I have seen 180 degree cranks for Ford flatheads. I am real curious if anyone has ever compared one with a regular Ford/Merc crank say on a dyno for example. And if so what was the outcome? More horsepower, quicker revs, more revs, smoother running? I do know they have a different firing order than normal and this helps prevent cross polluting certain cylinders. Has anyone any concrete results?
I don't know what the idea was. The first V8s (1915 - 1923) of all makes had the 180 degree crank, same as any inline 4 cylinder. They also had a 4 cylinder type secondary vibration. This was eliminated by the 90 degree crank. Why they made a 180 degree crank for racing I do not know. Some people tried it but it didn't seem to catch on. So whatever the idea was, it didn't seem to result in more HP.
They made them because a flat crank is much easier to make. Conventional cranks had to be twisted after forging to get the throws in the right 90 degree locations. Not many have the equipment to do that.
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