I will soon start my A roadster build using model A frame, etc....I just cant get excited about using this little A four banger...question...is there a decent straight six for my application, with trans that would be a GOOD choice...example year, brand etc...tia
Cliff, I built a ford 300 inline for a guy here on the HAMB. They seem to be a nice choice and are found with both automatics and sticks. Look pretty clean in a early car.
To use a six you are going to have to relocate the gas tank, turn the firewell inside out so it is concave inward, and maybe relocate the radiator. But they work great in a light car. My RPU uses 2.47:1 rear gears and runs 11s.
while you asked about a 6 , if i was going to build an A with a 4-cylinder it would be the 153 CI one from a Chevy II from the 60's. plenty of speed parts available and the rear bolt pattern is the same as a SBC so you have a wide choice of trannys. i think you can put one in without cutting the firewall just something to think about
Cliff, If you want to go a little higher tech, the 4200 I-6 that GM used in the Trailblazer and Envoy could be a good choice. They are 270 HP and 270 Lbs Ft of torque and are all aluminum. There is a 4 and 5 cylinder version at 2800 and 3500 cc's, later ones bumped to 2900 and 3700 as well. They are used in the Canyon and Colorado pick ups and the 3700 is used in the Hummer H3. Just some thoughts, Tim
Good to think outside of the box....plenty of inline sixes during the last 50 years to look at/pick from. I would skip the slant 6 for obvious reasons. The Ford 300 is very powerful engine, and is good to consider, along with some of the 50's GMC that have a loyal following. If you want something unique then look at the Jag DOHC or the Pontiac SOHC. If you want something newer then look at the Jeep 4.0, dead reliable and fairly compact. .
If you are looking for torque and reliability, it is tough to beat the Ford 300. There are litterally millions of them available, they have the same trans bolt pattern as the SBF, and there are plenty of speed parts available. Here is a 300 I built. Another inline 6 in a car I spotted at a Vintage Drag Event at BIR in Minnesota.
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