Yeah... I like that ALOT. If my car was in the same condition as that, I probably would seriously still consider the Hemi. Wanting to keep it a '50's style rod, to me, doesn't preclude mods like that guy is performing.I personally don't want computers or computer controls, fuel injection, digital dashes,etc.in MY car.I deal with enough of that crap with my daily... For a car that's in sad enough condition that it would cost as much to go either way, stock or custom, I would LOVE to heavily customize something, but still stay in the old school vein. I personally think he should chop that car. It would be rough, but done right, worth it!

The older chassis was built for an inline engine. There might be a lot of encroachment on the sides.

The Firepower Hemi is HUGE and weighs a ton. It would not be an easy fit into the engine compartment.

A Poly Plymouth engine (or Dodge pickup) is the same size as a LA but looks its age (older). They first appeared in something like 1956.
It would be easier to stick in your car, but would still be a chore.

Anything short of a turbocharger on the flathead 6 is still going to be slow. There were larger displacement Flathead 6s, as big as 265, but they are longer, IIRC. Still it might be an easier swap.

In reality, it is usually better to keep a car on the road. I have had too many projects drag on for years (one of my problems) and when it's sitting in the shop or under a tree waiting its turn you don't get a lot of enjoyment out of the car!
R.

Andy,
If you want to go to a disc brake conversion, there are several options available. I have personally used kits from Charlie at www.rustyhope.com. All the available kits require some work, but there is one out there that is suppose to use off the shelf parts that you don't have to modify anything on your car to do, unfortunately, I don't have a link to it.

Don't let the motorheads lead you astray, the flathead 6 in a modified form, like yours, is fully capable of keeping up with traffic. I wouldn't want to do much drag racing, but they make great drivers. Gene

Thanks Gene! My racing days are pretty much over... I'm in family truckster mode now. I want a big boat that'll hold the family plus a trunk full, with style.I want enough power to pass on the t-way at 65-70 mph but not at 5k rpms! I want to be able to STOP the tank, too. I would prefer to be able to reverse the process if I ever want to take it completely back to stock, though. Like I said before, the more of these cars that get cut up and modified, the fewer there are to show future generations what they really looked, felt, and drove like. I love a good rod, don't get me wrong, but I prefer to save that treatment for basket cases. I played with the old Hemi idea, thinking it would be a relatively quick bolt in easily reversible mod, like swapping a small block into a 6 cyl A body. The "newer" stuff is where my experience lies....late 50's - 80's....That coupled with the fact I sold my last car when I got married almost 20 years ago....a LOT of companies products and technology has come and gone in the automotive world in that time!

Let me be the first to suggest a supercharger on the six, probably limited to about 4lb of boost. Then you need to get the gearing settled for cruising. A 3-speed with overdrive would be cool.

R.

hi Andyjon100; I have a 55 dodge coronet 2dr. My idea is make mine like late 50s to mid 60s , no newer than65. Mild custom I am however going with a motor, trans, and rear end from my 88 Chrysler 5th ave. No bucket seats, no floor shift unless I need to as they were used in many cars back then. I grew up in the 50s and 60s. just missed the Nam draft. My oldest daughter was born in 1969(had a brand new RoadRunner convertible). keep us posted on your progress. mike mhutch1948

...somehow missed this thread...

Yup, we are a Hemi shop and, no I do not recommend using the 52-331 for your 49 car. Way too much involved.
Any of the Hemi-based Poly engines would be an easy swap and many have been done.
Read through this:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/lookey-what-i-got-for-a-project-hyfire-poly.360864/