If you were going to build a 'rod....

[milje]

What would you use for a powertrain? I don't want to go overboard on price, right away at least.

I'd like a big block, but I might know a guy selling a later 90's Dodge with a Cummins and a stick. I see these trucks blowing the doors off of smaller cars with a full size truck, I'm thinking in a way lighter package, it would be AWESOME! I know the engine would need some money thrown at it to get the power I want, but it's not like I have to throw this thing together overnight, heck once I build a new garage it can take 5 years as far as I'm concerned. A diesel would definitely be different. But damn a big block just has that sound to it, I don't know what way to go. Then again I can get a big turbo woosh with a diesel, which would be sweet, and probably get decent mileage at the same time.


BTW there is an old (1930's) International down by my parents house, I gotta talk to the owners and see if they'd sell it. Body isn't that rough, surface rust but I didn't see anything all the way through.

Don't know if this is going to happen or not, but it sure would be a fun project.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

A diesal would be different, but I don't like the sound or the black smoke. I love the engine rumble of the old school muscle vibration. Not the clack clack clack.

I like both! My 92 f250 has the IDI 7.3L and I put a glass pack on it, sounds awesome. Like a big block muscle car when I hammer it and idles like a diesel... all with the black smoke.

If I had to with any swap. it would probably be a 7.3L Powerstroke! I love the turbo whistle and the black smoke! Id get a cookin' one like this in my truck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qbnozIGfkE&feature=related

 

[Toms01PSD]

What would you use for a powertrain? I don't want to go overboard on price, right away at least.

I'd like a big block, but I might know a guy selling a later 90's Dodge with a Cummins and a stick. I see these trucks blowing the doors off of smaller cars with a full size truck, I'm thinking in a way lighter package, it would be AWESOME! I know the engine would need some money thrown at it to get the power I want, but it's not like I have to throw this thing together overnight, heck once I build a new garage it can take 5 years as far as I'm concerned.

Have you ever driven a diesel truck or riden in one? I think it's insane that people feel the need to "upgrade" them. With a turbo diesel it's instant power. I'd rather have a turbo diesel than a big block.

 

[Hahnsb2]

I like both! My 92 f250 has the IDI 7.3L and I put a glass pack on it, sounds awesome. Like a big block muscle car when I hammer it and idles like a diesel... all with the black smoke.

If I had to with any swap. it would probably be a 7.3L Powerstroke! I love the turbo whistle and the black smoke! Id get a cookin' one like this in my truck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qbnozIGfkE&feature=related

That's a 12 valve twin turbo cummins in that truck...

Currently makes over 1000HP...


Have you seen this 4BT rat rod?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVlov_t4fjg

 

[milje]

Have you ever driven a diesel truck or riden in one? I think it's insane that people feel the need to "upgrade" them. With a turbo diesel it's instant power. I'd rather have a turbo diesel than a big block.

I've driven my fair share of diesels. I know it will be pretty quick stock, especially in a relatively light package, but stock is never enough

 

[milje]

A diesal would be different, but I don't like the sound or the black smoke. I love the engine rumble of the old school muscle vibration. Not the clack clack clack.

That's where I'm having trouble, I LOVE the sound of big ass V8, but that turbo whine would be pretty sweet.


I guess I'll have to see what I can find around me for an engine, if I could get my hands on a 454 I'd be very happy. Diesel would be cool, I'll have to see if that's the way I want to go.

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

4BT with twins on a traditional rod...


BUT...


I'd really really REALLY like to build me a Volksrod! It'd be rockin' 2000cc+ turbo engine of course. No fenders, Ford front beam. hell yes.

 

[Sunk]

A built Cleveland.

But a Cummins would probably be cool too.

 

[2manyfords]

There's also this Detroit Diesel Dragster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rve2Z3xZ02A
This thing is cool, it says it's a 6v53 but I think it's an 8V71.

 

[Shran]

If I was building one, I'd use either a Chevy 454 or a Chrysler 440. I agree with you about the big blocks being cool - they are freakin sweet.

 

[darkspork]

The Dodge Cummins already makes a lot of power, there would be no need to upgrade it, but at the same time there is no reason not to...

My vote goes to the Cummins diesel for powertrain

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Personally, id go old school and use a 390....or a hopped up 400M.

later,
Dustin

 

[Mac]

Motor I guess would depend on the chassis, I love what Doorgunner is working on, his "36" Ranger but sure would like more poop under the hood. Do have a spare 428 and C-6 in the garage with no home.
Dave

 

[daniel3507]

A built Cleveland.

or a 427

 

[BigJohn76]

Motor I guess would depend on the chassis, I love what Doorgunner is working on, his "36" Ranger but sure would like more poop under the hood. Do have a spare 428 and C-6 in the garage with no home.
Dave

i might have a home or two for that.

And about what powertrain to put in, go with whatever you can afford. 350 Chebbys are cheap. i am working on rebuilding one now.

Big blocks are cool but guzzle gas like a mofo. Diesels get great mpg and even better when they are chipped. they do get expensive to upgrade though.

all in all its ur call. do what you feel is right and is what you want to do.