Projects Jalopy...which motor...which steering box

I have been working on this Model A, C-cab, Jalopy type thing for a while. My uncle was supposed to take it, but has backed out. Not sure what I am going to do with it, but I do know it needs a differnt motor-trans combo. The motor builds coolant pressure, looses OP and smokes when hot. And the Fordomatic leaks from every hole. Right now I have to choices, a '67 283 and PG that runs really good or a 2000 Pinto and C-4 thats about the same. I can get either one for about $400. What would you guys do?
Thanks, Gene.

 

You forgot to set up a poll, but I'd go with the '67 283.

 

Same here. That 283 would look right at home in there.

 

One of the best sbc ever built, go with the 283. HRP

 

122 c.i. or 283 c.i.? Definitely the 283.

 

What rearend in it? Home made frame? Strong enough for V8 torque?

 

283 for me.

 

The 283 all day

 

Wait!, this must be one those who want's ice cream questions asked by Bobby's mom and to all his friends as well.
[X] Yes = 283
[O] No = That other engine

 

alphabet, there are roughly one gazillion rods out there with SBC; I'd go for the Pinto engine just to be different.

But that's me. I'm an aggressive gambler. Mr. Vegas.

 

283’s didn’t have any torque. 2000cc Pinto engines belong in dirt track mini stocks.

 

No brainer................

 

There's a guy here in town that has three different Model A's with turbocharged Pinto engines, run very well, very clean installations, and draw a lot more attention than belly-button engines

 

283 is traditional!
Great, great little engine.

 

Is it the aluminum powerglide?
Then I would go with the 283. There is so much different power options depending on how you want to build it. And if cost is a factor, I don't think you could build another brand of engine cheaper than a SBC.

 

283
Pintos are beans you put in your chili.

 

Copy cats, copy cats!!

Pinto

Ben

 

I'd vote for the 283 but the frame question is valid. Hard to tell from one photo, but it looks a bit small.

 

283 and a 4 speed!

 

So does every model A’s to me.
If left alone a 67 283 has 195hp and and an aluminum PG. Paint it orange with a stock black air cleaner and it definitely wouldn’t look like ANY typical SBC; instead it would look like you removed it from a wrecking yard in 1968..classy.

 

....That's hilarious.

 

Here's your answer

 

Model A? Wouldn't that be a FURD! So, why not go with a 302 and C4 or AOD or even a stick? Besides the 302 block is much narrower than the SBC. I know you have the 283, but that Powerglide, not good. If you do decide to go with 283 either use a Turbo 350 or a 700R4 or 2004R transmission. My preference to 283 with a dual range 4 speed hydramatic out of a chevy truck.

 

The OP, Gene said the PG runs fine, light car it'll be great! Traditional engine, traditional transmission. No need to street rod the thing with modern AOD, or go to the expense of a stick. Not with a buy in of $400.

 

Why not freshen up the flathead? If not, I would go with the Pinto.
I like to keep Fords as Fords.

 

hemi

 

....Well said.

 

keep shopping

 

Looks like an 8BA,,,,,,,those engines can be rebuilt !
It looks good,,,,,it’s not terribly hard to go through one,,,unless you just have your heart set on replacing it ?
The Chevy 283 is a fabulous engine,,,,,,,probably look right at home in there .

Like the man said,,,,,,you should have added a poll to this thread,,,LoL .

Tommy