Retro Rod powerplant? Buick vs Y Block

[Robenstein]

So I got this Model A coupe and I am starting to think about what to put in it for a powerplant. I want it to be retro themed, but not terribly expensive. So pretty much the small block chevy and ford motors are out.

I have seen more and more W Chevy motors in these and while I have a 348 tri power motor sitting around, I am thinking of going a different route. I am thinking Nailhead Buick or Ford Y Block. Any thoughts on this? Its going to be a daily driver and with the low weight of the car, power is not too much of a concern. What I am looking for is ideas on durability and reliability...as well as cool factor. Just entertaining ideas on it. Flatheads are cool but just too underpowered and unreliable....really need an OHV engine.

 

[SS1970chrysler]

Nailheads like some abuse.

 

[Robenstein]

Yeah a 401 or a 425 sound fun. But something about this makes me want to put a Ford in it, hence the Y block idea. I have a 1959 348 Chevy tri power motor, but I have seen more and more 348/409 motors creeping into street rods.

maybe a vintage Cadillac motor?

 

[Shannow]

Ford cammer ?

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
Ford cammer ?


I did say not terribly expensive, not terrible expensive. LOL

 

[Shannow]

What's a Y between friends

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
What's a Y between friends

Its an expensive vowel to buy to use some wheel of fortune lingo.

 

[Shannow]

Not being frivolous, but one of my most beautiful visual memories was of a Jag V-12 in a polished wood hydroplane at our local lake...and a DAX Cobra V-12.

http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/off-topic-6/jaguar-powered-hot-rod-35228/

Before write-off, the auto in the V-12 Jag is a T400

 

[flanso]

Cam bearings in Ford Y blocks turn when they wear cutting off oil supply to the rocker arms. Years ago, the aftermarket offered kits that oiled the rockers externally through hollow valve cover attaching studs and lots of copper tubing. Perhaps a 289 would be a better choice.

 

[NHGUY]

289 with 8 carbs.Like the Munsters Drag-ula.

 

[Astro14]

455 Olds can be built on a modest budget and produce a prodigious amount of torque...perfect thing for moving an older rod!

 

[cp3]

I'm with you Robenstein, it's a Ford, it should have Ford power. If you can't come up with something retro like a Y block that you're comfortable with why not a newer generation Ford engine. A 302 should be a realatively inexpensive build, shouldn't it?

 

[A_Harman]

You've already got the W-motor. Go with that. Seems like the Tri-Power setup you have on it would make it stand out.

 

[The_Jeff]

Originally Posted By: A_Harman
You've already got the W-motor. Go with that. Seems like the Tri-Power setup you have on it would make it stand out.


This. The chassis fell into your lap. The engine is sitting there. Don't try to impress people by writing lots of checks now.

 

[OVERKILL]

We've had many Y-blocks, the most recent being a 425HP 312 that spun to 7K in a 22' Chris-Craft Cadet.

They are great engines and were quite popular in vintage boats.

I've got a few pics of some if you want any ideas.

 

[TooManyWheels]

That is such a spindly chassis - I would really think twice before using a heavy old Buick or Ford motor. But since you are leaning toward Ford, why not a late-ish 5.4?

 

[Jarlaxle]

302 stroked to 347, dressed up to look like a 1965 289 Hi-Po!

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
That is such a spindly chassis - I would really think twice before using a heavy old Buick or Ford motor. But since you are leaning toward Ford, why not a late-ish 5.4?

Which unless it's a alu version weighs as much if not more than a Y block...

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
That is such a spindly chassis - I would really think twice before using a heavy old Buick or Ford motor. But since you are leaning toward Ford, why not a late-ish 5.4?


Notice I mentioned this is a Retro rod. No fuel injection. I want this to look like a rod from 1964 at the latest. And yes the 5.4 is going to weight about as much, and even those its a lightweight chassis, I am boxing the frame. And back in the day the old Rocket 88 and Caddy motors weighed more and they were just fine.

With modern lubricants, wont a Y block Ford live relatively long? And a Ford Y block is not going to cost me too much. If I had the money, a 215 Buick would be the lightweight choice, but those are hard to find and build right.

 

[SteveSRT8]

No way will a late model OHC motor look right in an older chassis.
Plus they are as wide as a small 4 lane highway.

I like the stroker 302 idea, dressed up like an old 289. And you better be bracing that thing up, if it ever gets traction it's going to break stuff like crazy.

Remember, there's a reason that GM made 100 MILLION small blocks. They're cheap, easy to find, parts galore, and quite durable. Why not consider a cool old SBC?