My '49 Ford - Engine is 'junk' - tranny slips - what to do?

Any thoughts on a tranny for my '49?

-S

 

the c4 will fit just fine.


tok

 

the CHEATERS run a Ranger 3 speed with OD manual thats supposed to fit awesome... CheaterKarl runs one in his Abone.

then there is the C4.
or a stock manual with OD or without.
T5 would fit nice also and has nice gear ratios matched for a shoe... I rode around in rockys 33 Flathead powered with a s10 t-5 and that was NICE.

there are more...

Tuck

 

I'm looking exclusively for an automatic--as the previous owners did away with my clutch plate, etc.

Is a T5 an auto?

-S

 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm looking exclusively for an automatic--as the previous owners did away with my clutch plate, etc.

-S

[/ QUOTE ]



http://www.wilcap.com/webdoc8.htm#A8BA302

Wilcap sells a adapter (above) for $340. 49-53 Flattie to Ford C4.......

 

[ QUOTE ]
Okay everybody. I think I know what I'm going to do. I am going to have a flathead built for the car--a drop in replacement for what I have, and then I will just return my core to the builder.

So now I have another question. Heads. Why exactly would I want to put Offenhauser or Edelbrock aluminum heads on this motor, aside from looks.

And a previous poster said he did a few C4+flathead conversions. I'm not worried about getting a C4 to mate with my flathead, I'm worried about getting it to fit into my 49. Also, what other tranny options are out there?

Thanks

-Scott

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Scott, I think your at a "time out" point.
You need to do some homework.

First, READ the "Building a Flathead .. tips and tricks" here on the HAMB in the TECH section. Almost ALL the questions your asking here are covered there. PLUS some GOOD books are mentioned that I would strongly suggest you invest in.

Because you don't show where your from in your profile,

EDIT: So Madison WI, found that in your first post. NOW, GO PUT IT IN YOUR PROFILE!

You started this thread with "My '49 Engine is Junk."
Without someone who really knows flatheads "passing opinion", (or isn't looking to make a buck) don't jump to conclusions just because the engine runs rough. (change the spark plugs lately? Transmission low on oil?)

 

Dave,

The engine was checked over by the 'flathead expert' that all of the gearheads in southern wi have recommended me to. Everybody has said that he is a straight shooter and is only interested in making perfectly running engines. He said he could tune it up to run on the cylinders it has--but it would be a waste of time and money.

At this point I am reading that long flathead thread in the tech section. A lot of good stuff, but unfortunately a lot of it is beyond my means right now.

If there is anybody coming through the southern wisconsin, Madison, area this weekend for a show or what not that would like to take a listen to my flattie (if she'll start) I would more than welcome another opinion.

Right now I'm just trying to get together my options. Once I have had some time to weigh them, I'll make my final decision. Right now my gut is leaning towards having the engine rebuilt so it is something that I can rely on. Same goes for the transmission. But let it be said. I'm not afraid of a lot of hard work--I'm just afraid of doing something to harm my current equipment to the point that it can't be repaired by somebody more skilled than I am.

Thanks again for the opinion.

-Scott

 

For $25 per chance you could own the HAMB raffle 289 & AOD. Course I'm going to win it and put it in my wifes 50. Make you a deal on a rebuildable flathead 6/3spd complete setup.
Everyone says the C-4 is a good fit, no floor mods needed, etc.
Good luck with whatever you do.

 

[ QUOTE ]
Dave,

The engine was checked over by the 'flathead expert' that all of the gearheads in southern wi have recommended me to. Everybody has said that he is a straight shooter and is only interested in making perfectly running engines. He said he could tune it up to run on the cylinders it has--but it would be a waste of time and money.

[/ QUOTE ]

By the sounds of it, you got some "straight advise." The next BIG question (if you decide to rebuild the flathead) IS the block good? Good flathead blocks are getting harder to find by the hour.

Can YOU pull the engine and transmission?

Set the trans aside, if it is indeed the original, (Ford-o-matic) they are hard to repair and heavy. The Ford C4 series OR Ford AOD automatic transmissions are far better.

Strip the engine down to the bare block, (great learning experience) and take it to the engine guy for inspection. Take the crank too. If he can hot tank the block and do a magniflux and pressure test. THEN, you can make your final desision.

[ QUOTE ]
At this point I am reading that long flathead thread in the tech section. A lot of good stuff, but unfortunately a lot of it is beyond my means right now.

[/ QUOTE ]

I won't try to tell you building a flathead is cheap, but if you stay with a fairly stock rebuild, it won't "break the bank!"

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not afraid of a lot of hard work--I'm just afraid of doing something to harm my current equipment to the point that it can't be repaired by somebody more skilled than I am.

[/ QUOTE ]

Flatheads are tough old engines, and if you get a couple of the books suggested, they can guide you through the process.

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks again for the opinion.

-Scott

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Scott your welcome, I have been "playing" with the Ford flathead engines for almost 50 years; and I'm still learning about them!

 

If I were you before i gave up go get a new set of plugs,Points condenser and do the tune up yourself.shouldnt cost more than 25 bucks.Run a little marvel mystery oil through the carb and give ths old flathead a chance.Check fireing order also I have purchased tham that were sold because of miss only to find someone had wires crossed.

 

if i were you i'd pull out that fordomatic and put in a stock 3speed for that yr motor, i dont know how easy they are to find because i usually find mine with a motor. yet they arent that expenive to rebuild i got mine rebuilt for $225 and it's runnin like a top now.

 

The problem with putting in a standard 3 speed manual, w/ or w/o overdrive, is that the person who did all of the work on the car ripped out the clutch plate, etc, so I would have to go track down and mount all of that gear. It's going to be much easier to stick with an auto--plus my wife can drive it

Any thoughts on where to pick up a rebuilt c4 tranny that would be small enough to properly fit in the tunnel of my '49?

-S

 

Hi Mate,

Its not that hard to replace the nessissary components to get a manual trans working again. Flatheads dont make alot of power and an auto trans will only suck it up (especially in a heavy car where you need all the power you can get). Go with a manual and you wont be disappointed.

Some words of encouragement: I'm new to the flathead game and am scared of the prices out there for complete rebuilds as well. Why not try and find a decent running motor. It may not be as nice as a rebuilt one but it's hell of a lot cheeper.

Also, this "straight shooter". He's an engine rebuilder and I'm sure he is good at it. But he's not a young guy with no money... you need to find someone out there who know's flatheads and knows what its like to be poor. Sure a rebuild will fix you current issues, but so might a re-ring and valve lap. Or at least give you another 12 months to work out what your going to do.

So my advice: take it slow, read all you can, and dont be affraid of a compromise: there are many shades of grey between a cracked, rusted, frozen piece of shit and a full race, rebuilt screamer. Just find the shade that best matches your resources and budget.

Danny

 

My Ford buddies all smile when I tell them how to make a GOOD Ford, cause they know that I am only PARTLY serious. Yank that Flattie and do what the Hot Roders do. Throw a small block chevy in there with an automatic transmission. I am putting a lot of time into a 57 Mercury to make it original, so I would understand how you feel if you decided to go the original way. I am available to tell you how easy and inexpensive it is. Ron

 

You really think he's still deciding what to do about that, over FIVE YEARS later?

 

LOL funny....................