I’m here trying to educate myself and welcome any insight Presently looking at a 31 five window that original driveline is four cylinder but this one includes a flat head v8 My question is if I pull the trigger on the conversion is that going to require any frame rail work to increase integrity or am I better off to find a car that was originally v8 heavy Thanks
A 1931 Model A would only have a 4 cylinder. The V8 Ford was introduced in 1932. It was and is a common thing to swap in a flathead V8 or even later a OHV V8. The frame rails were often reinforced to handle the extra weight and power. I'd suggest looking through this site for "AV8" to learn more. There are also many books on the subject, the most highly recommended being Vern Tardel's How To. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/av8-how-to-build-book.855313/
You are welcome. As with any car purchase, I'd suggest a friend and/or knowledgeable person as a second pair of eyes and ears to check over the thing, especially if you aren't very familiar with the nuances of the model and mods.
I just added a 1932 style K-member that I got from Vern Tardel that is sized to fit A's. Seems to be pretty adequate for a mild V8 and has been since 2007.
Well unfortunately I don’t have anyone close to me let alone someone with that kind of experience with vehicles of this kind of vintage so I’ll probably step back and continue educating myself while hunting for the right machine
Post some pictures and list the asking price. Everybody here likes to offer their opinion. If it's a good deal it is fun to drive a stocker while you plan the hop up.
Have a look at Irontrap Garage videos on using the Old Yankee conversion kit, no welding needed. Just be aware that unless that flahead is a strong runner you will soon have a truck load of money into rebuilding it.
Flathead V8 conversion I believe you are adding about 250 lbs of metal weight correct me if wrong. How many big heavy dudes these cars use to hall around on dirt roads so I think you are OK.
Long ago it was not uncommon to see a flathead swapped into an A with no other modifications. Seemed to work then; should be OK now other maybe better brakes to deal with modern drivers. You list "Central Florida" a more specific location may prompt someone local.
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