I have a 392 in a daily driver 1947 Mercury and that engine is extremely heavy. I steered with the throttle until I got very good front shocks and then shock mounts broke (1950 Ford pickup) and the split wishbones broke. The Merc is stronger and heavier than the A. So how drivable (on a daily basis) is a Hemi powered A?
You need to build the car around the engine. Heavier spring stouter frame etc. Then it will be real drivable.
Just like good old P&B said,,build the frame to except the engine. Boxing from front to back would be imperative to kept any twist to a minimum. HRP
It is just a matter of building the frame and suspension to carry the load and using tires of an appropriate size up front to handle that load under maneuvering. Basically just the same thing you would do with any engine/trans combo.
Heavy??? Heck, that Hemi is only 740 lbs. (heavy is right, good info above.) But if cammed & carbureted mildly, and compression under 10:1, the 392 is a smooth, predictable package, nice and docile on the street and a superb highway mill.
Mine handled fine, fabbed frame,thicker walled tube, my frame was extended. drove all over and worked fine, motor only mildly built.
This Guy has fun... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXRudqJoFy0 Brian Bass... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGqJCb2bpXs&feature=related
The big hemi is a lot of motor for a model A size car. Too much for street driving if you ask me. How about the smaller lighter Dodge Red Ram, or DeSoto Firedome? Or even a 354 or 331 Chrysler? The 331 can be bored to 354. Either can be lightened by adding an aluminum intake manifold and water pump. Not sure if there is an aluminum front cover available. You can get one of these down to the weight of a Chev big block or a little less, around 600 to 650 lbs.
i had a 354 in a 30 tudor sedan. Homebuilt 2x4 with A rails up front, p&j dropped crossmember, 40 bones, 36 axle, posie front spring heavy, rev eye, low spring. i drove that car EVERYWHERE for four years (exwife got it). only problems i had were one bent 35 wire wheel (heavy hemi, and poor roads in indianapolis IN), and BROKE two trans (heavy hemi and heavy foot). hell of a combo "hemi in an A"
As HRP noted, you gotta build the frame to suit the motor, as well as the body. A Model A is a light car but for a Hemi will need a heavier chassis that is adequately braced to resist the torque of a big-block or the frame will bend and it will tear up the body. As for driveablility, that's as much a factor of cam selection, steering, brakes, etc - not really related to whether you're packin' a Hemi, a SBC or a flattie. Some guys want an easy idle, power steer, brakes that work and everything, others are happy to put up with a grumpy pig - hmmmm, I guess it's kinda like a marraige. The fast sporty ones are often nice to look at but may be difficult to live with, whereas the slower, more comfortable ones can be nice for a quiet cruise........????
Funny I was just admiring the construction of my stock Model A this morning on the way to work. How the rearend is connectted to the short trans then to that small, lite 4 banger then the frame is attached to that assembly. My A seems to be pretty zippy & handles quite well for what seem almost stock Model A. It does have 94carb, tube header/intake, 12v, 16" "somewhat" better wheels & drop axle. 2 days ago I was moving this 54 Olds rocket V8 with beutiful chrome valve covers the say "OLDSMOBILE ROCKET", & 2 4bangers into the garage, we finally got rain this year in SoCal. When moving those I notice how almost a 3 to 1 weight comparison between the 2 two. TorqueTubes have there place. When that gets eliminated, the connection between the engine/trans & rear suspension take all the torque. You change the cars whole dynamics. Box'g a must. the longer rearend support arms are, the better.
That's why Walter P. created the Dodge Red Ram so you could build a well balanced Model A. If it were my build I would be throwing a Daimler hemi in there but come to think of it, I am - just not in a Model A....
my T had a 2x3 3/16 wall frame and I drove it all over B.C. Washinton, Oregon, and Idaho . Had it for 12 years, even drove it several winters, went out side knocked the snow off my 6 94s and drove it,,,, and heck, I'm not even crazy.
Bass's A is the first thing that popped into my head when I read the title. Read and learn about his car, then your answer will come to you!!
There is a guy in the Tampa Bay area that drives the hell out of a blown Hemi powered Model A. sedan. I don't know him,but that A seems to be there anytime I go to a cruise-in or car show. That sure looks massive in a Model A .
The OP's question reminds me of the 289 vs. 427 Cobra debates. I'd guess that of them handles, the other is a point and shoot experience.
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