Flathead vs smallblock power estimate ??

Just thinking out loud!! Would a 239 Flathead fitted with 8.5 aluminum heads, Isky Max-1, 2x2 94's, electronic dizzy w/high output coil give anywhere near the power of a "stock setup" 283 smallblock??

 

Prolly not, but it would look cool.

 

Nope!

 

that also depends on what "stock" 283 you are talking about. I think the first 2bbl ones had about 170, that's doable.

 

oh, this old debate rearing its head again...go with the flathead,ditch the kragen motor(sbc)..you want to yawn every time you look under the hood..probably not,right?

 

Hey I am a small block chevy guy but a flatty is way cooler in looks and man they sound so damn good but if you got a hood it dont really matter .

 

I was just trying to gauge what the flatty should feel like with the configuration as I described. Recently completed one. Probably needs some more fine tuning with carbs & advance curve. Seems kind of doggy to me.

 

Timing means a lot, any engine out of tune can be a "Dog".

 

I have a bit more cubes and a few more speed parts than what you described above, and I have been outrun by a stock 4 door impala with a tired 283.
So have I ever wished I would have built my roadster with a sbc? NEVER!

 

Speaking of timing: I using a chevy Mallory unilite that I had Bubba machine down for me. I haven't myself made any changes to the mechanical advance at all. Initial timing is set about 10 degrees.

 

It's not about the HP or speed with a flathead.......it's about beauty, soul, and tradition........I don't care whether I can outrun a stock 283......probably can't.......



CB

 

If you're looking for a transmission to make the best of the power you have, the T5 ****** will help the flatty tremendously. But it takes the right setup to really build some power from these engines.

 

What are you putting this set up in?.you know when it comes down to it for me i love flatheads for so many reasons,mainly i love the tradition of this mill,its a awesome looking set up with a freaking load of history to it,as being the first hot rod engine,its nostalgic to own a legendary motor and build it to your own specs,but i am not into going super fast,never have its cruising and enjoying my engine for what it is.Fact is flatheads are bad *** mills,have been since 32.

 

Guess it depends a great deal on what you want, looks and tradition or performance.
You can spend $10,000 on a flathead and outrun it real bad with a stock 350-300hp.
But nothing beats a flathead for looks when it's fully dressed out, nothing sounds like a flathead when you spin the starter or when running. Hood or no hood, I can tell when it's a flathead just by the sound!
But the roadster I'm building will have a built SBC, cause I like power more than tradition!
Tradition is great, but when it comes to flatheads, I been there, done that, wore the T-shirt out 50 years ago.
Dave

 

cuznbrucie you nailed it "SOUL"..well said and kick *** set up you have.

 

LOVE THE COIL !!!!!!!

Actually I have to agree with all you've said

 

It's in a 28 hiboy on deuce rails

 

Doggy eh?

This should do it.

 

Thanks for the compliments guys........inside of that cast iron block there really is a *heartbeat*......and everybody knows the sound of it.......like nothing else......

CB

 

Are you talking about the 270 hp (230 net) 283 or the 170 hp 283?

 

170 hp

 

Sure...I've heard of flatties putting out that kind of HP... what you need to do is rename this thread or start a new one or do a search and find out how to get there, because I'm definitely NOT a flattie expert.

 

Hp is kind of irrelevant in many ways. The key to making a flattie is not in the number of carbs, the brand of heads etc, etc. It's in the revs. I know of a stock bore and stroke flattie that will beat a 283. It has mild relief. reworked heads and valves, twin 97s, cam and electronic ignition. The main work though is in the full pressure, full flow lubrication system, and in the blueprinting and balancing. The idea is to make the flattie rev way beyond its stock capabilities. The way to do this is by ensuring that the crank and rods are going to live. This is an area that the majority of flattie owners dont explore, but it's the key to serious flattie performance.

 

so whats your opinion of the harmonic balancer made by fluid damper for the front of a flatty in addition to having the motor , pressure plate balanced?

 

If you plan on running a hood, go fast, sbc. if you want to show it off, flatty.
Speed costs, how fast do you wanna spend?

 

ALL my life I have been a CHEVYman,but there is nothing better looking than a dressed up FORD flathead,but as far as the power question,there is no comparison,SB has more power.but back in the real early 50s and before,flatheads ruled.

 

I think a lot of guys found out the answer to your question in 1957. But flat-motors are pretty.

 

....or you could split the difference and put an early Cadillac or Olds in it.

 

Rockabillyb***man has it right.
The correct combination and RPM is the winner. Look to the Kloth engine: 267 CI, almost 280 HP. Always shifted at 6200 RPM, went over 150 mph Bonneville. Still holds XFPRO record since 89-90. Still looks like a flathead, no extra exhaust ports, single 4 bbl carb. Fast..