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Edmund flatheads

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Spencer Caldwell, Jun 30, 2017.

  1. Spencer Caldwell
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 115

    Spencer Caldwell
    Member

    Can someone tell me some information about these aluminum flathead I got today?[​IMG][​IMG]

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  2. Spencer Caldwell
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 115

    Spencer Caldwell
    Member

  3. 562roadster
    Joined: Mar 2, 2008
    Posts: 1,370

    562roadster
    Member

    What do you want to know about them?


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
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  4. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 35,597

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

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  5. Looks like a good score.
     
  6. quickchangeV8
    Joined: Dec 7, 2010
    Posts: 585

    quickchangeV8
    Member

    The heads you have are for the early 59A flat heads but you do not have a matching pair of heads. I believe the head with the Edmunds script at the bottom of the head was cast earlier than the head with the Edmunds Custom embossed on it. You have a mismatched pair of heads and the compression ratios could be different on each one. Your heads appear to be in excellent condition.
     
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  7. Spencer Caldwell
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 115

    Spencer Caldwell
    Member

    I am stuck because i have a 59A engine and a 8b engine and i dont know what to do???
     
  8. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 7,954

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I'll add this only because I am an 8BA guy and I have no knowledge of the earlier heads, but it might apply. I really like the Edmunds 8BA heads because the spark plug is relocated just enough so that it is not over the exhaust valves. This allows you to run extended tip plugs in a flathead. I have a set of Edmunds 8BA heads on my '51 Merc engine. I spent a bit of time having the heads milled and the modifying the combustion chambers to ensure that the "squish" was between .040 and .050 to ensure the most power and fuel efficiency. The engine has 180 lbs compression on the gauge and runs great. If you can find a usable set, I believe they are the best heads for an 8BA. (I know, I know that there are some that may be better out there, but I am not into $1200 heads).

    I'd mock up the engine and see if the spark plugs in your heads have a similar relocation. I hope your heads are usable (a lot are not, having corrosion, and milling issues). I hope you got lucky. I know I did, a couple of times.

    Oh, and "Mr48Chev", Charlie Price is not "the guy who built them". He just happens to have gotten possession of the "Edmunds" name. I would advise anyone who has an interest in this to do a search on here for "Vintage Speed".
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2017
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  9. quickchangeV8
    Joined: Dec 7, 2010
    Posts: 585

    quickchangeV8
    Member

    I see in your avatar picture you have a 1930 Model A. The 59A flat head will fit in your Model A engine bay a whole lot easier than the later 8BA flat head engines. The 8BA is longer and is what I would consider a very tight fit but it will fit. I have 2 Model A's and they both have 59A flat heads in them.
     
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  10. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 7,954

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Oh, and by the way, after the amount of time I had to put into my heads to get them where I wanted, I wouldn't give up on yours without doing an in depth analysis (measuring combustion chamber volume and clearances). They may be able to made to work together fine. Then all you would have to deal with is if you want to run a set of "mismatched" heads. (I kinda like the idea!)

    I do this with all the flathead heads I use, even the new ones.
     
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  11. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,756

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    Eddie Edmunds was a tuning expert in California who made speed equipment for all kinds of cars including motors no one else would touch like Packard straight eight and Nash Rambler six.

    His motto was "Modernize Your Motor". His products were aimed at the ordinary motorist who wanted greater power and efficiency on the highway. You could bring your car to his shop for the 'full treatment' and drive out the next day with 40% more horsepower.

    For a long time there was not much interest in old Edmunds parts because they were not for racing. They were overshadowed by names like Cragar, Edelbrock, Weiand etc that had more of a performance reputation.

    Now they are highly desirable especially the rare and unusual makes, for which they are often the only speed parts available.
     
  12. Spencer Caldwell
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 115

    Spencer Caldwell
    Member

    Thanks guys, i ran into the over sized motor today when i was putting the motor in very tight fit!! Doing some research and just bought the Tardel Book. worst case is i sell the 8b motor and build a 59ab motor!!
     
  13. Spencer Caldwell
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 115

    Spencer Caldwell
    Member

  14. Spencer Caldwell
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 115

    Spencer Caldwell
    Member

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