15 Best Hot Rod Engines at 2011 LA Roadster Show

Hot Rod Hemi’s, Flatheads and Bangers – Take Your Pick!

#1 Overhead Valve Conversion Banger Ford Flathead in a Slick looking Slingshot.

Best Engines of the 2011 LA Roadster Show
We tried this at the 2010 LA Roadster Show and it’s been a great story with interesting feedback. So why not try it again?

Everyone’s got their own style and as you can see from the engines I picked out, I trend towards nostalgic, blown, FAST looking engines. How about you? Take a look at these and choose which one your favorite! Hit the “Like” button above and call it out by number.

Or, if this is your car or you happen to be an expert on early Hemi’s or overhead valve conversion flathead motors, then let us know what we’re looking at. I hope I caught something to your liking!

#2 Another well executed Ford “Banger” Flathead – Think there’s enough carburetion?

#3 I’m a sucker for the black and chrome look with simple lakes style headers. This Ford Flathead engine’s got Harrell Los Angeles Racing Equipment on board. Learn more about Jim Harrell and the flathead parts that bear his name here: http://harrellengineshotrodding.com

#4 This bare metal hot rod had slight Jimmy Shine truck look to it… or maybe I just thought so because it was parked at the SoCal Pomona Show – they are totally different trucks. Either way, I got nothing for you on the cool flatheads on this V8, but I like it! (Any info out there?)

#5 My buddy Jim from the Throttle Kings has been fine tuning his hot rod pickup for several years now and showed very well in the 2011 GNRS Suede Palace. From here, we have to slip in the common, but tried, true and high performance small block Chevy.

#6 It’s the details around the engine that make it. I bet those pipes sound wicked!

#7 Loved the pinstriping and the engine turning work on the firewall. Classic and built for speed!

#8 Another great twist on the small block Chevy is the side draft weber induction.

Before we all Hemispherical on you, I want to throw out a few of the unusual finds from the LA Roadster Show:

#9 You see these all the time. I shoulda wrote down some info for you, but the WWI and WWII folks probably know this one. It’s a vintage airplane engine turned backwards that looked like an 8 cylinder, but it was only a four. The guy drove it to the show!

#10 With the valves, spings and rockers all exposed, I sure this old Buick Roadster didn’t use any oil.

#11 Look closely. This is cool. Wish I coulda heard it running.

And now, it’s time for the HEMI’s!

#12 It’s almost unfair to include a Hollywood Hot Rods built motor in a “best of” list. Getting the most Hemi power requires custom, hidden electronics fuel injection, 2 coils and practically no exposed wires. This is the benchmark.

#13 Just so you don’t think I’m totally adverse to billet, I give you this blown Hemi example. I heard this beast running and the surge and growl it made idling down the street turned every head. If you don’t love that, check for a pulse.

#14 Another fine blown hemi example. You pretty much can’t go wrong! I got a crazy fisheye lens picture of this engine here.

#15 Last but not least… Representing Desoto… another true classic including the six pack. Can you see how the engine’s been smoothed? This was the coolest hot rod in Pomona for the LA Roadster Show.

That’s it. 15 this year of the best looking, best detailed engines of the LA Roadster Show. Now’s your chance to say which is your favorite!

CLICK HERE for tons more LA Roadster Show Pictures

Want more “Best of” Engines?  Check out the Best High Performance Engines of SEMA 2010

AMBR is all in the details at 2011 GNRS

America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Winner & Contenders Is All About The Details At 2011 GNRS

At big-time car shows such as the Grand National Roadster Show I sometimes feel a little “out of my league” as a beginner. Sure…there’s always personal opinion when it comes to building a car of your own – and when it comes down to it that’s most important. But when you step into the big league such as entering a car into the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster competition at the Grand National Roadster Show – its much more than just your personal opinion thats up for being judged.

Although I’m only in the beginning stages of learning about cars, I do have an eye for details. So while I can’t give more then my own opinion on which of the twelve AMBR contenders was the most beautiful – I can share with you first impression details that I thought made each car special.

This 1933 Ford Roadster, Nugget, is fiberglass bodied, which deducts points in my book. But that still doesn’t take away from the pretty lines of a full-fendered ’33.

