What do you like about the straight 8? Also, would you consider putting in a modern style disc brake system (10” drums are often not enough for modern conditions, and the 60 year version is probably in rough shape if not already re-habbed.)
“What do you like about the straight 8? “
I am not interested in horse power. I never had a flat head straight 8 and I thought they were visually attractive and had a pleasing exhaust note. They are substantially heavier than the same displacement V designs, but had ample torque and good acceleration characteristics for the time. So, in a word, nostalgia.
Packard was the only mainstream company that continued to update and improve its design; ending halfway though ‘54 with a 356 cubic inch, dual carbureted, 270 horse model in the Caribbean. I have located two Caribbean’s with the correct motor but have not gotten to look at them yet. I suspect they are just parts cars. (I have to take care of several projects before spending time and money. But I’m pedaling as fast as I can.)
As for brakes, it depends on what I get and how difficult it is to update them. There are, in some cases, larger drums available. I don’t really need the braking power for fade issues as I won’t drive it that hard. The only problem I have is sometimes little cars just whip in front of you because of the spacing you keep for when you drive drums and then they suddenly stop. A Kia can stop substantially faster than a ‘50’s anything.