Why ya runnin' the motor you're runnin'???

[Fat Hack]

Okay...just for fun and giggles...is there a particular reason (or reasons) that you decided to run the engine you're running in your current project(s)???

We always hear the "small block Chevys are cheap/reliable/easy to find/etc" arguments...but is THAT why you're running whatever you're running?

Just curious to see how other rodders decide what to power their shit with!

Me?

I'm running the goofy 60 degree V6 because they are physically small, making them easy to fit into a new application, they're a 'modern' design, light in weight, cheap, and easy to get parts for. In addition, they're hard to kill! (All the classic small block Chevy arguments!).

So...why did ya drop a SBC, y-block, flattie, Caddy, Nailhead, Escort 1.9 or whatever mill into YOUR current rod or kustom project vehicle???

[RileyRacing]

Cause I was a dumbfuck and gave away the car that the engine on my garage floor was sposta go into... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I couldn't just throw it away, ya know, so I thought, "what the hell..."

Jay

[Chuck Fish]

I have a "53" Merc motor in my 36 pu truck. It was already in the truck,a fresh rebuild and running when I bought the truck. I don't hate myself bad enough to make changes. If it ain't broke,why fix it.
Chuck Fish
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[BARNETT]

235 Chevy with a 4 spd.Saginaw...because it was "free" and NOT an sbc...like every other rod in San Antonio runs. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[old beet]

I put a 390 F E in my F-1, cause I couldn't afford a 427, and they dinn't make 460s back then. Put a 460 in the Merc cause they did...........OLDBEET

[Donzie]

"Why ya runnin' the motor you're runnin'???"

'Cause it came in the car!!
250 buzzin' half dozen.

[C. Montgomery]

the 292 going in my 49 coupe was a freebie (running) and I was tired of the flathead...

[Stevie G]

The Nailhead was designed to replace a straight eight..dimensionally, so they fit in the older cars really well.
That...and they are Torque monsters. Take a serious amount of abuse and come back for more.

[Radman]

Because it's a big block MOPAR! DUH! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[hatch]

When I asked my dad if I could have one of his motors, he gave me the Ardun....gets CRAPPY gas mileage....I think maybe I'll switch to a 2.8 chevy...I hear they are HOT!!!!

[roadstar]

Because Smallblock Chevys RULE the WORLD! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[choprods]

based the decision on apearance and apearance only-Chev W motor......may not be any good....like its looks even if not!

[59BuickWagon]

'Cause I was always a Mopar guy and in '71 I got a whole 66 Dodge with 383/T'flite and 8 3/4 rear for $80 - big money for me at the time. 289,000 miles later the mounts have their fourth motor, third trans and third rear. Now it's a 400 Mopar that takes the 6900 pounds down the road all day at 80.

[Slag Kustom]

im running a 11 to 1 roller cam 410 ci small chevy cause my friend and engine builder gave it to me and said this will make it go fast http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Dooley]

Got the motor free
350 SBC.

Oh and in case you move on to transmissions the powerglide was $50.

[slammed]

455 Olds and 455 Buick. They were less than $200 ea. w/the 400 turbo tran's. Both went into 'later' ride's. '77 & 69 Chev short-boxe's. It still bother's alot Chevy boy's. Cheap, torque monster's. Blow's mind's when you pop the hood. "What is that?" 'Why"? Took that dare to be different attitude and never look back. Still need to do a 455 Poncho and a 500 Cad. Each in an older truck. A GMC for sure, and a much older, wild cab and not much more look. A friend from TX just scored a 401 Nailhead last week. Why? 'Cause their cool.

[guy with a wrench]

based mine on appearance(have always liked nailheads)wanted a solid motor with a good torque base, and although I'd really like a big ol hemi, I cant afford one. Plus I thought I was being kind of original in choosing a nailhead, have only seen 1 other around town but after comng to the hamb I guess I was just following someone elses lead (hope they know where they're goin) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[guy with a wrench]

I gotta spare 200 metric if you need it hack. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Turbo26T]

In my 26T Lakes Mod project I'm using a 2300 Ford Turbo/T5 combo because:
1:A complete ,running 45K 83 T/cpe T/Bird was free
2:I'm trying to stay around 1600#'s ,and this engine weighs less than a sbc & is around 145HP stock.
3:With a few basic tweaks, it's easy to get 250-275 HP
4: It came w/ T5 trans,7.5"t/lok rr.,wiring,EFI,etc
5: and best of all..there's something about a 4-banger in a Track-T that just looks right!!

