Should I go with a 283 or a flathead 8

Greeting all, I've got a question. I'm building a 50 Chevy Fleetline. I was planning on replacing the 216 with a 283 to keep it period, but now I'm toying with the idea of finding an old flathead to throw in there. I really don't know a lot about flatheads, but I've always had a thing for them. Before I do a bunch of research on it, I figured I'd bounce it off you guys to find out I'm wasting my time. I do plan on using this car as a daily driver, so am I shooting myself in the foot with the whole flathead thing?

 

Consider your foot shot.

Rich

 

You related to this guy?

 

Go with the 283 and keep the Chevy a Chevy.

 

Hell ya now thats a camaro......

 

Nope, no relation there. I was smart enough to ask before I did it. Thanks for the advice, I was kind of on that path but just needed to confirm it.

 

350. More power..looks like a 283 and both are cheaper than a flattie

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If cost is a factor, flatheads are about as expensive as it gets and SBCs are at the other end of the scale!

 

Put a 54 and later 235 in it.

 

Yeah right, the reason not to use a flathead is price.

 

Flatheads are cool in those early cars and traditional hotrods but I, too, would not consider one for a daily driver where dependability is an issue. That said, when properly built, you should be good. There have been a lot of miles logged on them by factory cars and hot rods. A friend of mine back in high school drove a '52 Ford gasser with a flathead everywhere with no problems. Parts availability for quick repairs needed could be an issue though.

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283 or Flattie? Do the 283. More inline with what your upgrading, period wise. Shop around there were several on the HAMB classifieds ready to run.

 

If you can find a flathead without a cracked block, and with a crank that hasn't already been ground too much, you can rebuild it for about twice what a SBC would cost. And it will put out about half the power.
They have to many waterpumps & not enough main bearings.

 

is it April 1st already?

 

This is what you need...a 57' 283 with dual quads...generator, tach drive etc.

 

Do it right, put a 283-350 in it. You can buy a 350 crate engine for less than what it will cost you to build a 283.

 

Never seen no shit like that!!!a flathead in a Chevy it's almost like putting a 216 in 33 ford three window coupe!!stick with a 283 buddy are just get the gun and get it over with!!!!
All kidding aside 283 is a better fit.......

 

283 is a classic engine and considered traditional. HRP

 

SEEN THIS BEFORE!
Posts 3 & 15 are deja vu...
Just out of high school and a friend in our little town got his grand parents CHERRY 50 Merc. One owner car back then - like new. Too much beer and he stacked it up against a country bridge one night. Well, his dad was a car guy and he stuck that Merc into a 57 Chevy post. I drove it a few times - kinda different. Ran great and quite a conversation starter as I remember.

As far as your Fleetline is considered I vote for the SBC - this is a classic fit!! LOL.

 

Had a neighbor, a Chevy engine guy at that, put a Ford flathead in his 1950 Chevy. A few years later he swapped it out for a 350 SBC.

 

Looks photo chopped to me....

 

HRP: I have a feeling you will be referenced some day.....TW

 

really..... was that a question.

 

The OP said "Flathead 8". Are we expected to assume Ford V8? Maybe he's talking about Pontiac, Olds, etc. Mmmmm maybe not?

What makes any flathead idea sacrileges is that Chevy went OHV so early.

I say full flow oil 235, 261, 292, 283, 327 in that order.

 

I vote for flathead 8

 

You see a lot of sbc's in Fords but not the other way. Another vote for the sbc

 

Maybe not. According to this link it isn't.

http://www.rodauthority.com/news/a-flathead-ford-powered-chevy-camaro-looks-like-it/

But then Elvis lives and sasquatch is in New York according to the 'Net also.

 

Buy a 290 HP 350 Crate Motor and go down the road. The best bang for your buck along with performance and a warranty.

 

I vote for the 283. The flat head V8 just seems too weird to me.