Roadster Engine

hotrod coupe

hotrod coupe

Well-Known Member
I am looking for input on which way to go on engine. I will have 350 I just pulled from the coupe, a 400m ford my dad set in the rails, or the 301 chrysler polyhead that was to go in since I was a child. The poly engine and autotrans has sat on stand for almost 60 years. Heavy beast for 300 ci but has the looks, 350 easy rebuild I think, 400 in a mopar? I think its got a bad rap but not right for the desoto. Would appreciate your opinion.
 
Well I will have to admit, I had to Google every engine but one. I assume when you said 350, you were referring to a SBC.

I can't tell you which engine I would use, I don't have your sentimental attachment, skills or bank account ... etc. It's obvious it's going to be expensive to build some of those engines, especially if you are wanting loads of HP. All I can do is ask some questions, you will have to answer them.

- First, will it fit ?
- What is your goal, HP, cool factor, sentimental/family history ?
- Availability of parts, which goes hand-in-hand with cost ?
- What about the original engine, is it still there, is that an option ?
- Are you prepared to replace the entire driveline to handle the additional HP ?
- How long are you prepared to work on this project .... 1 year, 3 years, 7 years or more ?

When you can answer all those questions, then you might have your answer.

Sure sounds like cool project, where did you get the 31 Desoto ?
 
Pop bought it for mom when I was 2 and I have all the pieces except drive line, sentimental cool factor, currently has an 8.8 rear end in back. With stock fenders requiring small width tires I am not planning on a high power engine. Sbc engine is cheap, reliable, and boring, poly is exotic, heavy [698lb] and possibly over my head. Can this post be put up for all to see also, I know grumpy has worked on gen 1 hemi/poly engines and might have an idea on engine rebuild cost.
 
 
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Nothing decided yet but thinking about using the 2 liter bmw engine & trans from a 1973 2002 because I don't plan on making it fast just a good driver for the day. Still hoping to get down for the street drags with the coupe this year.
 
now very obviously there's always going too be huge variations in what's available and the costs associated with all choices,
but the last time I was in a salvage yard you could buy a complete ford 400-429-0r 460 v8 & transmission combo , out of some 1970s or newer truck or luxury car for well under $1000, and getting a full differential out of the car at a significant discount as a package deal is certainly an option,Id certainly try to find a t-bird or lincoln or pick-up to salvage a complete drive train from.
and any hot rod you ever resell without a decent V8 had a much lower resale value, Id strongly consider or at least inquire about the cost of purchasing a decent V8 for the project.
you don't need a race engine ,a stock rebuilt V8, with some nice paint and some chrome would be fine!
 
I agree with you if a sale was ever a consideration. This was bought in 1960 for my mother and has never been finished. the 1931 desoto roadster is a rarity with only a handful still around, I have all the bodywork so I will be keeping it looking mostly stock with different wheels. Really wouldn't consider selling it. Its too bad there aren't many slant 6 mopars out there any more since the original engine was a straight 6.
 
something rather unique like a jag v12 from a rusted out jag might be a nice option,
I've seen complete jags with a 6 cylinder and a few with a v12 that were in poor interior and outer body condition,
collision damage, etc. that would still run(not great) go for under $1200
certainly going to be far more expensive to rebuild, but still unique,
personally a caddy 500 v8 sounds like a good idea.

there were 4 duce caddy intakes built for the 500 caddy engines that look impressive
(yeah a ton of money and trouble but still interesting as an option)

Caddy 500 Cu Inch

How much are they worth? Runs, comes complete with everything even headers. Currently running in a 73 pickup. Doesn’t smoke, no bearing noise. Can hear it run then will pull.
garage.grumpysperformance.com
 
I have a 350 sbc on the engine stand to be rebuilt and a 55 poly head chrysler spitfire 301 but unfamiliar with the rebuild of that engine and its rather heavy but unique and not sure about availability of parts for rebuild basicaly a 331 hemi with smaller bore and poly heads. Always liked the idea of droping a caddy 500 in a camaro that had a sbc since their weight was similar.
 
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