Register now to get rid of these ads!

Flathead V8 into '41 Plymouth help

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 2ndchancepremier, Sep 29, 2009.

  1. Help please...

    I have searched the HAMB for any tech info/advice on fitting a flathead V8 and 3 speed box into a '41 Plym...found zip. Tried a few more word combo's and still naada.:)

    Do I still want to do it...aaaayup...can i be talked out of it...aaaanup :D

    If anyone has info/advice/photo's could you help me out...the more research conducted in the interim the better the outcome.

    Cheers and thanks in advance

    2nd chance premier
     
  2. kwoodyh
    Joined: Apr 11, 2006
    Posts: 641

    kwoodyh
    Member

    I doubt if there is a thread on your specific engine install, guess that means you have the opportunity to blaze that trail huh? What ever you do make sure you bomb the motor in chevy orange to ensure it will run, kinda voo doo mojo mixing as many brands together to make your ride?
     
  3. Thanks for the reply...'VOODOO MOJO' sounds like some funky OSR/CKD trip :)

    See its like this...when the opportunity arises to buy a complete merc flathead and 3 speed box for 400 US clams, a guy would be kinda stupid not to avail his hard earned for said mochinary...particularly here in Australia.

    From fan to diff, nothing is younger than 1950ish...hell Im aiming for rolling antiquity. that is the direction of the build.

    Anyhow, a Hemi in a Mopar...dare to be different :cool:

    Someone must have don this transplant sometime in the past...or have I had a bonifideee original idea :eek:

    For those in the know...please feel free to chime in at anytime...it would be much appreciated.

    I guess Id better photograph this enterprise for posterity and whack it here on the HAMB.

    Cheers

    2ndchancepremier
     
  4. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,634

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    Your install is probably rare.But no different than installing any combination that varies from the norm.
    Consider first the engine location and height as it sets on the rails.

    A. Be sure the steering column, steering box and steering linkage clears the exhaust, oil pan and whatever else (crossmember and front bones?).
    B. Next consider what pulley and fan setup is required and that it clears the radiator and front crossmember
    C. Clutch linkages will have to be re-engineered to adapt to the flathead three speed. ( will the toploading shifter clear the dash?)
    D. Most flatheads mount to the frame rails via the front pumps. Flathead pumps vary in height and mounting tab location. (will the engine clear the firewall)
    E. Will the ****** interfer with the X member if present??
    F. Next consider an adaptive way to run an open shaft (easier) to the rear end.
    Lots of things to consider and alot I have not listed...

    I would study closely various ford setups in the 30'-40's and 50's to understand how many choices you have.
    If it would be me I'd save the flathead for a car with an opened engine comparment instead.
     
  5. I have a 41 Plymouth Coupe,(ex adelaide car) and a 40 Dodge Sedan..........don't get me wrong but just because something hasn't been done before doesn't mean you'll get brownie points by being the first to do it......lol..........a Ford V8 in a Mopar is fine by me , but to be honest a flathead ford V8 in a 41 Mopar seems a waste.......why not get a Chrysler Royal 250 cube 6?, or a 265 Hemi 6?.......318 Poly V8?........your car, so your choice but I honestly don't think this is a great choice.........and I have had a 318 Poly in my Dodge Sedan since 1973 and the 41 Coupe is getting a finned headed twin carbed,T5'd airport tug 6.........anyway if you need some info re who/what/where to get 41 Plymouth bits give me a call........I'm Andy Douglas and you can call me from the Scale Automobilia advert in Aust Street Rodding each mth...........regards, andyd
     
  6. Arthur1958
    Joined: Jun 29, 2009
    Posts: 232

    Arthur1958
    Member

    I considered putting my Mercury flathead in my '49 Plymouth ... enough to do some measuring anyway. It probably hasn't been done often because it is such a tough fit. It would take a lot of cutting and modifying. In my case, I also had an early Vette SBC looking for a home, which fit fairly easily into the Plymouth ch***is, so I chose that. If you want to do something unique, then go with the flathead V8. But if you want to have a working rod soon, look for something more compact.
     
  7. PeteJoe, ANDYDODGE and Arthur1958,

    Thankyou for your replys fellas...i appreciate your ***istance.

    I have no doubt that this will not be a straight bolt in affair...as alluded to by PeteJoe. I must admit that i am a ****er for the flathead, you are only young once so may as well build a car that suits my personal tastes. The build is a log term gig...thats inevitable.:)

    Im by no means chasin 'Brownie points'...Im sure as hell no show pony...Hell this car is for me and my family...If others dig it along the way...thats cool ya know. But hey, Andydodge thanks for the offer re parts...Aust Street Rodder magazine A...I just hope you are NOT worth your weight in BILLET:D

    SBC sorry, not for me...Ive chased period parts for this kemp for too long to drop a SBC in it...but I can see your point.

    SO...at the end of the day I have alot to consider,and more long night in the shed, but when building a Custom thats an important part of the journey...dont ya find :D


    Thanks again Fellas...laters

    2ndchancepremier
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2009
  8. Arthur1958
    Joined: Jun 29, 2009
    Posts: 232

    Arthur1958
    Member

    In that case, you definitely must go with the flathead V8. It will look really cool in the Plymouth. As you probably realize, the most inconvenient item is the steering box. I have only worked with the left-hand versions here in the States, but I ***ume it is in the way on the other side, too. The Flathead V8 is bigger in all the wrong places relative to that. But if you get it out of the way, you will really have a lot of room. I think you will still need to cut the firewall and floor, as well as the original center cross member, but there will be plenty of room between the frame rails. Good luck.
     
  9. Arthur,

    Yes my good man...my mind is made up.

    Continued my scrounge for information...lo and behold a guy in my hometown has carried out said transplant in a 38 Plym, great bloke and very helpfull.

    So awaaaaay we go...

    Cheers boys...laters

    2nd chance premier
     
  10. No limitations...:d
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.