The car is a model a sport coupe. 4 inch dropped front, back lowered a few inches, chopped 3 inches, full hood, 40 ford brakes and shells, black wall tires... You get the picture. I have two motor choices available for the car. One is a sbc 305,the other is a ford 2.3 both are solid motors. The 2.3 has been completely rebuilt from the bottom up. It would be a lot lighter, great gas mileage, reliable, and an easy fit. I could retain more leg room. Sbc is going to sound better, have more low end. Need some opinions and I know some of you have those.
305 dressed up right.... my opinion. but the 2.3 is a decent motor, if you run a full hood it wouldent matter much.
I'm doing a 29 RPU on 32 rails high boy style right now with a 2.3 Ford - Esslinger Head, dual side drafts Webers - much more fun than another same old SBC.
With the full hood, the engine isn't a dominant visual element, so it doesn't matter as much. Either would work, but the 305" is the obvious choice. jack vines
Its cooler to run a V8 than a Pinto. The original 4 banger is cooler than a Pinto. No one thinks a Pinto is cool, hence the full hood.
The 305 setup can give you some good mpg and decent power. A buddy of mine has one with the stock HEI, Edelbrock intake and carb and T-350 trans and I think a 3:00 gear. It runs great in a light car like an A.
That just shows your ignorance about the Pinto motor. One of the largest threads on here is devoted to the Pinto Motors and there are a ton of members running them. The stroked to 2.8 version in my Ranger Race truck made right at 300HP with half the weight of a V8 motor. And if you don't think this motor is Bad Ass looking, you need your heart rate checked, or at least your automotive soul And I'm not an SBC hater, got one in my 37, but they are white bread, boring same-o same-0, sometimes you need to dare to be different
1st: Read the 2.3 Engine Thread. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317117&highlight=pinto 2nd: Come back here and try to justify putting another belly-button SBC into your sport-coupe. Chances are you won't be able to do it.
But how many times more money? I'm guessing he is on a tight budget if he's considering as 305 smog motor instead of a 350, 327, 283, etc.
I had a 28 rpu a few years back. I ran a ford thunderbird super coupe intercooled motor. it was fast and economical.
So how much did it cost to make the same power as a V8 at half the weight? I'd run the V8, myself, I don't think it's going to hit you too bad in the milage department if you drive careful and gear it right. But when you need to pass a guy there's no replacement for that torque, and if these are your only options you're not going to spend the bucks to make that 2.3 perform like a V8 either.
Had a Esslinger built 2.3 in my sandrail, mid-engine. It was badass compared to running a V-dub at the time. Got my moneys worth for sure. Spent about 5 grand all tolled. If I was doing and old school build with a banger flair, I'd use the 2.3 over a banger motor if I wanted a driver. Really think it would would hard to beat for the look. Now, IMO, a V8 is a V8 and if that's the later rod look you want, and if you are on a budget, what the heck. Run the 305 and have fun.
yup the 4 bangers are cute..but..they dont sound right.. and for a hot rod ..theres no replacement for displacement how much $ did it take to get 300 ponies out of the banger? VS how much it would take $ to get 300 out of an SBC.. and how many miles will you get out of a mild sbc VS a pumped up steriod enhanced 4 banger? time to go break the piggy bank..its only money, right?
Well, if you are interested in the sound as part of the cool factor, go with the 2.3 When you pull up with a tuned 2.3 and the right pipes, I guarantee people will want to see what your running. They do sound great
Really... Interesting... What exhaust set up have you heard on those motors that sounds right? Seems like they sound good at idle, but get a real tuner sound when they get wound up.
Couldn't have said it any better. Lots of stuff available to make those motors scream. Go with the 2.3 .
one thing I didnt see mentioned by the OP was what kind of rear he is planning on using... if going with a banjo, i'd be somewhat tempted to put the 2.3 in for reliability. however, i'm kind of contradicting myself because i just sold a sport soupe that sounds alot like yours but mine had a 350 sbc... it was fenderless, but i did run a hood. i had a banjo, 39-3 speed...blah blah blah. the best part of it was the sound though. people would assume it was a banger because of the look of the entire car. all i know was it was a lot of fun when pulling out of the local cruise and hearin' the sound of a sbc and turnin a little tire in other words... my vote is V8!!! here is a pic of my sport coupe i just sold...
I like both. The 2.3 is a great engine with a turbo, and 5 speed, and a roller 305 can't be beat for economy and power in a light car. I'd do the 2.3 if i could.
This thread, like so many on here, is pretty funny. All over the HAMB guys bitch about Belly Button Chevy Small Blocks, then when some guy asks for an alternative opinion versus the weak suck, worst of the SBC's, the 305, everyone raves about how great the SBC is and gee it might cost more to do a 2.3 Ford. Well, if you had read his post, he has a rebuilt 2.3, so he won't have to spend a ton of money - I only mentioned my 300HP version to show the potential (as well as the picture of that one prepped for Midget racing) Keep being Sheeple and building your belly buttons while bitching - carry on.
Ahhh ok so yer the guy that got this thread off track PS it dont take a "ton" of money to get 300 ponies out of an SBC but I know you already know that
2.3 bottom end rebuilt stock, d port head, milled head, oversized valves, tube header. Nothing major.
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