Projects In a 32..... 331 Caddy or SBC?

schieb
Here's my take on it. Even if you like one drive train as well as the other and both have pros and cons there has got to be something that just says this is what I think I'll do deep inside your head.

I'll give you an example:

I got this project that has been a long time comming. When I got the car it seemed like a no brainer. It had a Chebby motor in it before I got it, I have a pretty stout small block and it should have been bolt it in there and fly.

Well I also have a real stout Olds motor and for some reason even though I have everything I need pretty much to put the small block in there and get with the program I have never really been able to get past the setting the engine up and go stage with it.

So a couple of weeks ago I decide I'm going to pull the Olds down for inspection, the deeper I get into it the more I like it. Its actually not a mater of money but the Olds is going to be the cheaper route.

The bottom line is that even though I am pretty much a small block man I am going with the Olds I just like it too much not to.

I haven't been into your Caddy so I can't tell you if the way it is that it will be more dependable than the Chevy but as engines go neither is more dependable than the other. Pretty much any engine that we would consider using in one of our rods is going to be dependable if it is up in shape and well maintained.

The Chevy you describe makes more zot than you caddy and has 70K less miles on it. So in theory you'll need to go through the caddy before the chevy and it will cost you more to do that, also in theory.

Your highboy although it will be Cinderellas Slipper will be less street roddish with the Cad or at least less recognized as a street rod with the Cad. Never the less either way once the "Gotta be Steel" crowd recognizes your car as what it is they are going to think it is a street rod anyway.

Anyway in answer to your question I would use the caddy. But that is just my own opinion.

 

I would use the Caddy, I have SBC in every hot rod I own and getting tired of them! Use the Caddy, and most unknowing people will think it's a SBC anyway.

 

Well, I was a belly button hater until I actually got one in my latest car purchase. I have to say that now that I have a sbc the power that it puts out and the options that are available to me are mind boggling.

It's like going from hanging out in the alley to free reign in the candy store...

I'm not a hater anymore, as long as they look traditional. I'm running Chevrolet script valve covers on mine.

 

I second this. Not that my opinion matters ... it just sounds a smart route for a glass car.

 

True that a Chevy would be more marketable if you are selling it.Although I love Caddys,Hemis,Flatties,Olds,Nailheads,Y BLocks, before a Chevy.A Chevy will be ALOT cheaper and easier.

 

i agree with gator. sbc since you know if you finish it you will sell it. save the caddy for that "one" project you wont ever finish cause you will sell it hahaha.if you cant decide i know where a roadster body and nailhead is we can put on it till you make up your mind .