Hot Rods Flathead or Hemi

I have a 32 3Window that I have owned for 40 years. I drove it for the first 15 then tore it apart to rebuild and it has been apart ever since. I got side tracked on other projects and just never got back to it. Due to recent health scare I decided now is the time. I have two motors that I could put in and each would put it in slightly different time periods. Flathead would be late 40's to very early 50's, Hemi would be a updated early to mid 50's. I have a style in mind for both and I like them both. I haven't had a flathead since highschool and I remember all of the trouble I had with it. But that was when I was a teenager that didn't know anything. Do any of you guys with flatheads really drive them, I mean across country? The hemi I would not be afraid to drive across country but the flathead I am a little leery. The flathead would be a 296 incher with a T5, that I already have, and the hemi is a 55 Desoto with a 700R4 or a 5 speed. What do you guys think?

 

both will be difficult to find parts for on the road (adds to the cool factor of having it)
the flat head will sound killer
the Hemi will look killer
I hate decisions like this

 

I've had a couple of flathead powered cars none of which had enough performance for my liking. I'd recommend an OHV V8 over a flathead anyday.

Gary

 

I love hemi engines, and had a 392 blown and injected, but the flathead is so cool..defo flathead

 

Hemi with the right gears would be so much more drive-able than a flathead.
This comes from first hand knowledge.

 

Both are expensive. Both sound great. Both of them look great in '32s. Not a ton of power difference in the mid and low range between a hot stroker flathead and a stock 291 Desoto. You could always add a carb or two to the Hemi if you want to make some power. I would prefer the Desoto personally, but I bet the market prefers the flathead. Tough choice!

I hope you are feeling better soon...

 

Hemi!

 

no brainer. Hemi.

 

^^^^ HEMI!!

 

Just curious, when did this "build to a certain era" start, it's certainly not traditional thinking. Not that it's a bad thing. I don't remember anybody in my area, in '64 or earlier, that ever cared what year the parts or look was from.
Any way now that I have stirred the pot I am doing a blown Baby Hemi, so Desoto would be my choice!

 

Hemi ! Although Flathead's are cool too.

 

Either or! My '34 Roadster has a mild '52 Merc flathead with a T5 & 9". Runs & drives great. Have a '54 331 Hemi in the corner??

 

I have a 52 Merc. flathead with a t-5 in my 32 and I love it. I put over 6000 trouble free miles on it last summer.

 

Sounds like the vote is in, it's a hemi !!! Which is my choice hands down, there's no placement like display oh hell like performance lol jmo hotrod harry


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HEMI

 

A friends 1932 Ford 3 window with a 241 Dodge Hemi that fits and goes places......

 

Baby hemi would be cool untill someone with a real hotrod flathead pulls up and beats the doors off that hemi. Flathead I say.
Btw that's a hemi that fits under the hood not a big ass blown 392.

 

Or step way up and have both.
ARDUN!!!!!!!!!!! Hemi flathead

 

I was leaning toward the Hemi but this one is making me question my decision. I love it.

 

Hemi

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Really?

 

which would you choose .......a clock or a sun dial?

or, put another way........5 main bearings, full flow oil filter, efficient intake and exhaust flow........or a boiler maker prone to cracking, convoluted intake/exhaust, 3 main bearings....etc., etc.

Ray

 

If you want it to look cool, then either one, but if you want to use it and travel,HEMI

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Sell the hemi and the flathead and put a 289, 302 or 351 Ford motor in it with the 5 speed.

 

I voted hemi, but if money is no object I'd have to agree with the ARDUN flatty!

 

I'm biased because I have a Hemi in my '32 with a T-5!
Just got back from a ride that I had to take...... not really, but it was so nice out, well you get it!

KK

 

They used flatheads to go cross country back in the day. Nothing wrong with them at all. Maintain it properly and you will have very few problems as with any motor.

 

Look at post #16, now look at post #13, now look at post #16, now look at post #13, at what point did the lower unit get excited?

 

Well Sir, I as well have a similar choice. The 32 chassis I have
came with a 59L flathead all mounted in place. The trans and rear assembly are there as well. This was a running driving chassis.
I had no intent to leave the running gear in place. I intended to
install a Chrysler hemi with a Muncie adapted to it. All of these parts
are on hand as well. After a visit to the Bayou round up here about
last October and seeing many flat motor 32s as well as others I am
beginning to rethink removing the Ford for the Chrysler? I guess not
a bad problem to have!

 

Post #13. The best car and engine combination by far on this thread. Simply outstanding!! Great looking flathead!!