So, what's the scoop on putting a 30's V8 trans behind an A block? I've seen the well known Cling's adapters, but they are pricey for a simple ring of aluminum. Is there another out there? I'll only need the ring, not all the pedal and wishbone attachments. And what about the flywheel and clutch? I've seen regular V8 disks advertised at Snyder's for use on an A. What prep needs to be done to a stock flywheel to accept a 40 Ford 9" pressure plate and disk?
The v8 flywheel bolts rite on. Many like to use the 9" style clutch and PP, and cut the big blob weight off in a lathe. They fit in my 14" swing lathe with the ring gear off. The one I did, I bought the main mount, then made the pedal and wishbone mount. I made a nice jig for locating the pedal shaft, think I still have it
While you're in there, you can use a v8 starter also by getting a bendix spring that is wound in the opposite direction, and use the A end plate to mount it
I did a 27 modified for a friend a dozen years ago, I thought he used a 32 case with later gears, behind a B- engine.
Cool! So the 40-48 flywheel bolts right on the A crank, but you need to cut off the bob weights of the pressure plate.
Yes Marty, I've heard that too. This project is getting a donated A engine, and I don't have any extra B pans. I do have a B trans or two around though in case a pan finds its way to me. Actually, the B pan would probably be cheaper than a Cling's type adapter. Now I'm really in a conundrum...... So are there any other items needed to put a B pan on an A engine? Or is it just as simple as using the B pan and rear cast iron housing, then bolting a 32 trans over the 1948 flywheel and clutch?
quote -Cool! So the 40-48 flywheel bolts right on the A crank, but you need to cut off the bob weights of the pressure plate. No, you misunderstood me. You don't need to cut anything, they bolt on. What I meant is to cut the BLOB off the flywheel, the big ring around the outside edge of the 35 to 40ish 9" flywheels to lighten it up.
Ok. If I used a 48 flywheel it doesn't have the thick outer ring. It might need holes drilled for the smaller 9" PP, but that's easier to do than trimming the fat 40 flywheel.
Model B pan needs to be modified to fit an A block. I have done two, the B pan needs the rear bulkhead modified to fit the Model A rear main cap gasket surface, and the Model A pan rails on the block need two holes drilled and tapped and two holes plugged to keep the oil in the sump. You also need to fabricate rear motor mounts to fit a B flywheel housing. The A flywheel housing doesn't work with the B pan. You also end up without a wishbone mount so you either fabricate something like the Cling's kit or split your wishbone. B pan on A block Filler piece Filler welded into position with B flywheel housing Additional holes in pan rail are required at each rear corner for the Model B pan. The rear-most tapped hole for the A pan is filled with a threaded insert and smoothed out with JB weld.
If you elect to go with a B transmission I would recommend an A or B flywheel modified for the V-8 pressure plate. That allows the use of a stock A starter and bendix. Converting to a V-8 flywheel and modified bendix as described above really requires the fabrication of a support bearing for the end of the starter shaft to be successful. Information on the modification of an A bellhousing to accommodate a support bearing for a starter with reversed V8 bendix and spring can be found in the Secrets of Speed magazine and has also been featured on the HAMB in the past. I don't recall ever seeing that modification performed on a B transmission with the integral bell.
Great info! I can fab a filler strip if I go with a B pan and trans. And I've got a buddy with a lathe who could probably trim the A flywheel for the V8 clutch. Then I can cheap out and use the existing A starter. On the flathead V8 in my other car I've been using the stock unmodified starter on 12 volts for the last 15 years. Are A starters as hearty, and last OK on 12 volts without mods?
The old Model A starter drive will break every couple of years, the motor itself is up to it. Many people use the "modern" starter drive, I plan on getting one next time the starter spring breaks or spring bolt fly's off. I think there are 2 starter shaft sizes, the thicker one is better.
Good info for the future. I took the easy way out. I bought the Clings adapter with pedal bracket, wishbone mount and aluminum adapter. I'm using the stock model a flywheel ,clutch, pressure plate and starter using 12 volts. I bought the kit in San Diego at the Big Three Swap Meet about 4 years ago for $525.00.
i remember seeing awhile back where clings is retiring and closing up shop, those adapters are bound to look cheap now compared to down the road
@low down A I thought Clings had an ad that they were selling all their equipment molds etc. With some luck someone will buy it and keep on producing them.
Used a 2.0 pinto with a 32 belhousing. Model A flywheel cut down. And drilled to use V8 clutch. Worked like a charm. Used the A starter. Been some 40 years ago. Used stock A rear end
The Jalopy Journal
