VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 41 V8?

I’ve enjoyed driving my totally stock ‘41 coupe for many years, sometimes trailering to long distance meets. Now that I’m older and no longer want to deal with a trailer, I’m thinking a street rod might be the answer. That way we could enjoy automatic transmission, a/c, power brakes and steering, higher speeds, and my wife would be willing to share the driving. I’m thinking that my ‘41 would be a good candidate for this conversion. To put a 350 engine in it, would I need to remove the front cap? Would Nova front suspension be a good choice? Thanks, Sid

I have a 41 that I updated 22 years ago, I used an after market Mustang ll front crossmember. I have a 383 tuned port injection with 700r4 transmission and an 88 S-10 4x4 rear end. I used a Vintage air and heater system. Based on today’s pricing you may be better leaving your 41 stock and buy one all ready done,

Would I still be able to participate in six cylinder tours with a modified car?
Sid

Sid,
I would be up to the Tour Leader whether to accept modified vehicles. Most are fairly lenient.

I am not familiar with the 41 front frame/suspension but I dont see the need to change that end though with the later auto trans conversion and open drive changing a the rear axle will be a necessity. That way you would still qualify for the 6 cylinder tours as well.
Tony

What is wrong with putting a V6 in it... that would give you plenty of power... and would fit better under the hood... and Chevy made a real nice 4.3 L V6 vortex carbureted model in 1985-86 .... no computer to deal with....then for sure you could enter the six cylinder tours...

We drove the 41 to the fall tour in 2015. Didn’t get any complaints, and towards the end of the tour someone came up and ask if I was ever going to open the hood. Other than the wheels there are only 3 minor changes to the outside of the car, so it still looks almost stock.

Still wondering if I would have to remove the front cap to swap engines?
Sid

That would be the only way I would do it.

Sid, just leave the 41 stock. If you're going to modify a car make sure it is something other than a 41 SD coupe.

a. Get yourself a suitable aluminum

trailer, either a Featherlite or a Tommy. They last forever and are easy to pull and a used ones just a few years old are within most anyones budget.

b. Get a suitable pulling vehicle. A GMC Denali XL(6.2 engine that uses regular gasoline} or some other GM four door pickup with a Diesel engine or some other 1/2, 3/4 or one ton,

. with a decent pulling engine in it. I used my 2011 GMC Denali XL to pull my 41 cabriolet from Fayetteville, NC to Bowing Green, KY and back with the greatest of ease. You can join the tour with no worry.

c. That way you can travel in comfort and the missus will be happy. If she's not, either drop her off by the side of the road or the nearest bus station. You can google the location of nearest bus station.

d. Or do what has been suggested: buy a hot hod already modified to your liking. Trouble is then you have to fudge to join the tour. There is no fun in that for a gentleman.

Good luck,

Charlie

BTW: Please don't let the missus be privy to. this post. Can never tell if our paths may cross. Thanks.