Technical V8 Flat Head

Need some help on the value of an engine and trans. Friend of mine just bought a 32 ford coupe, it has a 48 flathead in it with a 5 spd S10 trans, he wants to sell the engine and trans complete with clutch assy, slave, plus a really nice set of headers that come out and go down the side to the rear tire. The guy he got it from said the headers cost him over a $1000 to have built. It also has a really nice mini High torque starter on it. It's single carb and runs really sweet. I don't have a clue what it's worth, I told him I'd get on here and ask.

 

He also has the rad, he's putting an alum one in it.

 

An unknown pre 48 flathead that runs nice is worth $400. The trans setup is worth $700. The headers are worthless to anybody except another 32 owner with the exact same engine placement measurements, or somebody who has another body with the same measurements (highly unlikely, but possible). The radiator is worth anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on age and brand.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I will take all of those I can get. Please explain how you came up with that figure.

 

Trade it for a Henway.

 

to add to alchemy,

I have dealt with enough flatheads (running or not) to know.....unless they are torn down and inspected (magfluxed etc.), they are absolutely suspect (mostly for cracks).
Even if there is a work list of things done.
For me, unless there is a full price return agreement if found bad.....I pass and........ I no longer get burned.

It is no surprise to find what appear to be good running flatties that end up being in not good condition once torn down.

Buyer beware!

 

2935ford, could not agree with you more. I have purchased more than a few boat anchors over the years.

 

When is the last time one of you guys bought or sold a flathead? I sold one about 3 months ago, and I can guarantee it went for a LOT more than $400. (and it didn't run)

 

I'm with Tubman. If mike wants $400 I'm your huckleberry. We do a lot of flatheads with t5 and I'm always looking for stuff.

 

I have paid more than this for short blocks. 700 for a complete transmission set up seems better than fair.
I haven't seen any this side of the big river for these prices.

 

Just a week ago I picked up a 41 flathead that was supposedly a good running engine when removed a year ago. I got the good-buddy deal for $375.

I have a friend that can get me good blocks for $100 each, or complete short blocks needing rebuild for $200.

Sorry if you guys are paying too much. Don't hate.

 

I almost think you need to find a new friend. A deuce coupe with a flathead and a manual transmission, how awesome is that? Let me guess, he is going to put a SBC with a automatic transmission it?

 

This is completely at odds with everything I have experienced over the last few years. If true, your "friend" is leaving a ton of money on the table with every deal he makes. I call BS.

BTW, if I'm wrong, I apologize in advance and want to place an order for as many "good blocks" as I can at $100 each. You are in Iowa and I am in Minnesota and I have a truck, so I can come down and pick them up.

 

I think if running it’s worth a bit more than a core that you can’t see and hear run . Let’s get real , 400.00 that’s not a helpful number . I’m not into flat motors , I do know the one that came out of my 48 F1 went into my buddy’s A truck some 40K miles ago . We had no idea of running condition or cracks . Rebuilt carb , plugs and points , she lit and still the smoothest running V8 I have ever seen to date . So if it’s running I dare say , it’s worth a bit more than junk , take a chance price .


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

I took a chance on a non-runing 8BA for $400. Once at the machine shop of a Flathead specialist it turns out I got lucky. The machinist said he would gladly pay $600+ for that block and make a profit by the end of the week. This is on the east coast - I bet location is a factor.

~ Carl

 

since you have heard it run - driven it to check trans? - friend likely to give a good deal - previous owners expenses not that important now - has your friend given you idea what he needs for it? - how badly does your '32 need a drive train? - how much $ burning hole in your pocket ($1200?) - have fun

 

$400 for a complete running flatty is a very good deal. I sold my stock
good running 51 Merc engine 20 years ago for $500. Buyer may want
to pull the heads to check for cracks.
If so, it's fair that buyer pays for new gaskets plus labor.

 

I heard it run, starts right up, no smoke, hasn't lost any coolant on the few trips he made in it. Trans shifts great, I know the rad is worth good money. He's in Ky, I'm sure a person could buy it cheap, he doesn't like anything laying around to long. If someone is interested, message me and I'll give you his phone number. I'm not making crap on this deal so I'm not pushig anyone to buy, he just asked me what it was worth and I didn't have a clue. I'm sure someone could own it all for $1000 to $1200 if you would throw it out there. I'm not a flathead guy but it'd make someone a nice package that wants one.

 

Tubman has a truck and is ready.

 

"alchemy" - If I wasn't 75 years old and already into some serious downsizing, I'd be half way to Kentucky by now! I am (regretfully) actually considering it.

 

If it comes with the Ansen hydro clutch set up.....that ought to be worth an extra 25 bucks.

 

$400-$600, tops. Running condition. Cracks or no cracks. Unless the flathead is a performance motor, anyone is dumb to pay any more than this.

 

I guess I'm pretty dumb.

 

Tub, what are you doing still on the computer? Get in that truck! Make sure to stop by my place on the way home to show me the purchase.

>> We should meet up at this year's BTTF's. I can show you my flathead powered sedan.

 

Ten years ago I would have on that like a rat on a Cheeto. These days unfortunately, not so much. Anybody want to buy a good '56 Hemi or fresh built up '51 Olds Rocket? I think you can see my problem.

 

We need a picture of your buddy's '32 and engine to see what other extra equipment it might have. What is he planning to replace the flathead with? We might have to do some major flaming.

 

Is it still available?

 

I had owned Ford flatheads for about 30 years until a couple of months ago. Just getting too expensive to rebuild these days.

Every now and then, can find a flathead that "ran when pulled" but has been sitting outside for 10 years on Craigslist for $400. I grenaded the bottom end of my last one, block was still good, crank and rods were toast, gave it away.

In 2016, I did replace it with a complete running late 1940 flattie that I got from a club member for free, but that was damn lucky on my part. No more flatheads for me, its now all small block Chevy's and Fords for me. Everytime I find something for a flathead in my garage, I give it to my club members that own flatties.