If you are going to do this yourself with Hamb help and info, the first answer applies. If the expertise level lacks to do this, the second answer applies.
I would have to expect to do a lot of driving before I went to the effort to upgrade the transmission. My choice would be a '34-'39 transmission (best with the '39 gears). Charlie Stephens
You need truck pumps for the 8ba if I recall correctly. The T5, there's a phone book worth of various conversion parts and ideas in here. Brew a pot of coffee or crack open your favorite beverage and start reading.
5 speeds are way overrated behind any flathead. Catch a ride with somebody with that setup and you'll understand.
This one has one and first gear is a waste of time and at 75mph in 5th gear if you want to change lanes and get around anyone you have to downshift into 3rd gear to pickup any speed at all and that's a well built motor with a single 4bbl.
I would argue that is because of not making the right choices when it comes to gearing. S-10 boxes with 4.03 gears are wrong with 3.78 or 4.11 rears. This is why I have two transmissions to make a Franken T-5. S-10 shifter location and a 2.95 first gearset. Plug the numbers in here and you can see how changing different variables will impact RPM and speed. http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html
Wait! Wait! Are you ADMITTING a well built flat head ford can be beat by a hack built Straight Eight BUICK.? My 1950 , with a built by Ben, first try, will pass anything I have encountered , increasing from 65 mph up to 85 mph in 3rd [ direct] gear. 3.36 gears. Example, I generally drive about 65mph. MANY semis are maxed out at 62mph. Many times, gaining slowly on one, an opening presents it self. Not wanting to hold up the trailing traffic, I step on it! By the time I clear the front bumper of the semi 85 mph has been reached. In third! same as 4th in a 5 speed. AND STILL PULLING. Ben
First off , deskjet, ignore the negative nellies. There are many threads on here covering just what you are asking about. Search for them, build the car and have FUN. Ben
How much of your ’34 Ford is still ‘34 Ford? Does it still have the 34 rear end? Is the X in the frame still intact? These details and hopefully some pictures will help us help you. Also, what is your experience/skill level and do you have access to tools and welding equipment? The knowledge and experience is here to help with some more information.
Yes the 1934 pickup is completely stock with a 1934 flathead 8. The X frame is perfect. I am looking to improve the power and drive a little faster. Is there a way to increase the HP of the stock engine?
What year is the "stock" engine? Is it a 21 stud 1934 engine or something slightly later? Charlie Stephens
You can get high compression heads and manifolds for more carburetors (or a single 4 barrel). If you want to tear into it there are cams available. Remember you have babbit bearings so don't go too far. Charlie Stephens
Depends on how much you want, but honestly you're not going to get much more out of that 21 stud engine unless you do some major work. I'd almost recommend swapping that with a later 24 stud with insert bearings. That will give you a better foundation to build on. Remember, going faster means you need good brakes, too. While those mechanical brakes can be really good (mine are), I wouldn't trust mine over 50MPH
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