Hot Rods Ford Flathead Engine Swap

That is where I was going my Washington state brotha from anotha motha. Flatheads come in several varieties and sizes, the one you named in your post (1949 to 1953 commonly referred to as 8BA for the p***enger car designation) is a the largest of the bunch and thus a bit of a handful to stick in an early, already ***embled car.

When I asked if you already purchased the flatty already, I was thinking that maybe you were in the planning stages and you were simply defaulting to the late model flathead. Don't get me wrong, love the late model motor evidenced by the millions I spent on mine. BUT, I built my frame and body around the running gear, not vice versa.

Do some research at www.vanpeltsales.com they have a lot of information, stats and spotter guides there for the flathead junky or soon to be addict like yourself...and welcome to the club (hope you not married, she won't understand).

 

Read @BenLeBlanc 's thread. It's a good one.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1930-ford-coupe-project.954246/

 

It is going to be as difficult to put a Chevy V6 into the Model A as a flathead. With the flathead you get the "cool" factor. I would stick with the pre 1948 flatheads as someone else already noted they are shorter. As you fill out your profile the project begins to sound more feasible. I never warmed up to the Chevy V6 but I do have a 181 cubic inch, 4 cylinder Chevy industrial engine in my AVATAR.

Charlie Stephens

 

For cool factor, traditionality (not sure thats a word) the flathead is the only choice regardless of the work in my book. Speaking of books here with research and Tardels book will have the info you need.