So I got offered a 1936 flathead ford cheap. I've been looking for a 59AB. but haven't found one I can afford. It turns over and supposedly ran when pulled. It's complete. Would this motor work in my 31 AV8? I know the water pumps are in the heads and speed parts are probably rare/non-existent. But would this work Ok? Does it have a Stromberg 97 on it if stock? Leave it? thanks
If its a runner I think it would be cool, even as a "first engine' for the car. The dimensions should be similar to a later block style, for a future swap, but you might want to double check first. TP
I wouldn't if it's a babbet engine. It's better suited for the restoration guys. I'd go with a later engine as long as you are going to all the work of building the AV8.........
I think those did come with babbet bearings unless the motor is marked LB. Correct me if I am wrong. However, I think it'd be rad to put the 21 stud in there. Yes, speed parts are really hard to find. I believe most older style intakes fit these blocks, but heads are $$$. I bought a complete 37 motor with trans, running and that's what I'm gonna run in my AV8. It's something different. If your gonna keep it for a long long time, just remember parts are gonna be more spendy and harder to find than a 59ab or later. Just my .02
Probably going to. I'm fairly certain it has a stromberg 97....core value for the carb is what the whole thing will run me.
Hmmmmm.... I had one (a 1934 babbit) that I was using in my A). Same as you, this one was all rebuilt and complete, and was CHEAP Then I bought my 33 pickup and decided to use the 34 engine in it, so am now buillding a 59AB. If it were me, I would run it. They are very close to a 59AB in sense of mounting uo, so you can change to a different engine later if you desire. Yes, the 97 was used 1934-1937 on Fords
Well, if a 59AB is a easy swap in it's place once I get the ch***is set up then I will definitely get this 21 stud. I want to keep my options open on what I can run in it's place should the need arise.
Yeah, the mounts on an early 21 stud are lower...so I made these spacers to make up the difference on the mounts on a 59AB. Ford sold a spacer just like this to people that wanted/needed to put a later flathead into a 33-36 Ford. Other then that mount issue, basicly the same bolt in wise.
Helped a buddy install a 36 flathead in his stock 28 A bone. It ran sweet. Our first work on a hot rod. Used a 32 front end, steering and crossmember, 40 brakes. [baknthe 50,s]
I just saw a early Flathead for sale on craigslist for a good price. It was on the portland area. Heres the link. http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/pts/2236848084.html
That is a good price......but the one I am looking at is cheaper and closer. If I could afford that one I would just by dynaflash 8's 59AB
I'm working on a '29 that Zibo built about five years ago right now with a '39 type 21 stud. Runs beautifully and has more than enough power to haul around a fenderless "A".
Matt, as for whether it is the LB style with insert bearings some are stamped LB where the manifold bolts on, but not always. To verify, it would be best to pull the pan. While the insert is generally preferred, if you're just going for a good putter engine, the babbit style will work fine if in good condition.
No worries, glad it found a good home. I wish I could afford it, but with the parts it would need to be complete....well, it's way out of my league. It probably would sit in the corner of the ba*****t holding up the stairs for the next 30 years. Btw I've been chatting with the guy about the 36, He doesn't know if it has insert or not. But He also has a 40 ish motor in a BIG truck that I can have for the same price. he says he had it running recently, but it has weak compression in two cylinders. But it comes with a set of rings. The 36 no longer has the Stromberg 97 on it....Hmmmn. I may have just found my honey hole..... Now I'm really not sure what to do! He wants 100 bucks each. I think I may get them both.
Don't get so hung up on the 97, unless you're just trying to sweeten the deal. Any 94 style carb will work just fine. When you check that engine, try jiggling the crankshaft forward and back, (flywheel end play) If it feels tight, than there's a good chance the bearings are fine. -Need Louvers- That little 21 stud had some good power, but when I gave it up there was 300+ lbs less in the car! - post up some pics!! TP
Check how many head suds are in the one in the truck. If it's a 24 stud it's probably a good one...if it has a large 59 on the bellhousing it is a 59AB and I'd be all over that. I would honestly buy em both but if your on a budget I'd go for the one in the truck.
The 21 stud in my coupe is pretty peppy with a pair of 97's added. I'd go for it, it would be cool in an A.
I know it's a moot point now as the carby has gone, but in answer to your question, yes, the '97' Stromberg was a factory fitted carby in 1936. If I was in your position I'd get both motors, I'd run the '36' while the '59' was undergoing a rebuild.
Jesus! Just get them! Why are you waffling here? You could sell off the one you don't want and end up with a free motor!
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