How B.A. of a Flathead Ford v8 is realistic on the street?

You wanna borrow all my flathead books? I even have Abbins book.

 

Are you asking me? If so Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

PM me this week, I will go dig them out.

 

Ok lets see the stroke is 4'' and the bore is 3 1/4'', the heads are 24 stud alum ''Made in Canada'' they may not be v60 but they do fit the 59A style C69A truck block I have, and with the right gasket clearance I should get 8:1 comp.
I know the limitations and class of the vehicle I'm building and I' am ok with that, just because I'm 21 doesn't mean I'm going to run out and race my honda buddy's if I had friends that drive honda's and raced.
I'm building this AV8 coupe for me and will continue to research, learn and be a member of this hobby.
Telecustom

 

I was hoping this thread would help me make up my mind about building a Ford flathead or not - its just muddied the waters.

 

That's like my own perfect Flathead. I'm going to be hunting a set of Denver heads now that I got rid of my Weiand Cheater Heads a few months ago. Damn it!

 

Ah yes, the Ford Flathead. Also known as "Henry's eight cylinder water heater". It's a lesser known fact that this beautiful sounding water heater, as a byproduct, could actually move a vehicle.

 

Only motor I've ever built. 274/276 cubic inches can't remember. I'm in about 3200 bucks. Later block, 3 5/16 bore 4" Merc. crank, Schnieder 400 Sr. crank, lightned flywheel, intake, heads, etc, etc....paid about 400 bucks for block bore, hardened seats, and lightening the flywheel. Did the assembly myself.

For daily driving I might skip the lightened flywheel, and hook up a PCV.

I think you will love the process except for installing the valves. They are a bear but ya' gotta' have 'em

 

All you really need is one that will make it to Vantage next fall, right?

 

Yes exactly.

 

Well, since your building a time machine, lets talk. I think we can actually make money on this Flathead deal.



-Jason

 

Damn, that's a fine lookin' mill... Can't wait to hear it run.

 

Here is the rundown on the mill im building for my 36 3-window

304ci
4 1/4 stroke
3 3/8 bore
7" fordged h-beam rods
Schnider Racing cam 395 lift 270 duration
Harrell Heads
Edelbrock 4x2 intake
4 Stromberg 97 carbs
Harman Collins Magneto
Melling Hi-volume oil pump

I have $5000 just in machine work with all the parts and whatnot im looking at a little under $15k....and i still dont haveit back from themachine shop yet

 

Hey KWMPA.....I see you are M R S. I totally need a rebuild kit for a 1500cc fuel pump. I'll call you tomorrow.

 

yeah we got them or rebuilt pumps...should be no problem....tell em kevin sent you

 

Looks like my block is bad. I was thinking about picking up a 8ba block and making it look like a early 59ab. thoughts?

 

I have never owned a good 8BA...they ALL seem to be cracked (at least the ones I get).

 

that is interesting. I would have guessed the other way around.

 

just my two cents. any engine you build will be expencive if you have attention to detail and care about the final product. i have about 4,000 dollars into my flathead. is if fast, no. do i love it, yes. it has to be a labor of love. if your heart is in it, nothing else matters.

 

A, 3/8x3/8, 296, Evans heads,Edelbrock 3 pot, H&C mag, Potvin 'eliminator' ,P&R,balanced, Ansen built,8BA, was a bitch to drive on the street. That was my experience. but it hauled ass.

 

Might as well add my .02c worth along with everyone else. My '36 runs an 8BA, stock bore & stroke, stock cast iron heads, modern Bosch points distributor, adjustable tappets, alloy timing gear, Offenhauser manifold with a 500 Edelbrock. Daily driver, starts super easy, runs smooth as silk, sounds wonderful (as flatty's do), not neck-snapping in the slightest but easily keeps up with everyday traffic. Doesn't overheat & best of all - I love it!!

 

More than 3 companies made them But you're correct about 4 on anything short of a really hot engine is too much for the street.

 

I posted a message detailing a build of a 49 Merc several months ago with narrative, pictures, and a dyno sheet. 3x94s, L100, etc., entirely satisfactory. Search for L100 and you'll find it. Total cost with new heads, rebuilt carbs, everything in the block new except for crank and rods was about $5500-6000 including short block assembly by the machine shop. Good luck - you'll like it!

 

I started a 400 small block build for my '64. The short block was free, from
a friend, and good thing.. cause I've spent over $1,200 on it, and it is still
in pieces on the engine stand, with the new pistons in a box. Now, I've
picked up an 8BA (just minus the carb) from Craigslist for $250. It's for
my '30, but not looking forward to tearing into it. I'm already going to
assume it will have problems. One of the heads had been removed, and
then put back on. Hmm...

 

go to my profile and ask my buddy Teep. His is pretty wicked...