i have a 1934 flathead i want to change to conventional lock in berrings from the babbit,does anyone know if its much more than just main boring it to the size of 8BA berrings and cutting slots for berring tangs or is there more involved?
I questioned the same thing on Fordbarn and was told its really not feasible. The blocks that use the bearing inserts have a wider area between the main cap bolts and it would be too much work to come up with a workable setup. So I gave up on the idea.
Get the options and think'em through...this will be a fairly expensive build and you might well be better off getting a '36 or '37 engine with inserts to build. I think you will be stuck with the very small diameter '34 crank as the bearing seats in the block are not big enough for serious oversizing. Some of these earlies have been built with late cranks including 4" Mercs, but that is a big job because the drastic undersizing of the crank cuts into the oil p***ages and everything has to be welded up and redrilled. The '36 (partial production) and the '37 engines have a much thicker crank and inserts to start with, and either can be dressed to pretty well impersonate a '34.
i would like to use a 36 block but they are kind of few and far between and i already have this block,thought i would just use what i have but that probably wont work,guess ill see if i can find someone to re-babbit it
What's your application? I've been considering the same thing on my 35 motor. But in reality it's probably not worth it. Unless you can have it done reasonably inexpensive.
As far as I am aware, our '48-'52 Ford Pilot engines are basically '37 ones, so I have a couple to ***emble with '36 pump-in-head cylinder heads, and block-off plates for the block pump holes. Won't fool any restorer, but then they won't get the chance to complain when I blow their doors off
Ford offered simple iron plates for the extra pump openings so the '37 could be used to replace earlies...heads then interchange to allow using early heads and pumps. Pistons of course have to match heads chosen...I consider domed setup superior.
im going to put it in a 29 special coupe,i dont really want to run a motor with block off plates,im kind of wierd that way i just dont really like the way they look and they would stick out like a sore thumb to me
The '36 blocks are hard to find but the '37-'38 21 studs are more common, less expensive, have inserts, look about the same and there is a block off plate for the pump on the front of the block (or you can make one, they are simple) so you can use your heads. Charlie Stephens
A guy named Roger Gregg did my 33 block years back. Older gent not sure if he is still around. Mine has a 4"crank +.20 overbore 3/4 race cam. Babbit bearings, and it,s still together. Car Runs Great! I do keep my fingers crossed
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