Sorry if this seems obvious to you guys, but I've been thinking about the early flatheads and I believe they were 60 hp versions. I'm a bit ignorant on the whole flathead subject. I'm thinking from memory that the 60 hp version was a smaller physical size motor, not just the obvious cubic inches. Would these have been in the '32s? If I were looking to aquire one of these smaller 60 hp flatheads, what would be the best year to look for one etc? Are there aluminum heads available for them as well? Please enlighten me on the subject...... Thanks. Danny
60hp (136ci) flatheads were available in the US from 37-40. The first couple of years featured "tin side blocks", actually stainless steel plates for water jackets on the outside of the block. By late 39-40 (depending on the source), the blocks were all cast iron. The all iron blocks are more desirable as they are less likely to leak. Also, the 40 engines featured larger journals. In 37 the factory heads were aluminum. Aftermarket companies made high compression aluminum heads, as well as intakes, and other speed equipment. There is a 2x2 intake on epay right now. Many of these engines found themselves transplanted into midgets and boats.
There are a couple of web sites that deal with flat head engines. Wander around in these for more information ... http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_home.htm http://www.agt.net/public/bboogaar/ http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm http://www.roadsters.com/flathead/#Src
And if you are planning to use a 60, plan a REALLYDAMNLIGHT car! Big series of flatheads, 221-239-255 are all same overall dimensions. 60 was kind of 2/3 scale from there. The 60 was absolutely hopeless in its full-sized 3,000 pound US Ford home... shoot for as far under 2,000 as you can get if you want a hotrod and not a traffic obstruction!
these are getting pretty rare - and the speed parts are worth their weight in silver...seems a fully-dressed 60 would cost about 2X the price of a similar full-sized flattie.
If you are looking for as much aftermarket support as possible look for any postwar 239" or larger engine. IMO they are the best to use. Not to mention the extra power. All postwar engines were at least 100hp in stock trim. It seems these engines have the best aftermarket support in terms of modern transmission adaptation, heads, intakes, etc...
Actually guys, I'm thinking about a Peeon Hoss type motorcycle. With only a small 60 hp flatty it counldn't be the Boss, so it would have to be a peeon. Sorry bad joke. Back in about '00 at Indy Goodguys, I remember a couple of these cruising the parking lots at the hotels. Great sound, didn't need any power to speak of and they had the Boss Hoss look without all the extra hoopla of the SBC or BBC 502. I talked to one of the guys and he said that the low end torque was more enough to get the job done and still cruise on the freeway without any major issues. I'm just thinking about it as a very future possible project. If anyone has info on the conversion bikes I've mentioned above, it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
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