Hot Rods best flathead v8

im thinking on building a ford flathead v8 . not really familiar with them . what yr / model would be best ? ... thank you .. steve
(49-53) if you know of a complete motor

 

Try to stay away(from a performance stand point)from the 32-37 motors;38-48 have a built in bellhousing that the early Ford trans bolts up to;49-53 motors have an improved block that circulates the coolant better and a "flat back end" that a bellhousing bolts up to. Any intake will bolt up to any year block(might not use all of the holes or have extra holes not used). Early heads can be used on a late block or late heads used on an early block(with some modifications on both conversions) Cracks are common in the water bolt holes and are generally not to be alarmed at.Cracks that run from the valve seats to the bores are usually reason for discard,cracks along the pan rails or main webs are usually discarded.Flathead motors are expensive to build(as compared to other overhead valve engines) and usually are anywhere from 100 to 175 h.p. unblown,so if you can live with these"problems",GO FOR IT,but are not for everybody.

 

They may not be for everybody but for those who are interested there ain't nothing else.......................

 

I have no quarrel with those that like, or love, Flathead Ford V8 engines. However, I am not a**** those that do. As stated above, they cost a LOT of money to build well and return little in the way of performance per dollar. Also, there is seldom a shortage of hot water available, but it isn't useful for coffee, tea or a shower. They are esthetically pleasing to look at, I'll give you that.

All that said, I would build the later block ('49/'53) and use at least a Merc 4" stroke crank.
That yields the most stock based cubic inches and the most versatile block to which you can add the transmission of your choice.

Best wishes with your build.

Ray

 

thank you all . i appreciate the info ................ steve

 

im a big fan of the merc motor 51 - 53 would be nice if you find one thats good. that being said hnstray is right on this they are very expensive to build and a lot of money for the horses you get back. I used to race them years ago and they are fun fun fun, but you can build a sbc or ford for half the bucks.

 

im not looking for HP , just a good near stock motor ............. thanks .. steve

 

The one without cracks. Examine very carefully before you buy, or better yet have it magged and pressure tested first.

 

thanks again . if anyone knows of a "good" one , please let me know

 

does it have to be a ford?

 

merc is good ................ steve

 

i was thinking caddy

 

cads are way to heavy or i would consider .............. thanks

 

99t block is supposed to have a better port pathway I'm not sure if it makes a big difference but I know people that believe it does.. One guy paid 2k for a nice virgin block

 

I had a 53 Merc in a 41 Ford back in the day. It was bulit 3/4 ,cam, wolverine pistons,wiend aluminum heads, 3-dueces . I just came across an old picture I will have to scan in someday.

Like said on here already , you gottsa love em. Was called a bronzed block ? It took a beating and kept running.

 

The only difference between a '49/'53 Ford engine, and a the same year Merc engine, is the 4" stroke crank that is fitted to the Merc......it fits the Ford block..as they are the same . Oh, and the heads on the Merc say "Mercury" in some cases. More 'bragging rights" with the Merc ID

Ray

 

ive been working on my banger for years , so i must like flatheads !