How sexy is that?! Fiberglass or not – these are beautiful lines.

One of my favorites of the 12 AMBR Contenders is this 1929 Ford. It doesn’t have any cute name like most of the contenders – this is just a no nonsense traditional-styled hot rod. This roadster has many details that I just went crazy for -like the beautiful dash, wire spoke wheels, and good-lookin’ engine.

Of all of them – this rear-end exhaust exit is what I love most. The exhaust combined with that good lookin’ brake light and license plate makes it really stand out to me.

Of course, one of the favorites over at MyRideisMe.com is this 1923 Model T “Take Out Special.”

It’s hard to chose just one detail out of so many! In fact, if I could show you via picture – I’d choose the fact that a car club did most of the work in building this AMBR contender. But…since I need a picture, I’m choosing the outer-bodied chromed steering components. It just looks good to me.

I’m a fan of Auburns. So I was pretty excited to hear there would be one contending for AMBR. They just have a grace about them. When I saw this contending 1936 Auburn Roadster, “It Wazza ’36,” I was a little disappointed. Although beautifully done – it’s a little too street-rod modern for me.

One of the remaining details that continued to scream art-deco however, are these nifty-shaped side air vents. I like ‘em.

Heading back to more traditional styling is the only truck contending – this 1932 Ford Roadster.

Was there anything about this roadster pickup that I don’t like? No! I love every detail. One aspect I think is particularly beautiful is the scallop paint job. Slight pearl blue scallops on shiny red will always be a winner in my book.

This 1918 Dodge “Rattlesnake” was different then any other roadster on the floor at the Grand National Roadster Show. As you can see by the picture – it started as a desert rescue.

And that is part of what makes it so special. Most beautiful? Not by a long shot. But it is very well done. And the fact that they chose to do something different – enter a Dodge into AMBR – is my favorite part of it.

Heading back to another 1932 Ford is “Fantom.” I couldn’t manage to grab a pic on opening day without the car being wiped down and made ready to show. They even had some last minute pinstriping going on.

Fantom tried to modernize some things while keeping a semi-traditional look to it. While I’m not in love with the overall result, it does look fun to drive. This 300c.i blown flathead ensures some speed!

Another well done traditional roadster is this other 1932 Ford. Again, nothing too fancy here, just a very well done roadster.

AMBR’s in the details right? And I’m a big sucker for louvres. These make this car for me. And look at the extra detail of chrome stripping down the middle of the hood. Nice.

Another semi-traditional but modernized street rod sort of roadster is this ’32 Red.

Also a little too street rodded out for my likes – but doesn’t this rear end look mean? I wouldn’t mind doing some nice long burnouts with these!

“Double Dozen” is an original prototype roadster. An all-steel formed body is definitely a feat to be proud of.

The lines on this car are so graceful – accentuated by the black/maroon paint and these slightly curved louvres.

Back to a full-fendered version of the 1932 Roadster is “Da Twins” with twin Whipple superchargers.

While I don’t know what they were thinking when they added that weird texture to the fender portion, the depth of the blue paint was a beautiful feature of this contender.

And the winner? That’s right, this 1934 Ford Roadster took the cake. I was pleased that this years winner really does look like it could be “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” to me.

With its full fenders and clean lines it keeps the beauty and grace of a traditional roadster. But its also has some modern creativity going on. Both in the engineering that you can’t see (but I bet will make it drive like a beauty) and some subtle details that you can see like this custom side air vent.

What’s your opinion? What details make a roadster stand out to you? Which one do you think is the “most beautiful?”

Name That Roadster! Or Highboy? Or Phaeton?

As I journey along in the car world, little by little I’m learning. From mechanical issues to car culture history to just plain cars. Recently, while at the LA Roadster Show, I was able to learn a little about all three! It all started with the question “What makes a roadster a roadster?”

To help me answer that question I enrolled Lynn Houchin, longtime LA Roadster Club Member, to be my guide. He answered all of my questions (and was able to point out examples!) about important distinctions surrounding roadsters including: Model A, Model T, highboy, coupe, phaeton, tudor, and more! Read on to get schooled!

