Hello guys, I am Willem and come from The Netherlands. I just bought me a 36 chassis with title, axles and engine. Theres a body on it which nobody knows what it is but the lines could resemble a 32 coupe with some cutting. Don't shoot me now.... I've got a question for the engine, I've got a 4-71 blower lying around and I was thinking of sticking that onto the Flathead. I'm not looking for big power so won't be running it with a lot of boost, 7 psi is what I will be aiming for. But, what do I have to modify in terms of the lubrication and cooling? Porting will be a home job mainly smoothening things, nothing fancy. And maybe a cam that will suit the application. Tell me what you think.
Welcome to the H.A.M.B Willem. Looks like you’re off to a good start. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Buy this book and study it. Best advice I can offer. You live in a beautiful country! I have visited a couple of times in the last few years. Can't wait to return.
Go for it! Watching from NewEngland ( across the pond) Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I am not sure what it is but, I think it started as a sedan. I like the look though. Keep us posted on your progress.
Agreed. Making more horsepower than stock puts more stress on the engine and its components. Its about cramming in more air/fuel mixture, whether with bigger cam and more RPM or pressurized induction with a blower. Good bearings, gaskets, oiling system all need to be able to support the higher horsepower.
Great looking car. Do you have any more pictures showing what you’ve done? Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Thanks guys, what a welcome. Body will be more modified than it is now. Alltough it will never be an original, it is steel and I hope it needs a trained eye to see. Will keep you posted alltough progress will be slow as I really need to finish some other projects first. As for the engine, 200hp will be fine, everything over that is bonus. Engines are over engineered so don't expect a lot of trouble, will buy the book!
To your original question on lubrication, when they stop leaking oil...add more. There are a million threads on the HAMB regarding oil filtration systems for flatheads. They very from; 1. Don't run a filter at all 2. Run a filer with no by pass 3. run a 95% filtration system. All have merits and drawbacks. In the end, do your homework and make your own call...but make sure you tell me which way you decided to go. On cooling, keep the timing relaxed, run a good radiator, fan and shroud. I have a 471 blower on my 8BA, I run a MSD blower timing box to prevent detonation issues, it also has a manual advance/retard knob inside the car. Again lots of opinions, make sure you share yours.
Welcome to the HAMB, not every hot rod needs to be a Ford it looks like it will make a fine hot rod for you!
Helli guys, a little engine question. There is 59 stamped on the block, 59a on the heads. So I suppose its a 59a engine. As I can see this is a good engine to start with, dating from 46-48. I also read these engines can take some 7 pound of boost on a stock bottom end. How well does this go? Or is a strengthened middle main cap really the better thing to do? As I said, I'm not looking for big hp, just a fun reliable engine. Is this possible? Last question, can't help myself, what power would a 7 pounds boosted flathead make?
That's an interesting body, I agree that it was most likely a sedan. Interesting because of the windshield style (later style) coupled with suicide doors (earlier style) maybe it's a few different vehicles.
200hp is not a hard figure. I will be throwing some stuff together and see what will come out. As long as the bottom end won't break so will do everything to prevent it from breaking. I would like to keep stock pistons, crank and conrods. Is that sensible?
I think that body has potential to be something very unique and cool. It looks like a cross between a coupe and a vicky with the C pillar sitting over the rear wheel well like that. It has a little Bantam flavor to it.
I haven't read that one so I can not say with certainty. Abbins book speaks directly with super charging a flathead Ford. Where to port, what to add, where to subtract, basically a recipe to serve a 300 HP flathead... And not end up with flathead stew when your done.
Welcome Willem, this should be interesting. That body would be one of a kind on this side, keep us posted.
I will take a look for my copy, I think I know where I saw it last...at the machine shop! Ill run by there tomorrow on my way to work on see if they still have it. If so, I'll PM you for your address and send it to you.