[Jimv]

I gotth motor & tranny for a duece, it was in a running car that i test drove!!
JimV

[4t64rd]

SBC, Because it's simple and parts are available everywhere...

I plan on driving it.

the flathead? that has no explaintion.

[Chris Wiehle]

8ba flattie- Why? because it's cool and anyone can run a 350!
Almost done!
http://www.melroset-tops.com/53fordfrontshiny.jpg

[5SPOKE]

HHHMMMMM......... seems the theme here is cost ... and/or convienance (came with the car/truck)

well I will add my 2 cents......
my '65 Olds., came with a 350 chevy and the stock Olds powerglide when I bought it
the 64 Riviera came with the 425 nailhead
the 71 Ranchero came originally with the 429 ram-air cobra jet
the 60 F100 (which I am trying to sell) came with a 350/350 combo
and my shop truck 73 chevy longbed came with the straight 6

I had contemplated installing a 290 Desoto hemi (which I had, but have since traded off) in my 65 Olds, but thought I got a louvered hood (so I don't display it open at get togethers) and no one would see it often enough and it works now so the hell with it....
but I would like to do a similiar oddball engine in a not the same brand vehicle.... I did put a set of chevy valcovers that have the Ford script on them on my Olds just to make people wonder though.....

-SAM

[trey]

364 nailhead.

the price was right, seems to run damn good. never had a nailhead, hear they have gobs-o-power. and i wanted the dodge to be cool. dont think it helped the dodge any, haha.

trey

[mule]

I'm running a aussie 265 hemi in my lobudget 22 dodge,one reason,it was free

[Greezy]

Silly sentimental reasons...
I built the 283 for my 51 chevy, first really old car, first engine build.
Sold 51 to help finance my A coupe, first hot rod build.
Now Ican say I still have the first engine I ever built and the first hot rod I ever built. Besides Ive grown a fondness for the small journal chevies, this coming from a hardcore B/RB Mopar guy. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Rocky]

Ok, I'll bite. I'm currently running the stock flathead six banger in my 41 pontiac coupe this summer so I can attend the HAMB drags with the car. If I tore the damn car down now for it's new 389, 4 speed, it wouldn't be operational before the drags and driving a daily driver to the HAMB drags is a real drag. Current power..........

[Rocky]

New power to be installed this winter.......

[Unkl Ian]

Why ?








Because I couldn't find a Vega motor.

[Tony]

I was raised on small block chevy's, and chevy's in general.. Pop's ran a lot of them back in the day.
So i have alway's liked them, way before i ever knew they were 'too common' in the rodding world.
I still love 'em..i prefer the smaller 283 and 327's.
But most are more than worthy of using.
My all time favorite motor is the 348-409 "W" motors though..
To me they just look great!!

The current project has the original 235, and will alway's stay a '6'..

I have a '32 5 window body waiting to be saved and that will run a 409 i picked up a while ago.

Here's a pic of the 283 in my '32 3 window..maybe too common, but i dig it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
(this was the first motor i ever built, had it for 16 years, and 3 builds since..kinda has a different value now http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Packrat/32b.jpg

Rat..

[kustomkoupe]

ive had a ford flathead v8 longer then ive had a car...the motor is a given....it was trying to figure what car to build around it that was a problem...and still is

zach

[Ayers Garage]

SBC for me in everything.

Why, because I was a line mechanic at a Chevy dealer and I bought a bunch of core engines for 100 each over the years.

No, I didn't buy every SBC core that came through the shop, but when a brand new truck or van had a bad engine, I'd buy the core and fix the problem. It's a cheap way to get a virtually new engine. You'd be surpised how many vehicles are delivered brand new to a customer with a bum engine, only to be in the shop the next day for a longblock.

[Paul]

I've changed my hair style so many times now I don't even know what I look like...

[Tman]

Because I was emabarassed to run the pussy Chevy 4 banger I had planned too! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif And I am serious Hack, I had a 151 AND a 2.3 before I realized they both sucked for this car! I also bagged on my SBC, a 265 bored to the max with some NOS MT pistons. Machine costs and lack of a skilled machine shop dealing with older motors made me pass on that one. I am doing the 348 cause I can and it looks good.