First things first – What defines a roadster? Sure, I know its got something to do with having a removable top… but that same definition would also define a convertible so there must be more to it than that. So here it is, two simple things. A roadster must have removable windshield posts, one that is not one with the body – and no roll-up door windows.

Now that mystery is solved, let’s move onto the next.  Model A and Model T, what’s the difference? Hearing car guys talk about this I’d always been confused thinking it was a model type. As it ends up, Ford only made one model of car (albeit with different variations) during these years. So Model T is the earlier Ford car made between the years of 1908 and 1927. A perfect example of a modified Model T would be our very own Pikesan’s 1927 “Bonnie” . In 1928 Ford switched things up a bit adding a splash apron, widening the fenders some, and changing the body style in places. The Model A was then produced between 1928 and 1931, and can be seen in the picture above.

In 1932 Ford switched things up again, and this time it’s a little easier to notice – they added a radiator cover. 1932’s often get called “deuces” but you could also call them Model Bs (for some reason though I’ve never heard car guys use that term.) 1933s and 34s are recognizable by their pointed grills – and a 1933 has curved louvers on the hood sides whereas a 1934 has a straight louvers. So the above picture is what year? That’s right, a 1934. At the LA Roadster show, you can get your roadster in up to the year 1936.

But enough of these nitty-gritty distinctions. Now that you’re on your way to being a schooled car buff, let’s learn some more vocab!

Highboy. A roadster with the fenders removed. (Fender = those curvy things that go over the wheels.)

Phaeton: A 4-door roadster.

Truck: True roadster trucks are rare, but they were made. On top is a  beauty done by Hollywood Hot Rods. I first saw it in October at Ultimate Street Challenge and it also made an appearance at LA Roadster Show… but it’s much funner to see it in action! Below that, I couldn’t help but add this cute aqua and black roadster truck sighted at the LA Roadster Show, I want a ride!

Channeling: Lowering the body over the chassis instead of on top of them. Most rat rod roadsters are channeled. This one was on display at SEMA this past November.

The following terms are NOT referring to roadsters. But they’re applicable to these years of cars – and sometimes, people apply them to roadsters improperly!

Coupe: A 2-door single-seat hardtop with windows. There are both 3-window and 5-window coupes. The 3-window also has suicide doors. (Suicide Door= a door that hinges at back instead of towards the front)

Tudor: A coupe with a back seat.

Sedan: A 4-door hardtop with a back seat.

Cabriolet: Fixed-post windshield (its connected to the body), soft-top, can have roll-up windows, 2-door, single seat.

And the final question: Does it have to be a Ford? No! While the majority of roadsters you’ll see are Fords, it can be something different. Remember, to be considered a roadster a car must have a 1.)Removable windshield post and 2.)Have no door windows. Here’s one of my favorite roadsters of the show and it’s a Mercury!

With nearly 800 roadsters present at the LA Roadster show, I had plenty of opportunity to practice my new naming skills! Next time you see one of these beauties on the road (or looking through the MyRideisMe.com LA Roadster Show gallery) see if you can properly name it…you’ll be on the way to being bonafide!

Want more learning opportunities? Check out Pikesan’s article on 13 of the Best Hot Rod Engines or the learning page at GreaseGirl.com!

13 of the Best Hot Rod Engines at LA Roadster Show

#1 Harrell Los Angeles Flathead with Harrell Intake

Best Engines of the 2010 LA Roadster Show

Walking the 2010 LA Roadster Show, I started snapping shots of the dazzling chrome works of four-stroke art found in the roadsters and hot rods in the show. Where else to place the prized and uber-rare speed parts for your flathead than out for the world to see in an open engine bay?

So let’s put it to a vote. Pick a favorite and MyRideisMe.com will send a T-shirt to the top 3 engines. Easy for me to say!  To do that, I’ll need help! If you know the owner or know the owners cousin or even want to know the owner… leave a comment and help us get in touch.

Owners of these engines: Please email to BestEngines@MyRideisMe.com. You might have won a t-shirt! Let us know the details of the build and how this engine shows why, “My Ride is Me”.

