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Thanks for the reply on the choise of engines for the panel. The big trick is getting the entire running gear under the truck. Wouldn't be any fun without the four wheel disc brakes and all the toys. I have a automatic that will be going in as I find it annoying to be shifting all the time. At 53 years young I find it easier to run an automatic.
As for the choise of engines I have always been under the opinion that if one were to build a Ford rod they should stick with a Ford powerplant. There is just something wrong with crossing over. I realize there are builders out there that exist strictly on the bowtie but not this guy. Don't get me wrong, I have had my share of bowties in my days and helped my students build car but I believe in keeping the blood pure when building a rod. MHO at best.
I think if your going to go with a non-ford engine the olds, buicks, cadillacs, and pontiacs were all bitchin choices in the sixties, even the 283 and 327,s are great,
a lot of nostalgia, anything but a 350/350.
but what do i know?
Yeah, I'm definatley not a Chevy fan but... my brother in law had a 67 Impala with a 327 that was AWESOME! A great engine but I still wouldn't put it in my ford.
if its gunna be a ford pickup, make it a ford pickup....you dont see 2005 ford pickups runnin with 350's 454's or duramax's do ya? then why should a 1955?....im one for a "purebred"....take it as you will, and or call me what you want...
My current '53 has the orignal 215cc which will stay, I've got a flathead 8 laying around that I was going to put in but decided to leave it alone and keep it all orginal. The next truck I do I'm think I'll look for a empty shell and try the darkside. lol. Not sure what I'll do with the flathead.....maybe a coupe....
I have mixed feelings I guess...For one...I dont care what anyone puts in their ford truck. Its your chit...Do what ya want. I can actually understand going with a chevy 350...Parts are cheep, you can mod the crap out of them for next to nothing and everyone has parts on the shelf for them so why not...
I had a chance to pick up a 500ci caddy motor and trans for pretty much nothing and passed it up...It was tempting though and in my opinion would have made the truck unique. I opted to hop up my origonal 223 though. I just hope I don't regret it...haha
239 8BA Flathead V8 in my 51. Underpowered? Maybe. Expensive? Yeah. Old technology? Sure. Coolest looking motor under any hood at any car show? You betcha!
Hey leckart, there is a guy here in Tucson doing a 56 with a twin turbo'd 5.4, I saw the finished chassis a few weeks ago and it is awesome!! He said he had a lot of hurdles to get it all running in a stand-alone mode, it may be of some help to you when you get going.