Lets confuse the OP even more by pissing in each others boots - I vote for the variable speed tranny for anything but driving or towing.

 

Sounds good to me.

 

+1 for standard then...

Nothing like the control a standard tranny gives.

 

I am a huge 4-speed fan...I just threw out a C-6 cause it is a HUGE step up over the cruise-o that he currently has...perhaps I should have simply said replace the cruise-o and go with something different?

Either way, the flatty should stay in the F-1...390 in the big truck IMO.

 

t98 four gear in the 53 behind the flatty now , got two donor s10's sitting replete with all the parts and two t5's waiting in the wings .................... love my clutch !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I like `em both, makes no difference to me.

 

360 in my 56, soon 2 be 390/c6...i do a lot of hauling of ***...i have drove a 51 with a flathead, it was different old fashioned like feeling, pretty cool. But the FE will haul tons for sure.

 

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. I appreciate it. I will probably go with the 390 in the F3. I have some time to locate an appropriate 4 speed and rearend since both are under huge piles of snow until spring. I'll keep you posted.
Mike

 

you cant beat the feel and sound of a old flattie around town....but i wouldnt head cross-country with it ..not only the power difference, but if you have ever been needing a part in some god-forsaken small town since 1952 you know what i mean when i say "upgrade" to the later model engine

 

Here's my vote:

390 + 4 Speed manual for the F-3 &
Flatty + AOD for the F-1

I've always thought that for work, towing or performance vehicles a manual tranny was key. However, for a cruiser that may do parades or just go for a nice weekend drive/road trip an automatic with an overdrive was the ticket. To each their own, but that's my opinion. BTW, you just can't beat the cool factor that a flatty adds to any ride. Even with fuel injection, a super charger, turbos or custom goodies under the hood. When cruising vehicles at a car show, a flatty will always get my attention first. (Although superchargers and turbos are sweet too. lol)

 

not to hijAck your tread
how did you fix the mounts for your 360

 

heidts crossmember and 1x1 sq. tubing with a peice of flat metal for the pads...custom