Register now to get rid of these ads!

Technical Flathead Reliability from a well built “modern” 1949 to 1953 V8

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by hotrodman303, Apr 14, 2018.

  1. hotrodman303
    Joined: Jan 7, 2017
    Posts: 273

    hotrodman303
    Member

    Two years ago I bought s 34 Ford with a 1949 bored and stroked 276 cu in engine with a eagle rotating assembly with Arias pistons, Navarro Heads, Navarro 3x2 intake , Mallory ignition. I’ve been driving the car on a weekly basis, and it runs great.
    What can I expect for long turn reliability, mileage wise?[​IMG][​IMG]


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  2. hotrodman303
    Joined: Jan 7, 2017
    Posts: 273

    hotrodman303
    Member

    FYI there have been at least 40 items improved or upgraded to a later Rev.


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  3. I have a shoebox Ford with the old 8BA. Not as modified as yours, by a long shot. But hey, reliable so far. It gets hot sometimes, though.
     
    hotrodman303 likes this.
  4. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,545

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    An engine with all new well maintained parts driven only on the weekends will last your lifetime.
    Mileage is solely dependent on your gearing.
    As a comparison. My pickup with 3-2’s and lower gearing gets 10-12 mpg.
    My 37 with 2-2’s on the 8BA and highway gears gets 16-18mpg.
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2018
    hotrodman303 likes this.
  5. RICK R 44
    Joined: Dec 13, 2009
    Posts: 475

    RICK R 44
    Member

    Starting to get a bit of blow by on my 8BA. It has a bit over 75000 miles on it.
     
  6. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,756

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    75000 to 80000 sounds about par for the course if you have a good engine, maintain it right and don't beat on it too hard. In those days if you made 100,000 without an overhaul it was a miracle. Life of a hopped up motor was 25000 to 50000 but they didn't have the oil and filters we have today.
     
  7. 51504bat
    Joined: May 22, 2010
    Posts: 5,468

    51504bat
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I only have about 4,000 miles on the basically stock 8ba in my '39 p/u but I drive it almost everyday and all is well. With 4.11 gears and mainly around town driving the mileage isn't going to win any awards but such is life. That said, I really like your '34. IMO is about as nice as it gets.
     
    hotrodman303 likes this.
  8. hotrodman303
    Joined: Jan 7, 2017
    Posts: 273

    hotrodman303
    Member

  9. hotrodman303
    Joined: Jan 7, 2017
    Posts: 273

    hotrodman303
    Member

    When I grew up in the Texas panhandle in the early 60s, we shunned all flatheads of any type. Now I love the sound and the history. What nice little engine with a bit of a cooling situation. My engine purrs and with an “ electric fan” it stays cool. I know that kind of fan is not trad. [​IMG]


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    Bandit Billy likes this.

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.