For every picture here, click on it for the full size image.

Starting with The Flatheads category: (don’t forget #1 above)

#2 Polished Offenhauser Flathead

#3 Jimmy Shine’s Truck – 1949 Ford flathead built by Mike Gilbert with Stromberg 97 carbs atop a S.C.o.T. blower with wide open zoomie headers

#4 Tom Cobbs Roadster Flathead: 1946 Mercury 268CI with Cobbs designed 3-ring pistons; Evans 8:1 heads and Cobbs modified GMC 3-71 blower on Navarro manifold supplied by 4 Stromberg Model 48′s.  Dig the cooper fuel plumbing too! (I cheated on this on and copied the show card. I also got a picture of “The Snake” Don Prudhomme starting this up. Yea! It runs!!)

#5 Edelbrock Flathead – Not as racy looking as the others, but finely detailed no doubt

#6 Blown Flathead. Who can tell me about the “Internal Syphon Gauge” mounted behind the blower. It’s made by GE and has a + and – 30 PSI range. The trick curved air cleaners really set this one off.

#7 Sharp Flathead

#8 Quad Carbed Offenhauser Flathead. I saw a NOS Beehive oil filter like the one shown here for $450 at the not-to-be-missed LA Roadster Show swap meet. Nostalgia ain’t cheap.

Next, representing the, Blown & Bad not a flathead category:

#9 “Steinegger & Eshenbaugh” Blown Hemi

#10 Twin Blown & Finned SBC Beauty

Next, representing the, Hell NO I ain’t a Small Block Chevy category:

#11 Gurney Eagle & Weber Carbed Big Block Ford? (Help me out here!)

#12 Thunderbird Finned Y-Block

#13 Tri-powered Caddy

That’s it. 13 of the best looking, best detailed engines of the LA Roadster Show. Care to pick a favorite?

And don’t forget to tell the owner to contact me with details of the engine. I’ll update the story. (Cause we love old school, but we’re we’re the dynamic NEW way to read about hot rods!)

-pikesan

CLICK HERE for More LA Roadster Show Pictures

Want more “Best of” Engines?  Check out the Best Engines of SEMA 2010

Standing Out At LA Roadster Show

Today marked the start of the 46^th Annual LA Roadster Show held at the fairgrounds in Pomona, California. As the name implies, this is a show focused on roadsters. Roadsters aren’t the only thing to see though. In fact last year, I was so busy checking out the informal car show that happens in the “preferred parking” area that I didn’t even make it over to look at any roadsters! This year I decided to remedy that and take a good look at all those purdy roadsters.

As I walked through row after row of pristine roadster my head started to spin! Rather than continuing on with glazed-over eyes I decided to try and learn a little, recognize roadster differences, and figure out which I like the best.

What’s there to learn about a roadster? Tons! First, how about a definition of what makes a roadster a roadster? Most know one when they see one, but could they define it? Then you’ve got Highboys, Model A’s, T-Buckets… what are the differences? I know I’m not the only one who’s unsure about these distinctions. I learned a ton today (thanks Donnie and Chuck) but still have to track down some of the LA Roadster Club members to steer me straight on these differences tomorrow. Be on the lookout for that article in the next couple of days!

As I was learning, I was also noticing what I did and did not like on roadsters. Here’s what I found…

A roadster is a driving-mans (or woman’s) car… so it should have good motor. Not only did I like the looks of this one – from the color choice to the tires to the metal-paneled interior – but it had an impressive engine also.

Some roadsters are too modern for my likes and others too antique. This ’32 Ford was hot rodded in the fifties and remains nearly untouched since then. I like it!

Of all my choices, this is the only one that isn’t a 1932 and that does have fenders on! This 1933 Ford almost screams both fun and elegance! Can’t you picture driving it up the California coast?

This one’s stance must’ve been a good foot above all the rest. It looks ready to have fun out on the road, in a show, or on the flats!

Classic done right. Enough said!

So these are some of the one’s that I like – what qualities make a good roadster to YOU!?!? Leave a comment and let us know!

There’s still another day of the LA Roadster Show!!! Make sure you check back and see what else Craig, Swanee, and I run into!

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