Flatty Or 283 For My A-sedan? . . .

I have the option of a 46 flatty in great shape or a 283 likewise in great shape. I like the idea of the flathead, but I am leaning toward the reliability and parts availability of the sbc, especially for long distance. I have an S-10/ 5 speed with the flat motor and a T-10 for the chevy. The build is traditional /rat mix.

In a perfect world, I'd prefer a nailhead, but unfortuantely, I don't have one, nor can I justify buying one when I already have these two motors.

 

Flathead........enough said.

 

Hey mate,

This is like the ultimate trade off and decision. On the one hand you have the SBC, the bellybutton of motors, cheap, reliable and easy to get parts for. But its as boring as shit.

The flathead is a cooler motor, less HP, parts can be more expensive and its a mystery motor to a certain degree.

I have a flathead in my AV8 and sometimes wonder what it would be like with a chev and lots more HP. I think it comes down ultimatly to the budget and build style - mine would look crap becuase its a 40's flavoured ride. I personally enjoy the challenge of the motor, trying to squeeze more out of it. Add to that NOTHING sounds like a flathead esp through my straight pipes. If you whack a 5spd behind it, you have a super reliable, high way capable fun motor.

Danny

 

Flathead....DONE!

 

I have a flathead and T-5 trans in my Sedan....I havent fired it up yet but Im building to DRIVE....A motor is a motor and they are going to do the same things is you miss treat them. Treat the flatty good and it will treat you good.

 

Run the chevy, but put flathead valve covers on it and fool all your friends!

 

Looks like the flathead. But for the record, my signature is my philosophy. My equipment can relax at the scrapyard. Meantime . . . I abuse it whenever and wherever I can. Thanks for the advice, . . . 283's ARE boring.

 

It's your ride, you have to kinda pick the era you're shooting for and build it to suit, but if you're going to dog it hard I don't think you'll be too happy with the flathead, and it will probably not be too happy with you unless it's built well. SBC's can look good with multiple carbs and the right valve covers and distributor. If you want to drive it real hard you're probably better off with the SBC. Don't flog the flathead and junk it just because they're "hot" right now...Good luck with your project

 

a friend of mine with a flat head powered chopped merc once said its cool to be friends with some one with a flat head powered car but not cool to be him or drive in a pack having to wait for him.

 

pick the one who doesnt know flatheads,

ever wondered why they call them FLAT heads

 

Get both. This calls for a new project.

 

Your friend don't know me,,,,,,ask a few people thats tried to hang with me in the mor-door,,,,

My flatty ain't quick off the line but when I get on the highway they all whine about how fast I drive,,,well,,everybody except Duece Roadster,,,I don't believe too many of us can keep up when he sticks his foot in it! HRP

This photo was taken when I was in my roadster trying to hang with him,,,btw,my roadster has a SBC !

 

This photo was taken when I was in my roadster trying to hang with him,,,btw,my roadster has a SBC ![/QUOTE]


Holy crap!.....Hang on!
-Dean

 

If you want to drive up to Pittsburgh I will trade you a Nailhead for the Flattie and tranny

 

i wuld never use a flathead they overheat.

 

yeah if you dont know what you are doing. besides It would take too much work to get it into your "rat-rod" 72 montecarlo....

(now, back to the rest of the HAMB)
I agree with root. build two cars. one a period correct car and one for thrashing on with little to know worries. I think you can figure out whick engine goes in which!

 

Well they all run hot in mid August, and worse when ya fuck up yer cooling gig. Any motor can look good. Logic, budget, and passion needs to decide. I'd be on my way to Pittsburg.

 

why would i do that. my montie never overheats and runs strong with a small block.

 

I'd run the flatty on this one. Way too cool to look at, decent parts availability thanks to the resurgence in traditional rods in the past few years.

Yes they can over heat, but so does any motor without adequate cooling etc. If you know how to build them, they make adequate power, run cool, and run reliably.

 

How did a 72 Monte Cantgo get in here?

 

Danny does drive the poo out of his flathead....anywhere, any time...without problems.....I can swear to this on a stack of Bibles...

I would run the 283 .......because I am NOT knowledgeable about the Flathead........or maybe because I am knowledgeable enough about flatheads to decide on the 283.....

 

I've alway's been a small block guy..can't help it, thats just what i was raised on..
BUT..the flathead done right could be just as reliable as any over head mill.

A few years back we all drove to York for the Nats and the guy heading the pack was running a built flathead and 4.10 diff in a 34 C-dan delivery..
He wasn't just leading the way, he was leaving us in the dust the whole trip..close to 300 miles one way..

That one trip changed my mind about flatheads forever..
Run the flathead in the A and set the 283 aside for the next build..

 

Maybe you didn't notice the in my post. That's supposed to mean I'm joking. Have a nice day .

 

WTF do you know newbie.
Am I the only one that thinks this guy is a fucktard? Hasn't had a worthwhile post yet.

 

What do you want to know stud? just ask.

 

..



CC

 

No. Go work on your Dodge jackass.

 

I don't have a dodge, I don't even really like dodges, but I know when someone isn't going to contribute anything Look at his posts and tell me I'm wrong.

 

Gotta get in on this one.It's newby to the H.A.M.B.-not hot rods. Senior member is sounding more and more like grouchy old fart lately.We need a Senile Member designation for a bunch of these guys.On a less serious note,I'd run the flathead. Duh,which way'd he go? F.N.G.-Strat.

 

Good point. But anyone who's been around hot rodding knows flathead overheating is largly a preventable myth. Now, what was the question?

BTW DB, sorry to hijack with all the drama.