[fab32]

If any of you have seen my shop, there is a rack of about 40 Chevy engine blocks. There is also a rack of 30 some crankshafts and a pile of heads, cams, intakes and carbs.
I've raced, restored, rebuilt and wrecked just about every Chevy combination you can imagine so I don't see any reason for changing now. As a side note I've got a hemi, a nailhead, and a J2 Olds taking up space I might find homes for someday. Oh yea, a couple of flatheads are laying around to. My wife is going to have one hell of a garage sale when I check out. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Frank

[metalshapes]

In my current projects ( even if they are running, they still are projects ) I have : 4Cyl 1000cc Abarth, 4Cyl 1600cc Ford, 351W Ford, 292 Y Block Ford, 283 Chevy, 401 Nailhead Buick.

Because I like them all...

Edit,
I forgot one... Does that mean I've got to much crap??

[CharlieLed]

LS6...SBC on steroids! When the "Hot Rod Lincoln" was built, that Lincoln motor was the LS6 of the day. Just followin' my own style of traditional!

[bdrake]

396 BBC in the restored car. Because it's restored.
283 SBC in the 37 Ford, it's a 289 since that the machine shop finished there job. Already had it sitting in the garage when the project started so why not use it. Fits good, easy to get parts for and I'm the only one I need to please.

[Hot Rod To Hell]

[ QUOTE ]
My wife is going to have one hell of a garage sale when I check out.


[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Frank, try to give us a little "heads up", Ok??? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif


I have the infamous SBC, cause in a 62 Chevy II street racer, it was either SBC or BBC, and I opted to go the lightweight route.

[Fraz]

It's a nailhead. In a Buick. Go figure.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[296 V8]

Flathead V8s, Because it hurts less than hitting my dick with a hammer. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Kerry]

After my Dad died when I was kid I found some models he had built back in the day. All the engines were out of the cars but one really caught my attention. It was the blown hemi with strombergs. Dad had built the roadster and the coupe so the engine fit both.

Took a while but I've been able to put one together. Wish I had the $$$ to do it right. I've got another core engine and some big dreams for someday :-)

[Kerry]

Here's mine. Wish it were blown.

[Satinblack]

BBC of course......why....because there as wicked as I am! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Satin

[bulletproof1]

53 ford customline witha 331 hemi just sounds right .and every other 52-54 ive seen has either a sbc/sbf and it looks cool filling the whole engine bay with motor.

[IntrstlarOvrdrve]

because it was extremely cheap and had been rebuilt before I bought it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif $100 for a rebuilt chevy 350 4 bolt main was not bad I don't think, even if it is a SBC http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[QQMOON]

[ QUOTE ]
Here's mine. Wish it were blown.

[/ QUOTE ]
Hey Kerry You done Good
JR

[zonkola]

I'm running a 289/302 small block Ford in both my projects 'cause SBF's are 100-plus pounds lighter than a small block Chevy and narrower, they're cheap and readily available, tons of speed equipment is made for 'em, and it's easy to get parts on the road. Keeps it all Ford, too.

Didja know that a 302 with aluminum heads and intake is only about 60 pounds heavier than an all-aluminum Buick/Rover 215 engine--only with 87 extra cubic inches?

[Revhead]

'49 is running it's original flathead 6 cause after sitting since '66 it started up and ran great. No sense in messing with it.

future F-1 will have a sbc cause I got it leftover from another project and I wanna see how well I did building it.

Way future modelA will have a merc 383 cause I knew a guy who had one and the marauder stickers on the valve covers are sooo damn cool http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[SimonSez]

My 32 project has a BBC cos I haven't had one yet (and Tom Senter said that everyone has to own a rat once in their lives).

My 61 Biscayne has a 400 sbc because I already had the motor and was looking for something to put it in.

My wife's '27 T has a sbc cos it used to have a flathead and muncie but the previous owner wanted to keep it. Thanks to a Hurst front mount, an early SBC w/glide went straight in, was the right price and was a perfectly traditional engine for an early sixties styled rod.

[38Chevy454]

My 38 Chevy 2 dr sedan has the 454 from my old drag Camaro, because the guy that bought the Camaro wanted to run a small block and we made a deal to sell less engine.

Also have a SBC 350 in the 37 Chevy truck, came in the truck when i got it. I am building the 27 Ford coupe with Olds 394 power because I found a great car to part out for the drivetrain. Also have my 68 GTO with original 400 Pontiac engine.

My future COE car hauler project will be either BBC 454 or BB Mopar 440, have both sitting in my garage waiting to decide which one.

[Anderson]

265 SBC because it was running and free.

[swazzie]

Because it looks like a GiAAnt iron lung .Sounds like it through smitheys too!

[Flat Ernie]

[ QUOTE ]
Silly sentimental reasons...

