Flathead speed trials 1-10-10

The reality is, that your top speed may indeed be limited by power, but it could just as easily be limited by a bad ignition or carburetor.[/QUOTE]


So by adding a better ignition and a better intake/ carburetor setup i should be eliminating 2 of the things that are limmiting my mph,,,

Which has been my argument this whole thread

 

No, what is being said that increase in speed is not the best way to measure increase in power. And unless you are confident with the shape of the internals going much faster in first or second than you already are may not be such a good idea anyway. If you are considering hopping up your flathead I would highly recommend picking up one of Joe Abbin's flathead books.

 

bwahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Gotcha. An improved engine with better ignition, carbs, and airflow should increase your RPM red-line, so your top-end in each gear would go up also, especially overdrive as long as the engine has enough power. Although, 85mph is pretty damn fast already. I'd be thrilled if I could get my big F1 going that fast, I don't know if my 8BA will have enough power....

 

But you haven't done anything...

This is frustrating.

What, exactly, are you trying to measure?

 

All i am trying to measure (on my speedometer) is my gain in mph after doing my modifications to my motor while retaining my current tire size, trans and rear end ratio

 

My suggestion . . . get busy building . . . you're going to go no faster if we keep up all this dang 'bench racing'

 

Good luck.

 

I forgot to mention i did run the 1/8 mile with this thing this summer and it ran 14.50's @ 56mph

 

Well then, according to my calculations, that's 112mph in only 29 seconds. You're getting there, low & fast.

 

I just posted this over on the "For Sale" board, but looks like this is where the experts are hanging out!

Wondered if anyone was interested or could help with a price suggestion? Thanks in advance. BTW I'm in NC.

Here it is:
I have a 1941 open cab Ford Fire Truck that has a Flathead motor in it. It has been sitting for probably 20 years. Supposedly, When I got it, it had been running before they started to dis***emble the truck. The radiator is missing but I think for the most part everything else is there including drivetrain.

I would like to get rid of it but have no idea what it's worth. I have someone that is interested in buying it now. Could someone give me an approximate FAIR price idea?

Thanks,
Bobby

 

So today was the day that i took my perfectly running 32 for its last ride before i pull the motor inserch of more power. I let it warm up took it for a little ride and started to take her apart. Did a comression check on the warm motor and all cylinders thankfuly were all very very very close. It was reading 125 on the gauge, plans are still the same as before: slight block work set of old edelbrock heads edelbrock regular intake and amallory igniton. got it to the point today that the motor is almost ready to some out.

 

few more

 

Love that truck. Can't wait to see what you come up with. It's hard for me to believe that you won't see some performance gains in your mods.

Keep us posted.

Kevin
Ooltewah Speed Shop

 

Well I finally got the motor back in the pickup and am very pleased with the performance increases that I recieved. Mid range power recieved a tremendus boost and made it alot more fun to drive. Spins the tires in 1st no problem and even gets second gear rubber! It is just as easy to drive as it was with the stock intake and got 16mpg up to Rhinebeck for the nationals this weekend. Here are the current motor specs.
-Edelbrock regualr intake with 2 97's
-Edelbrock 7.5 heads
-Mallory dual point
-Headers no mufflers
-Block is 40 over
-Stock Bottom end
-Stock cam

I tested it out a short while ago in the same location where i got my previouse mph ratings.

1st-30mph
2nd-59mph
3rd -89mph

I still had more RPM in third gear i just ran out of room.

 

What? Stock cam? Yah just have to put a better cam in it . . . will change your day

Great job getting it back on the road -- looks like you're having some fun!

 

Aint that the truth !!

Rat

 

You had that thing going 89mph? Is the speedo correct? For a flathead in a truck, that's movin'.....

 

I was using a hand held gps.

 

Wild. What gear ratio? I'm running 3.73 and my tire height will be about 29" when I get my F1 done.

I'd have to look it up, but I think the Bonneville LSR for XF/MP cl*** (naturally aspirated flathead in a modified cl***ic pickup) is only 98mph. Of course, that is at 5,000ft elevation. They don't call it the Great White Dyno for nothing.....

 

Your gearing is going to limit any increases. Your truck will be more "spirited" - ie a bit more power, but you're going to always be limited by your gearing. Hence why your numbers are similar...

The important part is you're happy with your upgrades!

 

couple pics of the new set up

 

ooooooooooooooo! nice!

 

Damn that is nice

 

Few more in the truck,,,,,

 

Now if you really, really, want some fun put a huffer on her!!!

 

was thinking about one of those little scott jobs

 

Those little SCoT jobs have a very big price They're nice though - once you've had a blown flatty, you'll be hooked for life! (or should I say 'warped'!).