I have a stock 40 Ford pickup. 24 bolt motor. Rebuilt to stock specs except it’s 12v running an alternator. I want to add a little power, reliability, and ****e up the engine bay. Thinking dual 97’s on an Edelbrock Slingshot and aluminum heads. I’ve just used up my total knowledge of flathead Fords, so please chime in and straighten me out. scott
Dual exhaust with headers, heads are a good idea. If you want reliability and better economy, my choice would be a 4 barrel intake manifold. With dual 2 barrel carbs you have a lot of experimenting to do like jet sizes, linkage adjustments, carb synchronization, etc. Gas mileage will suffer, too, as you are using both carbs at all times. With a 4 barrel carb you are using 2 barrels at light load but still have the other two in reserve if needed. The stock cam is perfectly fine for normal , sensible driving. Ignition is fine if set to specs. You don't specify exactly which engine you have but an electronic ignition system is a good idea for several reasons, i.e. easier starting, no points to replace and adjust, better high RPM performance, etc. ****ing it up? Get some chrome plated goodies (head and manifold nut covers, etc.) Chrome alternator, etc. Lots of choices out there for not that much outlay. If you use aluminum heads, be sure to follow torque specs and use pipe dope on the bolt threads, and re-torque 3 times after driving a bit. After 100 miles, re-torque engine cold. After 300 miles, do it again, engine hot, after 500 miles, do it again, engine cold. Be sure to use the special washers under the head bolts and observe torque specs closely, tightening in the proper order (Very important). Bolts with aluminum heads require less torque than for cast iron. A Zinc anode in the cooling water is a good idea to prevent electrolytic etching of your new heads. Hope this gives you some ideas.
Glen, I like the 4bbl idea. Doesn't have the cool factor of the two or three 2bbl setups, but wins big in the practicality arena. Do any of the manufacturers stand out from the rest in your opinion for the 49A motor? BTW, I ***ume mine is a 49A since it has 24 head studs? Or is this wrong?
4 bbl on a flathead? Nah. Frenzel supercharger, dual 97's (real ones), max 1 cam, reds headers, Navarro blower heads, magneto, SS acorns on ARP studs. Be proud to lift that hood. You own one of the most desirable pickups on the road. It is worth it!
So 4bbl do run well,but I have never thought on a flathead V8, a 4 bbl looked right or belonged,but then again I maybe odd man out=I don't like"Y" design for 2 carbs ether. Yes; I do like 2x2 on FH V8s , an finned heads are cool looking with chrome acorns. Love headers,as long as they are not burn the doors type,no matter what style car.
If you want power, raise the C.R. ( Aluminum heads don't always do that ) Using the iron heads by measuring ( using small foil balls ) piston clearance. Aiming for 50 thousanths will get a good bottom end torque.
The Jalopy Journal
