i have a 33 ford truck im just starting is the original v8 worth hopping up alittle and using or do i go with a later flathead ? what can be done to the 33s to give them pep?
First you need to know what engine is in the 33. Is it a bone stock motor with the Detroit Lubricator one barrel? Is is a babbitt 21 stud, an insert 21 stud LB block, a 37-38 block with adapter plates for water pump heads, a 24 stud, etc. Block identification thread here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-flathead-block-identification.594463/ Second, what do you expect? Since you are on here on the HAMB any engine you choose will not put out the power of an LS. So, given that you won't be the fastest thing in town, what do you really need? I think the stock 85 horse motors are great and well balanced to the suspension, brakes, vehicle weight, etc. If you need a more hotrod look you can drop the money on new aluminum heads and a dual carb intake. Dual exhaust may not add any power or aid cooling, but sure sounds good. I see no reason to change the stock cam driven distributor or convert to 12V. If you are good with wrenches and can read the service bulletins you can get decent brakes with the stock rod setup. Nothing looks like brake rods on an early Ford wishbone suspension.
Unless you are building an AACA car, put a later flathead that has insert bearings in it. Better performance and more durable and serviceable.
I've got a '34 PU with a 48 flathead. Not looking for AACA ***le, but I have the original 34 engine if I so desire. Not doing anything I can't "undo" Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
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