I have a chance to buy a recently rebuilt 42 ford flathead for 300 dollars. that is all I know so far. Is this a good deal. I dont know anything about these engines, but I have a 27 roadster body sitting here that I have havent decided what engine to use. Can anyone tell me anything about these engines. Horsepower? Possible displacment? price? anything? ----Daniel
The '42 flathead had a 221 cubic inch displacement, and was rated at 90 bhp. I'm no expert, but $300 sounds like a good price. For more info on flatheads, see http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_specifications.htm Hope this helps.
Everyone should have a flathead at least once in there life. In my humble opinion no engine sounds or looks as good. Beware though that they can become addicting. With flatties you either love un or hate um! WHEN MEN WERE MEN AND CARS WERE STEEL
I have a '42 221 CID Flathead I got from a guy making a streetrod out of an original sedan. It's kinda small in the cubic inch department. But if you want power put any OHV engine in your car. If you want the look of a flathead the 59 A is a good choice.
Thanks for the info. I have a flathead in my 51 merc. I drive it the least of all my cars but the damn thing runs like a top with the 3 97s with progressive linkage. I was just wondering about the older flatties. 90hp should get me down the road. thanks
I had always heard that the 42 was the first year for the 3 3/16 bore (239cu in) Also the two bolt timing cover with the crab dist. At any rate $300 is a very good price. If it would fit in my suitcase, I'd buy it when I come to AZ in two weeks. "Once you go flat, you never go back"
Most of 'em can be safely bored to 239" if desired - add a Merc crank & you've got a 255". It'll run just fine...$300 sounds good if it's a crack-free block!
well I went and bought it for 250. some lady got it in a divorce TOTALY COMPLETE ready to run only a single 94 ford 2 barrel though time for some swap meets. the heads have a little surface rust and so does the intake any suggestions on removal of the rust?
looked a little closer and it has a 59 on the bellhousing I think that means it is a 46 or some post war engine according to a website on flatheads also the carb is the same as the 46-48 and the heads are 59a-b
I cleaned my whole flatty up with an angle grinder and a cup brush. It does a really good job. However, I'd rather used a blast cabinet, but I didn't have one available.....
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