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll second that - I've got a 351W that has been in a lot of the cars I've owned over the years. Been cleaned up, rebuilt, stroked, etc - runs strong & has never let me down.

Stock flattie in the '40 - that's what Henry put there
Stock flattie in the WL - cause that's what HD put there http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Rover V8 in the Truck - cause that's what came with the truck - I'd love to put a flathead in it & 32Limey's got one for me, so... - cause that's what God intended http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Also got a '46 Chevy pickup - well, parts & pieces that used to be a pickup - that may get a SBC though....

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[zman]

[ QUOTE ]
As a side note I've got a hemi, a nailhead, and a J2 Olds taking up space I might find homes for someday. Oh yea, a couple of flatheads are laying around to. My wife is going to have one hell of a garage sale when I check out. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

I have a damn fine home for your orphan Nailhead.

And just to complete the thread I have a 425 Nailhead going into my '57 Buick, a 401 Nailhead for my '22-'23 Buick Roadster, I'm going to replace the 235 straight six in my '59 GMC with a 364 Nailhead I have sitting on a stand, and I'm looking at buying a '65 Riviera... Yeah I dig Nailheads..

[Antibilly]

305/350 FREE!!!!!!!!!!!! and it psses all you traditional puriest off!!!

FATHEADS FOREVER http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Kerry]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Here's mine. Wish it were blown.

[/ QUOTE ]
Hey Kerry You done Good
JR

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks.

[spudshaft]

400 Pontiac. Got it and the 400 trans with my first f-1 purchase for $100.

[porknbeaner]

Because I can?
I'm usin' the sbc in my '53 because I had already built it and the chassis was set up for it. its tried and proven and a good combo.
I'll be makeing the '23 coupe use a 440 MOPAR because you almost never see an older MOPAR that is all MOPAR. And because I have nearly all the pieces to do it.

I guess that availability is my biggeest decision maker.

[cornfieldrodder]

The mod has a Quad4 sitting there patiently waiting for me to get that far. I've wanted a mod for over 20 years. The plan was always for a small, efficient little mill with an attitude. The style was always to be pre- or very early post-war with a bit of old race car thrown in. A Ford 2.3, a 60 degree Chevy, a Merc Marine 183 and a 2.2 turbo Dodge were the short list of candidates. (No brand loyalty here)
Then I rode in a freinds 180HP quad powered Olds. Low torque off the line, but then the power came. Wow, all that rush from 138 cubes! Then a freind was changine coils on his Calais, and it looked like an Offy with the IDI cover removed! The parts are expensive, took a $425 bell housing to go RWD, but I got a 35K engine in a GTZ with electrical problems and rough body for $120. Sold the remains for 250!
Now, should I choose to use the factory engine management, The thing will have good power in a sub-1500 lb car and 30 MPG or so. Hey, it wont even be able to hurt my banjo rear axle assy!

[OldsRanch]

because I am just silly with Oldsmobile engines:

http://home.att.net/~oldsranch6/barnpic.jpg

[kustombuilder]

[ QUOTE ]

I'm running the goofy 60 degree V6 because they are physically small, making them easy to fit into a new application, they're a 'modern' design, light in weight, cheap, and easy to get parts for. In addition, they're hard to kill! (All the classic small block Chevy arguments!).



[/ QUOTE ]

are you INSANE???? those 60degree V6ers are JUNK!!! 80,000 mile motors at best. rare is the 2.8 that goes much over that. i'll give you "small" and "cheap" but thats all. besides, we know the real reason(s) your runnin that motor. 1) it was FREE and
2) your NUCKINFUTS!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[theodore]

A 351 windsor, because the 200 straight six I got for 50 bucks wouldn't clear the cross memeber, so Shiny(29EHV8) went and picked up a small block for me. Now that it's in there I wouldn't have it any other way, sounds kill with glasspacks....maybe go for drive on lunch break. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[cornfieldrodder]

Actually, there was at least one free SBC offered to Hack. So it must just be 'cause he's nuts!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[cornfieldrodder]

Oh, I've seen alot of 60 degree V6s with way over 150k on the engine. The alloy head engines don't like to overheat, though

[hotrod54chevy]

my 54 came with yer standard 350/350 combo with a mustang II and a nova rearend..i blew the # 8 rod in the 350 last summer and just put a re-manufactured 68 327 in it..i chose 327 cuz it's a bit more nostalgic and you dont just see them every day..but i have been bolting on things like the script valve covers and intake with the snorkel oil filler..kinda makes it look more like a 283 or somethin..i just like to make people guess,even when it says "327" on the aircleaner
Creepy

