Hot Rods So, what do you think is the coolest hot rod engine ever?

I lay awake at night toiling over different engine setups I could put in my 1936 Ford pickup.

I have always been a small journal sbc guy, 265, 283, 327's, but I love Nailheads as well.
I wish I was a brand loyal guy, but at the end of the day I love all of them. It's a sickness.

I was doing ok, until I saw FlamedAbone's 394 Olds in his 36. Now I find myself googling Olds speed parts.

So, what is the coolest hot rod powerplant for a 35-40 Ford? Include carb setups etc.

 

I had a Nailhead and loved it, SBC as well, but before I become Lawn Fertilzer I want a 392" Hemi.
I cannot explain it or even rationalize it, but there is just something about those giant heads just hanging out there that to me look so cool. And don't forget about an early Blown Olds , Goatroper has showed us many great examples of them....... so many choices and so little time!

 

OT - a cammer or boss9.......otherwise an injected 392 like the one in the '37 that the kid and his dad are "improving"

 

I too like the early sbc 283 and 327's are my favorites,but the coolest engine in my opinion has to be a Ardun equipped flatty.HRP

 

Many engines look right in a 1940 Ford compartment but this one rules...(1957 Caddy)

 

Said it before...anything with a whole mess of Stromberg 97s piled on top.

 

They are all cool.
But what makes them the coolest is when they flow and match the theme.

Chevy's goal with their new engine (aka small block) was to dethrone and execute the flathead king of the times.

 

On the extreme end of the spectrum, an Allison is pretty much the most balls out crazy engine. I'll go with that if it was still available at surplus prices.

 

Thats art.

 

HRP beat me to it. I like Ardun motors too. Early hemis are cool roo

 

327 SBC

 

Y Block. Or vintage Hemi.

 

I like the late 40's Caddy engines, and the ease of a Chevy 327......but, I just can't seem to shake the ''appearence'' of a well maintained Ford Flathead....that ''sound'' and overall look gets me totally giddy....I can spot one a 1/2 mile away....LOL....I grew up around them, and they hold a special place for me!....I would build a 4th stall in my garage for stack of them if I could afford them...I won't even tell my wife about that little dream ___ Ray

 

For me it's early Hemis all the way, now I just need to find one I can afford...

 

I have a Caddy, Pontiac, Hemi, and two SB Chevys. My all time favorite would be a 327! but I like them all, and With tri power. And the survey said. Ron...

 

One of these...

 

One of each....

 

While it's not all cleaned-up and shiny. I still like the 426 and pushbutton trans. in the '40.

 

Always liked the Dodge hemis, fully machined chambers, small but lethal....especially when fitted out like the one in Richard Peter's Ala Cart:

 

What tranny did you run? Original Ford?

 

For a hot rod my favorites would be Flatheads (Caddy or Ford), Nailheads and Olds Rocket motors.

 

rats! I just KNEW I was missing one!!

 

Internal combustion fossil fuel burner!.....well ok could be fueled via fermentation and distillation also!

 

Its nearly impossible to beat the appearance and masiveity (new word) and visual impact of a well dressed early hemi engine. But There again it needs to match because sometimes less is more.

You'll not beat the cost of a SBC, but the right dress up parts aren't free.

I really want to do a coyote engine with the cammer style valve covers. I don't think this and the word "budget" fit unless budget is preceded by no.

 

What's up with you guys? Bangers forever, especially an OHV conversion.

 

I remember them building this car and it's the only one I have seen with the Coyote platform. It's just too dang big.

 

Seeing as you said "cool" not "most HP" Ill go , Nailhead, Olds, Ardun, any banger with all the best Speed Equipment. Maybe a special mention for any air cooled aero engine