Want to build a flattie. It's been years since I've screw with these and when I did we just grabbed a decent running engine and put crap on it. Alum. heads could be got for around $10. a set the same for a 2 carb manifold with carbs and linkage. Anyway. What should I look for in finding a "good" motor? I've got a chance to pick up a 53 ford with a clean looking motor (looks like someone may have rebuilt it some time ago. Turns over. What years should I look for and what other things should I look for. What are they going for now.
Any flathead without a crack or with a crack that is fixable is a good motor. Some people don't like '52 and '53 models because they usually don't have hardened valve seats which means they tended to crack more. I say if it has lasted until now, it doesn't matter. If you want seats, you can have them put in, but I wouldn't bother unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Any flathead you get your hands on is a "pig in a poke" until you check it for cracks.
Thanks for the info. I knew I'd heard something about the later motors but couldn't remember what it was. Guy wants $400 for the car(53 4-door). Wouldn't be bad if it was a standard but it's a ford-o-matic. Body is crap. I know I can get it for $200. That may be a bit much too. Maybe a trade would do the trick
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