Man, tradition just begs me to love a Flathead in it. However, a light weight A with huge power, high rpm and a manual shift trans just sounds so much fun to drive. Im a former 11 second VW street race guy, and the driving experience would be similar: simple, compact, all over the place-- revving high and pulling gears. A good dialed in frame/suspension with the right hook up might even pull a little wheel stand on launch. I love it. So, i have to vote the Hemi (however, a Hemi is pretty heavy-- so maybe a high revving, lightweight SBC. hmmm, but a SBCs not that exotic...) After I finish the current Caddy project, my next will be either the '41 Caddy tailgragger with a 500CID in it, or a A roadster w/ likely a Hemi!!! Good question. -scott noteboom
Find pictures of Jack Chrisman's old sedan, which ran both a flathead and a hemi at different times (it's the best looking '29 sedan of all time, by the way). It was most awesome with the flathead: 4 carbs on nitro, open headers, cackling like a top fueler and making your eyes water -- Oh, you wanted to drive it on the street?
Real hot rods don't have fenders or valve covers..... ****, I don't have a real hot rod then.... "Ardun" valve covers/heads are the exception to the rule.....
Man . . . you just asked the question the has screwed with my mind for the last 3 years. I just love flatheads . . . but there is also something about a big bad-*** Hemi that is just so cool. I love em both. Its kind of like being 18 and dating two really cute girls --- don't want to give either of em' up . . . I decided "F___ It" -- I just like both of em too damn much to pick one over the other. I'm setting up my 34 ch***is, motor mounts, ignition, etc -- so I can swap in either a blown flatty or a blown Hemi. I figure . . . screw it, depending on what mood and style I was looking for (40 - 50's) or (50's to 60's), I could go either way. Having built both of these engines, you need to consider the expense and fabrication work ***ociated with each. I'll say that a hot early Hemi will cost you 100% more than a flatty - depending on how wild you're going with either motor. (Consider the total engin, ****** and suspension package). Things to think about: 1) Hot Hemi: You need to consider not only the cost of building the engine, but also the transmission and suspension. Yes, you can use a fairly cheap 39 ****** behind a Hemi . . . it just won't live very long if you like to flog it like I do. So - all of a sudden you need to be thinking about a potentially expensive clutch, ******, custom driveshaft, rear end, bigger brakes, etc -- to handle the horsepower and weight. Example: Adjustable lifters for Flathead -- $200 . . . adjustable rockers (rebuilt) for a Hemi - $750 - 1000. 2) Flathead: As far as I'm concerned, when you look at the total "traditional" package . . . hot flathead, 39 box, etc -- you'll spend a lot less in general than you will on the complete Hemi package. I know this, because everyting ***ociated with high horsepower, heavy weight, big form-factor, etc -- it all costs money. As I headed down the "dual engine" path with my 34, I had to keep "upgrading" some of my ideas to handle the horsepower, torque, and weight of the Hemi. Instead of a 39 Box, I'm running a Tremec TKO, then I need a 1/4 steel bellhousing, special clutch, etc.. I like Q.C. rear ends, but don't put a nasty Hemi in front of a Early Ford or V8 Halibrand rear . . . you'll end up with a wheelbarrow full of parts. So . . . now I have a Frankland, DPI diff, big steel forged axles, etc.. Consider all of these things . . . and the total cost of ownership when you're making these choices. I couldn't make a choice . . . so I chose both . . . and my wallet will be mighty thin for a mighty long time. But you won't get that smile off of my damn face! Dale
I voted flathead so there is more hemi parts for me!!! If you really want to spend money you can be picky and stay manufacturer specific. Ford = Flatty Mopar = Hemi Buick = nailhead Chevy = SBC you get the idea... But 1/2 the fun can be to see what you can get to work without having the factory service manual. That said, I usually stick to Mopar because I started with them and I know them and own the most parts for them (not because I think Mopars are the only cool cars). Someday I'll be brave (or I'll have some cash) and get something not Mopar. In the end, build what you have. If you have money, build what you want!
The Jalopy Journal