[kustombuilder]

the 47 Chevy is keepin the 235 sixer cause i want it to look like a mild custom/hotrod someone built BEFORE 55 and the Chevy 6 woulda been what it woulda run. PLUS it was already in the car and runs so why mess with it.

the "FnA" was originaly gonna run a SBC with 6 dueces cause thats teh way JEEM drew it and it look GOOOOD! but when the deal of a lifetime came along, from MECUTEM, on a rebuilt 401 Nailhead i jumped on it. i liked the looks and torque of the Nailheads anyway and the fact that it is'nt another SBC is just icing on the cake. it'll still run 6 dueces on top cause nothin looks cooler. for a trans i'm runnin a Tremec 6 speed because the Nailheads are a lower RPM motor but i want to drive this thing down the highway at 75mph AND have it scary fast from stop light to stop light. i figure the extra gears will give it some longer legs on the freeway where the Nailhead may have fallen short (with a 3:73 or 4:11 gear in the rear) originaly. besides, it's a HOT ROD and hot rods have three pedals http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif!!!

oh yeah, my TOP SECRET Olds project will run an early Olds for one, to keep it "in the family" and also because early Olds motors are cool!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Nads]

Because it was $250.

[MIKE-3137]

Running a crate SBC 350 in the 37 because I swapped a computer for it, it was new in the crate, and I added a Comp Cam and an wiand intake/holley 600 that were freebies.

Running the '65 327 in the 31 Roadster because it was a fresh motor and a buddy deal, balanced, bored, 461 camel hump ported heads, in all $2200 worth of machine work,complete down to the starter,AND an offenhauser Tripower with factory rochester tripower carbs, He also threw in a M21 Muncie 4 speed,shifter, bellhousing, clutch, , all for $1100 bucks. I would have paid that just for the motor.

[Anderson]

[ QUOTE ]
because I am just silly with Oldsmobile engines:

[/ QUOTE ]

Wanna trade?????????

[48_HEMI]

I'm a car whoard, I just like mechanical things
The 48 HEMI has had the same 354 since 1958 and I want to keep it stock, I've got 25-30 motors in stock and a ton of project car, because no one will take them off my hands. I'm building a 270 dodge Hemi for the 52 Plymouth because it fits. the straight eight in the pontiac has only 93,000 miles. I've got Hemi's Nailhead's,early cads. lincoln, Small blocks chev's, ford, chev, ply, straight six,s Hell I don't know whats all there. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif I'm out of room and still can't pass up a deal. there is no known cure and thats a good thing! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif Right? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[hotrodsnguns]

383 in my pu parts hauler cause the 350 was tired and i always wanted to build one. 383 in my Willys cause i liked the one in the parts hauler so much. BBC in my 57, that was my dream, and man do it run. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[48_HEMI]

nuther view

[48_HEMI]

whoops http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif forgot the photo,you get the Idea I'm no ford or chevy man, I just love anything that doesn't run and takes up room! lol http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[blueskies]

When was the last time you saw one? Ok, other than Swazzie's... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Pete

http://home.rmci.net/blueskies/rebuild14.JPG

[48_HEMI]

Blueskies you are an artist/photographer and have good taste http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
oh yeah I have three plymouth six,s and none like yours but I buying the parts to do it

[cleatus]

Because I am a slow learner and it would take too long to unlearn what little I know about the SBC and re-learn it about something else http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Most of the cars I have ever owned had and SBC so therefore it is like an old familiar friend.

I run a 383 now (not the mopar kind) because I think tourque is more fun than HP. - Seriously...how often do you get a chance to really wring-out a motor in public without being paranoid? Whereas with torque, you can feel it pulling away from every stop sign without needing to rev it high enough to draw unwanted attention from the law.

[cleatus]

That being said...when I build a hoodless hot rod (and I will) I would choose and old Caddy or a nailhead. Because they just look better.

[Kommuter]

Good question, Hack!

I went through a long process to decide what to put in my Merc. (59 Wagon) The original 383 was on its last legs, and I needed something to replace it. I looked at rebuilding the 383, but parts were hella expensive. I considered upgrading to a 430 or 462, if I could find a good runner, but again with the parts thing. The wagon weighs 5200 lbs, so I needed some power to move it around. A small block was out. I considered a 500 Cad, 455 Buick, and Nailhead, but I’m a Ford guy, so it needed to stay in the family.

