[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

I’ve been thinking about getting a crate flatheads motor. They usually come with a warrantee too. I want Edelbrock, etc, stuff. two carbs minimum. I want a Fifties street rod!

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

I’d also like to make the top removable. Shouldn’t be too hard. Like a convertible in nice weather.

[familyop]

"I’ve been thinking about getting a crate flatheads motor. They usually come with a warrantee too."

Those are available? That's great! That would be the way to go for sure, if the prices aren't too high.

I considered a Honda crate engine for a rear mid-engine project (sports car), but it would be well over $8,000. Will get something recent from salvage and rebuild the engine, transaxle, etc.

That is, if I don't back out of that idea and build a mid front-engine roadster (see "Locost 7" but with frame modifications for a newer engine, windscreen and ragtop or canopy, heater and wipers needed for mountain driving). A rear mid-engine build would require more serious redesigning of the roll chassis. I have no experience with designing a rear engine frame and am not an engineer.

The WikiSpeed car is another option for some (crash tested and all, for those who want to manufacture and take the design further), but the aluminum frame design has a couple of negatives, IMO (the cost, and surprisingly at least as much weight as the steel tube roll chassis).