My friend has this flathead that was built a few years ago and still in the bag. 3 5/16th-4" crank balanced -good cam (but he can't recall) adjustable lifters-relieved etc. new Drake wps and new oil pump. has some old edmonds heads too Considered buying and putting in a 40. Done by very reputable builder. Don't know what it is thought--not cheap either--he paid a lot for rebuild some years ago
This is a 38-42 block ——-pre 59——evidence shows the bottom centered water hole is not round but the shape is described as “keystone”. 59 style motor have a round water transfer hole in the bottom center of the block. noticed also has a “raised deck” on the intake side,usually indicated as a one year block only in 1939.
As said, am considering sticking it in a nice little stock 40 with fresh running gear and Columbia. Tried to ck those numbers ( G281 33 X9) to no avail Guess maybe boost from 85 to maybe 120 HP? Just trying to find out exactly what it is-thank you Flathead John
That distributor is a GM conversion. Personally, I have never seen this adapter. Really hard to tell without tearing it down. I would bet on a 59AB . It has 8BA style heads and p***enger car water pumps that fit '48 and earlier engines. That's about all I can tell from the pictures. Numbers on these engines mean nothing. Outwardly they look the same.
The raised deck blocks sometimes had a 99 stamped or cast near the front right top of the block. If it has this it's a '39-ish Merc block that has thicker cylinder walls. Will take a bigger bore. Worth some bragging rights, and maybe a little more $$. Check for the 99.
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