Pontiac Repair: Rat Rod Project., pontiac chieftain, small block chevy

Question

Cheiftain Dear Sir, I am interested in purchasing a 53' Pontiac Chieftain from a vintage junkyard.  The Car has no engine and I was wondering what type of modern engine, considering quality and ease of accessibility, would you recommend inserting in place of the Flathead 8.  Any suggestions of any kind would be appreciated. (accept for one that advises me not pursue this adventure)

Respectfully, Todd Crotty
St. Paul MN

Answer
Hey Todd:

Quite the project you have ahead of you there. Actually I have worked on one of those in the past belive it or not. The car is 16 years older then I am. That aside I have no idea what would fit in there easy enough. What ever you decide to put in there ther is plenty of room your just going to have to fabricate a lot of the part you will need to make it fit. I would suggest a small block chevy V8 they are readily avaailable it doesn't have to be a muscle car era engine it can be a newer small block coupled with a turbo 400 transmission They are easy enough to find as well. That is a pretty durable transmission.  If youi can't find one of those a 700 R4 trasnmiison non electronic would work as well that is a 4 speed trnamission the turbo 400 is a 3 speed. Good luck :)