Hot Rods building HP out of a 46 ford flathead

300-400 hp streetable n/a flathead? You need to find out whose dyno that guy with the "600hp" 13 second 440 used...

 

20 years ago I built a 59A flatty, which I still have in my Deuce Hiboy, I did EVERYTHING you can do to a Flathead everything....Than a dyno, the results, 201 hp at 4200 RPM. I decided to chrome or polish everything, which I did top and bottom. My Hiboy still looks show and I drive it in good weather the fun is still there....

 

I wanted to throw this video out there. I don't know what it makes for power but I've seen it run. 170 plus in the 1/4 mile. Usually takes north of 800hp to hit that mark.

 

I run a big bore(.100) stock stroke,Weiand “cheater heads” Edelbrock slingshot with 2-48 carbs(.046 jets for 300 ft above sea level) strong camshaft,big intake valves—relief on intake side only because exhaust is expelled out under pressure in my 32 Henry cabriolet that weighs 2200 lbs,2-3 gear only with a 3:89 Detroit locker that runs 80 in the 1/8 mile.I am 70 years old and spin the Flatmotor to 5500 rpm regularly! What great fun! Flatheads Forever!

 

Well no wonder it is fast, you don't have a power robbing fan! Flatheads forever...Or at until I run out of money!

 

The reason flatheads are so driveable at only 170hp is because they are making 250+ ft.lbs of torque at that level. A 283 Chevy will not make much more torque mildly modified. So don’t let the low H.P. numbers fool you, a 170hp Flathead with 250 ft. Lbs of torque is quick in a light car.

 

Ken Kloth knew how to get that hp and use it. His 51 Merc went 150 at Bonneville and sounded like a big block. Anything YOU think would work was not in Kens brain. I saw the inside of his engine and it was not what I had imagined at all. He also ran a single 4 barrel. Good luck.

 

Closed my eyes and built a nice flatty hoping for big horse power. I got as much as it could give but once I was able to drive it I could care less about that. As been said before miles of smiles. I get butterflies when it fires up! Best money I ever spent!

 

No sweat hook 3 together