Which engine for my Model A?

[mitch_04]

I recently purchased a 1931 Model A Tudor Sedan body with title. I have wanted one ever since I saw the Hot Rod article where they took the Sailor Jerry's Model A and the Lambo around Cali and compared peoples responses. It'll be chopped and flat/satin black, but it won't be a "rat rod", or at least not what I consider a rat rod. All the planning is in my head at this point, although I'm keeping an eye on Craigslist to see if any good deals come across for drivetrain related parts. So here's my current thoughts...

1. Jag V12 - Preferably one of the later ones with fuel injection. I just love the idea of a high revving v12 sound (5.3L), 6 exhaust pipes on either side, and something different than a flathead Ford. I don't want to put a Chevy or Dodge engine in it, but for some reason more exotic engines don't bother me... Downside is parts availability, or more so cost.

2. Ford V10 - Similar reasons, although the V10 won't rev as high since it's displacement is much larger by means of stroke. 5 pipes coming out each side would be pretty cool, it would still be a Ford, and plenty of power in stock form for a car that'll weight in around 2000 lbs. Downside is just that I'm not in love with it for some reason, although I can't put my finger on it.

3. Ford Ecoboost 3.5/3.7 - Twin turbos, direct injection, definitely something different in a Model A. Mount it to a 6 speed tranny and you'd have a powerhouse that would pull crazy mileage in the little Model A. Downside here is cost, they aren't cheap yet although they are available.

As you can see, I'm not looking to modify any of the motors. A light car and generally powerful engines will be plenty. Looking for some ideas and opinions!

[shmoov69]

Out Of those, is say the V10 only if you can dump the ugly from the engine! Multi carbs on a custom intake or some kind of stack injection with everything looking old school. But I'm a HAMB'r and I dig that kind stuff! LoL!

[Nothingface5384]

I say buick Nailhead 425
the ecoboost would be cool though

[1989GTA]

I say buick Nailhead 425
the ecoboost would be cool though

From a looks stand point I agree. They look cool in those old Fords.

[astroracer]

I'm planning for a 331 Caddy in mine. :)

[NJSPEEDER]

The Jag V12 would be unique and look completely bad a$$ if you run an individual throttle body set up with the air horns crossing the engine.

Really I have always wanted to do an A with a roots blown flatty with a 5spd behind it.

-Tim

[mitch_04]

Maybe I'm too "new school" for some of you guys, but I just enjoy fuel injection! However, running a vintage motor with fuel injection would be pretty cool as well, especially stacks.

I am not trying to let this become a super expensive build. It's a cool car, but it's not one I will invest large amounts of money into. That's why the "junkyard" motors are higher on my list.

Then again, it's a while down the road before I build and lots could change. That's why I like getting ideas and opinions, might bring up something I've never considered.

[MonzaRacer]

Honestly why not look around for a T-Bird SC 3.8/5 speed or see if you can mate a Camaro 3/,8 5 speed too a 3800SC from Grand Prix/Regal, etc.
Intense-Racing, ZZperformance,3800Performance build a lot of parts like rocker arms, throttle bodies, header parts etc. Admittedly for FWD, BUT Honestly a 3800 SC can push some serious power for its size AND I have seen a few people source Aussie intake parts as they are aluminum and turbo these units.
With sealed computer on GM unit(its housed in air box) a harness would be easily modifiable and many tuners rework the flash e-prom computer.
I actually like the 3800 Buick as there are more performance parts.

[COPO-RAT]

I have a friend building a '31 Model A and we had this same conversation. He was looking for something other than a SBC (we are both chevy guys), to put in his Model A. At the time I had two Pontiac V8s and 2 Chevy inline six cylinder motors (both 250ci). He wasn't looking for a powerhouse and chose one of the inline sixes. Personally I think the motor looks great in there. He has a 4 speed trans behind his, but the trans options are wide open with that motor (I have one mated to a 200R4). I also have a personal build using a 250 inline that I have made a fuel injected intake for, I'm using a Buick Grand National turbo on it and it will be mated to a 4L60E. It will all be controlled with the electronics from a Trailblazer (with the inline Vortec 4200 six cyl).
Sorry for the ramble, but thought I'd throw out another 'unique' combo.

[mitch_04]

I am rebuilding 2 inline sixes for my other vehicles! And I have an inline 5 in another...

I don't know if you have read up on the inline 6 Chevy, but apparently they don't take well to port fuel injection without a 12 port head. Something to do with the cylinders stealing fuel/air from the other on certain cylinders due to the firing order. I'm going with throttle body injection on one of mine for that reason. Are you on Inliners forum?

