What motor? Flathead vs. Nailhead

[66 kustom C-10]

Rebuilding a 26 Roadster. I want to go with something traditional and vintage. I know there is nothing more traditional than an old flatty sitting in an open engine roadster but a nailhead is a cool motor to look at also. whats yalls opinion.

[porknbeaner]

Its six of one half a dozen of the other. If those were my only two options I would use the nail, someone else would prefer the flatty.

[MATACONCEPTS]

GM is better kind of cooler too. On that note, you should look at olds rockets & cadillacs too..

[silent rick]

depends what era the rest of the car represents

[Bigcheese327]

Originally Posted by silent rick

depends what era the rest of the car represents

+1

If I were doing a '40s or early '50s build, I'd pick the flathead; anything newer, the Nailhead.

[hillbilly4008]

Nail it! Although, I'd go with the previously mentioned Caddy mill

[Buzzard II]

You can't go wrong with either one! I prefer the flat head. Is cost a factor? Flathead will probably cost more to rebuild. Good luck! Bob

[66 kustom C-10]

The car is Runnin a chevy 305 w/ a t350 auto and ford 9 out back, right now. Just want a little more traditional.

[66 kustom C-10]

I'm leaning toward a low stance lakester look. for the car but one engine no windscreen w/ spring behind and def. lake header pointing streight back.

[snaptwo]

The layout/design of the Buick was one of the factors that drew people to them. Just something about the valve cover and exhaust ports that made them look "right". The first one that will tell you of their attributes is none other than Tommy Ivo, they a torque monster! I have a long time friend that had a '57 special ,stick 2 door sedan , with a built 364 , 2 fours and a 3.08 screw in the rear, he used to whip the big muscle stuff top end on the old Henderson truck cut off events. I'm talking 09s,413s and 421 ponchos, it wasn't much out of the hole but was a freight train on top end.

[MATACONCEPTS]

A sbc is traditional. Real Hot Rod. Especially with 3 or 4 carbs.

[mendoza727]

If you are sitting on both of those engines, whichever one you do not use, I will be more than happy to take off your hands.

[yetiskustoms]

nailheads are great

[66 kustom C-10]

Not as many fighting for the Flat eh. Totally unexpected. Sounds as though the vote is one sided so far.

[MATACONCEPTS]

You said "vs." & we gave you the answer. No fighting nesssesary.

[quickchangeV8]

The flathead is the way to go in a 1926 roadster. It is much more traditional looking and will fit inside the frame rails perfectly. The Buick engine is too big and they always look like they are wedged inside the engine bay. The flathead is the choice here!!

[farmergal]

the nailhead is gauranteed to give you some entertainment. a flathead; not as much. everyones running flatheads these days and no one is using the engines that were traditional seen in cars back in the day. Nailheads are really cool, attractive engines. you hardly ever see them. They dress up real well and they are conversation starters. you wont be sorry on the nailhead.

[Tommy's Cycle]

[QUOTE=farmergal;7781842]the nailhead is gauranteed to give you some entertainment. a flathead; not as much. QUOTE]
A Flatty in a T Roadster will give you plenty of entertainment

[porknbeaner]

[QUOTE=Tommy's Cycle;7781942]

Originally Posted by farmergal

the nailhead is gauranteed to give you some entertainment. a flathead; not as much. QUOTE]
A Flatty in a T Roadster will give you plenty of entertainment

Not near as much as a nail head, ask TV Tommy. He got entertained on and off the set.

[shmoozo]

Originally Posted by Tommy's Cycle

A Flatty in a T Roadster will give you plenty of entertainment

Heck, a built up early '30s vintage 4 banger would give you plenty of entertainment in a fenderless, stripped down T Roadster.

It'd turn heads, too.