The obvious choice was either an FE, or a 460. A 400M (Cleveland) was a close second, but it takes some build up to get it to where I wanted it, and they’re harder to find these days. In the end, I decided I would go for the extra cubes, (+70 over a 390), and found a good 460/C6 in a 76 Lincoln. Valve seals, timing chain, and slipped it in. Best thing I ever did for the car, and it fits like it grew there. (Lincoln cost $300, too, and I drove it 200 miles home.)

[Nads]

Ha, you bunch of sheep, Hemis, Caddys, Chevys, Pontiacs, try Packards.

[OGNC]

The engines in just about all of my projects have been pieced together from parts that my friends have had laying around and I got for free or damn near free.

Most everything is small block Chevy, but they run strong, I know them well enough to tear into one without having to look at a book. And I can't think of the last time I had more than a few hundred bucks wrapped up into a SBC (unlike that damn Y-Block iin my old F-100).

I guess admitting that you're a SBC guy on the HAMB is kind of like coming out of the closet...

[DrJ]

I bolted a 1980 Cadillac carburetor to a 1969 Chevy intake on a 1970 Chevy truck 350"SBC and bolted it into a 1960 Chevrolet with no modifications what-so-ever.
That's enough explaination for what's in my Elky.

Now the reasons for the '70 Datsun 240Z OHC 6 engine and '51 Ford flathead inline 6 that I can interchangably use in my '28 Ford are still puzzling me.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[jdubbya]

[ QUOTE ]
Because Smallblock Chevys RULE the WORLD! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Fuckin Right Doggie! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Nads]

Yeah Hack, that's what she looks like right now.
I'm getting a pair of matching chrom slotties for the back, it ought to look better.
I've been driving the heck out of her too, never had so much with anything with wheels. Except for that paralyzed sheepdog I used to date back in '86.

[Thirtycoup]

sbc, whatelse? how can ya go wrong for $1,350.00??? however i want to ugrade the carburetion setup at some point to tri-power, dual-quads....something! mike

[Agrv8r]

A SBC 283....because it was what the car came with. It's a stocker...for now.
A few years down the road? a 409. Why? because I can.

[HotRod60F100]

The AMC 360 in my Gremlin is in there cuz its fun kicking big 3 ass with a rambler motor http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
i hope to find a 429 or 460 for my 60 F100 Gasser project

[TINGLER]

289 SBF in the Fairlane.

Why? Cause for about 3 years I ran a 221 and told everyone it was a 289. I figured I had better actually put one it when the 221 went down for the count.

289's Rock.

[cheaterjack]

49' flattie in my 49' custom ford, because that is what was there and that is what belongs there!

[blueskies]

[ QUOTE ]
Blueskies you are an artist/photographer and have good taste http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
oh yeah I have three plymouth six,s and none like yours but I buying the parts to do it

[/ QUOTE ]

Not really, but thanks anyway. I'm just a shade tree hack, truth be known...http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Pete

[Action Girl]

1959 Chevy 235 with some upgrades...

#1 Cause it's NOT an SBC
#2 Cause my other one died a horrible babbit pounding death
#3 Cause it's rebuilt and shiny
#4 Cause Fat Hack hates em' (I still love him though)
#5 Cause gas is $1.92 a gallon
#6 Cause it's easy and fast to put this one in
#7 Cause it was CHEAP

Stacey

[Cheater Casey]

'65 401 nailhead with a '66 th400 switch pitch, no other reason than, it just looks cool peeking out from under a half hood of a roadster! especially with 6 deuces!

[Dinger]

Im using the stock 265 that came with my 55 4 door. I have a soft spot for the small v8's.

James

[Flipper]

1790 ci Continental V-12 ....I'm building a big assed roadster and need the torque


http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/02/16/4c/a3_12_s.JPG

[LeadSledMerc]

A 390 FE in my '51 Merc cause thats what they put in it when was built with in the 70's and a 401 Nailhead in my '33 PU because .....no need to explain!

[SKR8PN]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Because Smallblock Chevys RULE the WORLD! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Fuckin Right Doggie! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

In your DREAMS homeboy............
On the seventh day,God created the HEMI.......

[SKR8PN]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Because Smallblock Chevys RULE the WORLD! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Fuckin Right Doggie! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

In your DREAMS homeboy............
..And God realized there was a void in the horsepower world,so he created the HEMI.......

[radical56chevy]

runnin a 403 olds in my 59 apache because i only paid ten bucks for the whole drive train, eng, trans , subframe, rearend..