Quote Originally Posted by kcs83 View Post
I want to build a '32 Hiboy. The drivetrain is the main area where I lack a lot of knowledge. I am leaning towards a 383 for the power plant (not opposed to something else though), but don't know about a tranny. I want a 5 or 6 speed manual for sure. Other than that I am still just researching. What are your thoughts? Like I said before, I am very open to suggestions and ideas. I pretty much have a blank canvas haha. I like so many things that it's hard for me to decide exactly what I want....
For a '32 Hiboy I would look at N&N Fiberglass Reproductions N & N Fiberglass (assuming you're not going Brookville or SAR for repop metal) and buy their Premium Roller. I went with a '33/'34coupe as I live where it gets cold and wet, but the '32 is an easier build - straight lines up front. IMO you will not find a better value than N&N for glass, and you cannot find better people to work with than Duane & Scott. If you're sold on the 383 that's fine - I elected to go Ford-in-Ford with a 347 Stroker, but that's just me. The Ford is quite a bit longer and harder to shoehorn into the space than a Chevy. Another really neat choice, IMO, would be one of the newer modular Fords, a 4.6L or if you could find one salvage their new 5.0 - they're awesome looking when set up for an open chassis - very wide, but look super cool. My next one may be a mod motor - I don't do Chevy in Ford, or Ford in Mopar. Lots of people use the T5 tranny from Mustangs, but IMO they don't hold up well to higher HP and torque. My choice was a new Tremec TKO600 which has a 0.64 OD 5th gear - cruises just under 2000rpm at 70mph in 5th with 4:11 rear gears - gets up to speed wicked fast, but then cruises easy. It's not a cheap choice, but it is pretty well bullet proof if you buy the right one for your power level. Their 6spd is awesome - both 5th & 6th are OD ratios, with 6th 0.50! Just watch your gears and torque band. Others will have other ideas.