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

I've thought about this since I want to build a "rat" rod myself (It's not the HAMB, so I can say that!). I'm a Chevy guy, but wouldn't want to do a 350 in one. I'd like to do a nailhead, or keeping it Ford, maybe an FE, something totally different. But my ultimate would be an early Hemi, gold paint and all, just looks awesome. But actually I do have a nailhead now for a future project that I haven't bought yet (bought a 65 Riv last weekend, have a 455 that would be better suited for how I want to build the car).

As far as the 3 listed above, maybe the Jag V12 if it can be cleaned up enough. The V10 and Ecoboost are too ugly IMO, and it wouldn't matter if it got 500 hp and 30 mpg for me, honestly.

[mitch_04]

Fuel injected engines are usually ugly! The V12 has the cool twin throttle body look though. The Ecoboost would be neat to me because you would see both turbos. Any non-carb engine will probably take a little work to make it look more at home in the Model A, I wouldn't leave it as-is. There is some beautiful LS engines that look "old school" and a pullout LS doesn't look near that pretty, so I have a little hope for clean up.

I would never dare ask the same question on the HAMB! I use the HAMB for information, but stay out for my personal builds. Maybe I'll stroll there when I fix up my '47 3100, otherwise I'll stick to the search feature.

[sixgunsuperman99]

I recently purchased a 1931 Model A Tudor Sedan body with title. I have wanted one ever since I saw the Hot Rod article where they took the Sailor Jerry's Model A and the Lambo around Cali and compared peoples responses.

You've read the article, but the important question is... Have you watched the video?

http://youtu.be/rArpyMXT2ew (Roadkill episode 5 if the link ever breaks).

Have you thought about the boosted Ecotecs? The supercharger hanging off the side would look pretty sweet!

102434

[mitch_04]

That does look pretty cool, and has been in the back of my head if I decide to go with a non-Ford engine. Was it ever mated to a rear wheel drive transmission or do they offer adapters?

[nekkidhillbilly]

efi a flathead

[sixgunsuperman99]

That does look pretty cool, and has been in the back of my head if I decide to go with a non-Ford engine. Was it ever mated to a rear wheel drive transmission or do they offer adapters?

The Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky had Ecotecs and RWD. The Redline versions had the turbo Ecotec that followed after the supercharged version. I imagine it's probably fairly straightforward to do with all GM factory parts.

[mitch_04]

I've even considered the EFI flathead route, but the flathead has been done to death and is, in general, a very inefficient engine design.

[benno505]

twin turbo hemi

[MonzaRacer]

Another non ford entry that would be VERY col and the igiition and starter are integral so to speak with starter under intake and DIS sits on what would be passenger side valve cover. AND with DIS integrating FI is as simple as a Microsquirt with HEI inputs(module gives computer 75% of info needed.
93-99 Caddy Northstar 4.6 V8 OR Olds Aurora 4.0 V8.
All aluminum, so somewhat lighter, DOHC, polish up pretty good. There even used to be a street rod place in Colorado that had a supercharger set up, like 4-71 or 6-71 or Holley/Weiand/B&M/Edelbrock possibly.
Also you COULD hang couple GT2871R ebay knock offs off each side and throw little boost to it.
Biggest weak link was the head bolts but there is a company with kit to swap them over to head studs. Pull heads, never mill them, clean them up with plastic tools/gasket remover, IE no scotchbrite or sandpaper, then new gasket and proper torque procedure and those will run like stink and look cool AND most non V8/Chevy GM trans can be used, only have to mod bellhousing too clear starter nose.
I thought about one for my Monza project for a while, just would up with a SBC(283) for cheap then read on Marty's Grenade thread over on theturboforums.com.
And I got 6 free forged pistons, and it came with steel crank, and I swapped for a set of 461 double humps already 202/160 screw in studs/guide plates soooo.

http://www.chrfab.com/Engines.htm

[Restomod]

I went with a 8BA Flathead in my Coupe....but thats just me.

[84TransAm]

Nice place for a Y block. Either a 292 or 312 with a top 4 speed.

[reschke18]

Great topic! I have a '29 Model A Coupe that will be the next build after my '69 is done. I have a 1955 Oldsmobile "Rocket '88" 324 ci for it. It's not as common, there are cross referenced parts available for rebuilding, and trans adapters, and it screams old school. Not to mention that they were a pretty strong engine to move those Olds tanks!
Modern engines are awesome, it's just super hard to clean them up and make them look right in an old school themed hot rod.

[BMR Sales]

How about an Audi V-10?

[MonzaRacer]

How about an Audi V-10?

"Facepalm"

[chpr1972]

A little late, but a few years ago one of the magazines ran an article on using a old calivier motor[90's] and when they were done with it it looked a lot like a Offenhauser like was used in the old Indy cars. Was real neat! 4 banger and real vintage look with modern internals and may be eazy to FI and still look vintage and would definitely be different and probably not too expensive. I do not remember how they converted it to rwd but they did.