Hot Rods Rocket or Flathead?

So.I'm trying to piece together a hot rod again.This time I'm waiting until i get all the parts to start an official build thread.I'm having trouble deciding which era or period to stick too.I got the A.D.D. so when i see something cool,i change my mind quick.

Right now I have pile of 20-23ish model t sheet metal.Enough to build a touring body,but I'm probably guna do a modified.Model t truck frame,8ba flathead v8 with the dual carbs intake,a couple transmissions and a few other things..

Anywho,I recently met another hamber(he lives within walking distance) that has an Oldsmobile rocket engine and trans.Its complete minus the headers.I asked if he might be interested in a trade and hes thinking about it.

What would you do?The rocket is most likely a runner.My flathead is not.
Merry Christmas,
pat

 

Having just bought a 50 Olds 2 dr , I can tell you the Olds 303 engine is the bomb. Id go with Olds over the Flathead all day long, especially if its a runner.

 

Right on.The rocket comes with the automatic trans though.What do you think of that.Are adapter kits affordable?

 

Rocket all the way. And I would use the hydro too. It's traditional to replace your flathead with one, BTW.

 

run the rocket and take your time and build the flattie for the next project, they are not cheap but are Way cool

 

Alright,i think I'm guna do it if he goes for it.

 

The hydro is beefy and tough, shifts positive, has ultra low gear which will launch you out of the hole quick. Back in the day a Olds hydro was the one to have. B and M used to rework them for drag racing.

 

That would be awesome,but i cant afford both engines.I might be able to trade the flatty for the rocket though.

 

Well that's good to know.I asked another hamber bud about the swap and he said the automatics are useless and i should keep the flattie..but i just wanted to get some more opinions.

 

Easy to put auto or STD trans behind a rocket.
We make all the pieces to do it ... As well as engine parts for them.

Tony

 

Useless... Hah I can remember watching some early gassers at Lions Drag strip launch off the line with a BM hydro ... It was color me gone !!!

 

Having had both, I'd do the Olds.

 

Right on thanks tony.I checked out you're site and brochures(got that olds rocket shirt too.awesome shirt)but you have no prices on anything..Is that one of those "if you have to ask you cant afford it" kinda things?

I also sent you a pm.

 

I dont have a printed pricesheet....certain items are tailored per customers needs.
As far as costs.... There not sbc's... Most vintage powerplants have added costs.

Call me and I can go over your needs easily and give a quote.

Tony

 

My vote goes for the Olds too. If the trans is good, consider using it. Yeah, low gear is good for about 10 feet but 2nd is pretty wicked. Years ago I had a Rambler station wagon with a 371 Olds and early hydro. Buddy of mine bought a brand new 64 Plymouth Sport Fury, 383, 4 speed. We lined up and I blew his doors off............twice. He was NOT a happy camper.

I've been in love with Oldsmobile engines ever since.

Don

 

Right on.yeah i figured that.Well i was planin on rebuilding the flathead if the trade doesn't go through,so i know what I'm gettin into..

Sweet.I'll let you know if the trade goes through,I just dropped off a plate of all kinds of home made cookies and fudge that my lady made..now we wait.....

 

olds way to go

 

Also,do you think its a fair trade?or is he kinda donating?

The flathead is pretty complete.just missing the distributor.Has a brand new offy 2 carb intake.
chrome headers.

 

Rambler wagon,that's a rare car....( joe dirt)

That's awesome you smoked him in a station wagon..

I really just like the way the engine looks..The valve covers are awesome.

 

Olds, with a B&M HydroStick.....Nice combo.....Keep us posted, pls,.......

4TTRUK

 

I didn't build the Rambler, I traded a 56 Ford hardtop for it. It was a perfect sleeper, except it shook a lot from the cam. But it would haul. Looked a lot like this one, even down to the blue paint, but the wheel openings had been cut out so he could put bigger tires on it all around.

Don

 

That things awesome.

 

It's a no brainer...
The Rocket has more balls!...

 

Unless you got DEEP pockets, flatties are useless for power. They are super cool, and I'd love to build one one day, but compared to an OHV V8, they're not even on the same page. Olds all the way.

 

I've seen one stock '49 Olds 303 V-8 3-speed stick way back in the early '60's. (It might have even been an OD tranny, but it's been too long ago)..

It was in a slant-back, 4-dr car that he was getting ready to IF I remember right, to roundy-round it.

La Plata, MO.

pdq67

 

There is a reason why the flathead was replaced. The Olds engine is more efficient and more powerful.

 

The Ford flattie is super traditional....
but go to a rod show and count them, then count the Rockets...
Go with this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbfnh1oVTk0

 

Go with the olds but ditch the heavy trans for something with an overdrive

 

OK now I'm convinced.

But know one has answered my question if its a fair swap?

 

IIRC, the Hydra-Matic transmissions vary by year. I seem to remember that the '49-'51's were three speeds; the dual-range 4 speed hydros didn't start until 1952. I don't think the early three speed units are as desireable as the later ones. I may be all wet on this; maybe some of you Olds experts can verify or correct this.