Got a A roadster on a 32 frame with a flathead / 39 toploader. Been playing with the idea of putting in a Model a/b 4 banger. Will that bolt right up ? ? Same length ? Bolt up to the 39 trans ? I assume I'll have to plug 2 radiator outlets ?
It should bolt right up but you will need to use a Model B transmission behind the Model B. You can use your '39 gears in the Model B transmission case. If you run a Model A (it seems like a step back) you can get an adapter for a '39 trans and everything should bolt up. You could also run the Model A with a Model B transmission and flywheel housing with a home made flywheel cover. You also need the correct engine stabilizer rods, throttle linkage, choke. If it was me I would leave the V8 in there unless you want to play a little with the 4 cylinder racing equipment. Charlie Stephens
This is just an addition to what Charlie mentioned. You could use either a A or B motor with an adapter to the V8 transmission. The bellhousing bolt pattern on the B is the same as the A, but the B oil pan is part of the stock lower B bellhousing; which means to use an A bellhousing or the adapter, the B oil pan will need some work. The B transmission is the way to go, with the B motor but harder to find than the V8 transmission.
Fordcrager and Charlie are right and on the money. So I ask you do you really want to do all of this work and expense ?????????? Personally I would go the other way and pull out the babbit pounding,splash oil fed 40hp boat anchor and put a flatty in it, although to each his own (sounds harsh don't it) Unless you are ready to put a boatload of money in this conversion, reconsider!, Flatheads are much more fun! p.s. its your car don't liston to old farts like me, have fun and do what you want, good luck and have fun. Cliff
I think a '32 with an A engine would be cool as long as you keep it light weight, I have considered it myself. A couple more thoughts - does your frame have an original front crossmember? With an original front crossmember you can put a B front mount on the front of the A engine and it will bolt right up. If you are running side mounts and a Model A crossmember up front you might need to fab a front mount. With an A engine, you will need an adapter to a V8 transmission (Clings) and a V8 transmission with a '32 clutch arm and rear mount. If you are all stock '32 you will not need the wishbone mount or pedal mount. If you have a Model B engine, use a Model B transmission - one of the few times it makes sense to do so. I don't know if you can bolt a Model B transmission to a Model A engine, I have not tried myself. At the very least, the lower half of the flywheel would be exposed, and the transmission would only be partially supported. A Model B oil pan would provide support for the trans and cover the flywheel, and would be relatively simple to bolt to the A block. But the main bearings on the B engine are bigger, and the B oil pan wouldn't seal at the rear main without modification. Not that it means anything, but I don't know of anybody running this setup. Hope this helps, Will Kimble
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