Should I go with a 283 or a flathead 8

Thanks to everyone for chiming in on this. Like I said earlier, I was planning on the 283, but then for some reason the flathead thing came up. I know a guy that builds race engines, so I think I'm just going to hit him up and see what he's got laying around. Thanks again for your help.

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Have fun, no matter what you choose!

 

Go Flathead! I did and they are WONDERFUL! You will not believe the comments you will get. "is that a hemi? wassat? Duh!, WOW! A Flathead"

 

I just do not understand how you can tell someone to put a flathead in a 50 Chevy. You have been hanging around here for 6 years and that is your first post. C'mon Chevy only. Plus they look great in there.

 

Why not a Y block??? HE HE!

 

I am running an early 283 powerpak motor in my coupe. Not as cheap as putting together a 350 but does look more period correct.

Another SBC vote.

 

The OP wanted input from one of 2 choices Flat head Ford, 283 Chevy. The crate is a derail of topic.

 

In my opinion everything is traditional, now period correct is another story. 350's are a dime a dozen, can be built cheaply and basicly only distinguishable by the motor heads. The 283, 327 is a little more difficult to come by now and seem more expensive to build because of that. So my choice would be, beings it is going in a hooded car I would do the 350 because of build cost and more readily availability of parts at the local parts house.

Oop's sorry I went away from the op's original question

 

Cast my vote for a 283. I'm partial to SBC's.

Just to throw a thought out there, and I hope I won't stir the pot too much, but why not put a Flathead in a Chevy? It's different, cool and will raise many eyebrows. Seems to be a one-way street when it comes to engines. People put SBC's in Fords all the time and no one bats an eye, but put a Ford Flathead in a Chevy and people get all weirded out. Why?

 

Just as many people get "weirded out" over putting a SBC in a Ford, as thread after thread here will attest.

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1950 Chevrolet 216 horsepower 105. 1950 Ford V-8 horsepower 100. Hmmmm.

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Oooooh, flatty fer sure...

 

The 216 is "Old Reliable" and it likes to be pampered. A 283 is cool but swapping in a 235, which is a easy swap, would make a nice driver and you can't beat that "Rappy Rap" sound of the 6.

 

^^^ Not to mention 235's look bitchin' dressed up, with Fenton's and a few carbs.

 

^^^^^Ditto
And to the O.P: Get that Flathead idea out of your mind or I'll shoot your foot for you

 

An inline six upgrade would be my thought, how about a 70's or 80's Chevy/GMC 292 truck engine. A six for a six, lots of torque, and engines should be plentiful. As I understand it the firewall has to be modified and steering box clearance is tight for 283. I have a 292 in my 57 GMC.

 

How about checking this out? http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/pts/4317734347.html Your best bet is an engine with a rear sump oil pan like found in many Pontiac V-8's, you will be wanting to convert to an open driveline too so this would be a good donor for engine brakes and driveline Sure would not be a "belly button" swap either!

 

283

 

This is a joke, right ?

 

how about a flat head caddy? too cool!

 

As a Ford guy, there's a part of me that says "Yeeaahh - Ford in a Chevy..." Seriously though, if your building a custom then whats under the hood doesn't matter. If you have access to a decent priced 283 by all means use it. Otherwise a 350 would definately be the economic choice.

Or you could put a 302 SBF in it... MUHAHAHAH!

 

hahahaha, now you´ve made me spill my beer

 

Did anybody ask the OP about intended use? The last I heard he's talking to a race engine builder. Advice could range from 216 to 409. Ford Flattie would have piss-off appeal.

 

I have a flat head in two of my A's. But would never put one in a Chev. 283 is one of the best engines ever built. The best for there day. I would use a 261 when built right, they are fast. The 261 is what I used back in the 50ts. used it in a 51 chev hard top, 31 chev coupe 32 chev coupe and a couple of pickups.

 

^ Pretty much sums up this thread.