got a problem, a good one- flathead or early hemi?

Hemi...

 

If you are building a true A V-8 then you run a flatty. If you are building a hot rod you throw in the hottest engine you can find.

Each one comes with its own set of problems. The hemi is going to make you have to think a little about steering box location or engine placement. the hemi is also going to make you want to do something a little beefier on the front suspension or possibly even a sway bar. It is also going to want you to throw a befier rear under it if you were planning Banjo. The hemi is also going to want a boxed frame.

From where I sit you got a running hemi and a 4 gear, it is a no brainer for me. Bolt the hemi in and deal with everything else.

The flatty is an easy stab and drive compaired to the hemi but the hemi has more zot. I like more sot.

 

Go with a banger and a Reilly two port head. Place the other two engines under the work bench for your estate auction. Will- maybe on an engine stand for a couple of years and then under the work bench.

 

Either would look cool and both are more traditional than a belly ****on motor. From a practical point (if there is a practical point in hot rodding) both are a bucket of bucks to rebuild compared to others but the Hemi costs a ton more to make it right. If that's not an issue, then there are a lot of flattys running around. The Hemi inches out ahead of the flatty in the uniquely cool ride category. Otherwise it is another one of those tomato/tom-ma-to questions.

 

But the flatty is on its way to the machinist and the hemi is a running drive train. Nothing against either just thinking out loud here.

 

first off, i wish i had issues like these... i would be tempted to say run the hemi because as beans said its running. you could maybe be on the road sooner? but if i did the hemi i wouldnt do the banjo. keeping the banjo i say flattie. but as it was said earlier. you have two engines...i think another car is in order.

 

My first rod (see link below) I wanted a flathead and I've really enjoyed it and continue too. However this time around I'm building a 32 three window real old school post WWII style coupe and I'm putting a 270 "Baby Hemi" in it.

The 270 block is machined and I recently ported the heads. The Ross pistons just arrived and I'm really excited to help my friend build it. These early 50's Dodge 270 Hemi's were only made a few short years and I think they are cl***ic old school motors everyone can appreciate.

I love all the old ones whether it's a Flathead, early Hemi, Nailhead or Rocket...... i just wish I could build a car for each one.

32 Spitfire

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502413&highlight=32+spitfire

 

Baby hemi

 

A-V8 indicates a flathead where I come from.

other than a stocker the only flathead car I would like to own would be an A-V8 hiboy roadster.

 

That's the real deal, an A-V8 has a specific set of rules to build by and a valve in head does not fit those rules.

An everyday hot rod is easier, make it fast and handle are the only real rules.

 

Flathead!

I have the same issue, I'm building a 29 coupe and can't decide on a flathead, 354 hemi or a 401 nailhead, but the I'm leaning towards the flatty, the other two can wait under my workbench till I get another project or two.

 

can you hemi now ?

 

Initially, I was thinking Hemi. But... porkn******'s point brought me to my senses

"An everyday hot rod is easier, make it fast and handle are the only real rules."

Flathead, for sure.

All the best,
Dale
Cleveland OH

 

Please tell me the above comments you made in your post are not in chronological order.

 

Funny you post this question, I have the same problem. I have just about everything I need to start my build on a 23T but I also have several flatties that I was going to use one for this project but then this hemi came along that I could not p*** up on. The difference for me is that both need to get completely rebuild so I really have to look at the cost to decide witch im going to use, but I think Im leaning towards the flatty.

 

My Brother and I were talking and he says I gota put the flathead in, he says it just belongs in there.I will wait and see how the ford block is after its hot tanked, the first one I got was cracked in #7 cylinder, but this one looks good so far..I think the hemi may go on a stand and be garage art for a while. maybe Ill build a sling shot dragster someday.allthough the hemi would be cheaper because it ready to go, but if cheaper was an issue I would not have this crazy hobby.