they reliable, they are the nicesest looking engine.
You put in what ever motor you like. This is the way I'm headed.[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/speedyb2/DSCN1047.jpg[/IMG]
The Jalopy Journal
