Just for sake of argument, let's put in another point of view. Not meant to be critical, but you asked for opinions and help.

I understand your reasons for wanting to use an engine you already have, we all do that. But sometimes just because you already have something doesn't make it right or practical. I have never been a fan of 6 cylinder engines in hot rods, so already I am biased. However, the reason we build hot rods is to improve the performance, and this 6 is just not going to do much of that.

When the gas crunch hit in the '70's and '80's, a lot of people panicked and saw the end of hot rodding, so they started yanking out v8's and putting every form of 4 and 6 cylinder engine into their cars that could be found. Even magazines catered to this trend and had articles on how to do it. What the people ended up with were cars that looked the part, but were real slugs to drive. It is nice you have a brand new crate engine to use, but is this really the right project to use it in?

I am having a hard time getting a handle on what you envision this car to be like in it's finished form, although you mention you want it to be stock looking, and full fendered. Here is my concern. Of all the cars out there to build, the '32 Ford is one of the most expensive. Every part you buy for a '32 is many more times expensive than for a comparable Model A, for example. Unless you have all of the fenders, running board, hood, grille shell, etc., you are going to be laying out some serious cash to buy these parts. Grille shells alone are like the Holy Grail of car parts.

Another thing is that a '32 Tudor with a 6 installed will be worth a whole lot less than one with even a stock V8, and you will probably go through a lot more work to install it, due to length and inavailablility of off the shelf parts like mounts, etc. I also think with the desirablility of '32's, this car deserves to be done somewhat right.

I would sell the 6 and put the money toward a crate 350 (about $1300 base) that way you wouldn't have to butcher the firewall, and have a car that will be a pleasure to drive and worth a whole lot more.

I may catch some flack for this, but this is just my opinion.


You might also post some pix so we can see all that you have to begin with.

Don