No one runs the old weak stock ignitions anymore. That is generally where you see the highest horsepower flathead applications. New stainless valves are available from several sources. Henry Ford revolutionized the automotive industry in more ways than one; however, the Flathead V-8 may be the best example of his bravado. The initial Ford Flathead was introduced to the world in 1932 in the Ford Model 18/Ford V-8. He street-parks a Porsche Boxster in Brooklyn, New York, much to the horror of everyone who sees the car, not least the author himself. The Ultimate Source Guide for Flathead Ford V8 Performance - MotorTrend After the 221 flatheads success, Ford decided to produce an additional small-displacement variant of the flathead V8. While there were many obvious alternations made to the Flathead for 1937, one of the most significant was less apparent. Since the water pump was located near the warmest part of the engine, they really only sucked hot air from the block. Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: Flathead V8-Powered 1950 Ford 8N Tractor at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by BenLeBlanc, Aug 27, 2015. Baron, Edelbrock, Sharp (Wilcap), Navarro, and Offenhauser make both old-style heads as well as improved new configurations. Mullins, a leading purveyor of surplus Jeep and other vintage military parts in Texas, accidentally discovered a warehouse full of brand-new French blocks about to be junked during a European trip searching for Jeep stuff. However, the main caps are beefier than traditional stock flatheads. The flathead V8 got its name from the structure of the cylinder heads. Last updated on 03/31/2021. You will need to post a lot more information on them to get any dollar amount of their worth. Let's go over what it takes to put a Flathead v8 into a stock model a Ford! On the exhaust side, the ports are smoothed as far up into the block as possible, and the edges of the end outlets are often rounded, or in some cases moved toward the ends of the block. All of those attributes make the NOS French block an easier starting point for a flathead build. Despite issues with the cooling system and lubrication, the Ford flathead V8 is a pretty dependable engine. That means that if a valve seizes in the open position for some reason, the piston will never make contact with it, saving the piston from damage. It offers adapter kits to mate GM automatic transmissions and Ford C4 automatics to '49-'53 8BA blocks, as well as a variety of adapters to mate both early and late flatheads to most GM and Ford manual transmissions. Building a nice car and immediate gratification are mutually exclusive. Because the French version was used in trucks, the intake- and exhaust-port throats are choked down under the valve pockets, so extensive port-work is required for racing. For reasons known only to the crazy French, flatheads were used in French Army trucks through the early '90s. Many of the early 221 flatheads suffered from extreme overheating issues caused in part by the location fo the water pump. Tony Baron says French blocks can be bored 0.250-over (1/4 inch). As we go to press, word is just in that Mark Kirby at Motor City Flathead has joined forces with Shadow Rods to develop an all-new, improved '49-'53-style aftermarket cast-iron flathead block. Ford also designed and produced a smaller 60hp flathead V8 engine from 1937 until 1940. It is a common misconception that the Ford flathead V8 was the first V8 engine. Ford Flathead V8 Specifications - VANPELT SALES In addition, the valve angles are different side for side. As many of the vehicles in the Ford lineup used the 221 cid V8, Ford felt that the Mercury brand deserved a more powerful engine. Over its production period between 1932 and 1953, the Ford flathead V8 received multiple revisions, ultimately leading to an array of different displacements and configurations. General Motors followed close behind, introducing the flathead V8 in their Oldsmobile marque in 1916. The downside to that is this is also what is referred to as the transfer area; fuel and air have to flow through this spot on the intake stroke, and exhaust also passes through it, so breathing is adversely impacted if it is too restricted. Planning the Right Ford Flathead V-8 Build - AutoRestorer Best Oil For Ford Flathead V8 - shoppierguide.com If you do plan on swapping your flathead crankshaft, it might also be a good idea to consider upgrading to modern pistons as well. But for anyone who's never actually rebuilt an engine themselves, under it could be easy to .css-wanth8{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#668892;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#000000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;background-image:linear-gradient(rgb(239, 237, 233) 0px, rgb(239, 237, 233) 100%);-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-top:0.05rem;padding-bottom:0.05rem;}.css-wanth8:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:0.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:0.625rem 3.125rem;}underestimate just how much work goes into it. However, the fastest flathead on Earth is a 700-horsepower supercharged monster built by Ron Main in California. The first-design '32 through early '38 engines had only 21 cylinder-head studs and until mid 1936 even used poured babbit main bearings. There are kits to install Weiand and Magnuson superchargers, or even one or two GMC 71-series blowers. Ford's affordable engine was popular with outlaws and bandits of the 1930s, legendary with dry lake speed buggies in the 40s-50s . If money is no object, Navarro flathead heads are the way to go. One solution is adopting a small-block Chevy damper. Again, while the Flathead looked the same on the outside, there were some major noteworthy changes on the inside, including larger crankshaft rod journals. Flatheads were now more reliable, and, more importantly from a hot rodder's perspective, they were better able to withstand hopping up. Henry's in-block valve V8 engine had an abundant production run starting in 1932. Black Ghost Hemi Challenger Street Racer Find a New Home, Biggest Chevy Engines: From New and Predictable to Downright Strange, How To Color-Sand and Buff Your New Paintjob, Wild Twin-Turbo Ram 1500 TRX Destroys Quarter-Mile E.T./Speed Records. For even more protection, install a crossflow radiator and increase coolant system pressure to 17-21 pounds. Baron also offers a modern version of the famous Tattersfield/Baron four-carb race intake in more civilized street form. Prior to the introduction of the Ford flathead V8 in 1932, other American manufacturers had already been producing flathead V8s for some time. Swapping flathead pistons can solve some of the flatheads oil-burning issues, as oil is most commonly lost through factory flathead piston rings. Ford Flathead V8 Identification and Specs - Restore An Old Car Mooneyes also offers throttle-bodies that resemble Strombergs. While pop-up pistons will certainly yield more horsepower, youll need corresponding cylinder heads in conjunction with them. That's not really up for debate. Although new aftermarket iron blocks are reputedly under development, right now a real-world solution to finding a good core for your flathead is to start with a brand-new French block. The flathead blocks to get are those with a 3 3/16-inch bore. Building The World's Fastest V8 Flathead Ford With Modern Parts Ford 239 Flathead V8 Engine Specs, Firing Order and Information The old-timers took what they had and made it work. There have been a variety of means used to increase the power produced by a Flathead over the years. Only 200 original sets are known to exist, but fortunately, Ardun heads and associated conversion parts are back, reproduced in improved form by Don Ferguson of Ardun Enterprises. The Ardun heads are 12-nches wider than a stock flathead Ford V-8 and consequently will not fit in most stock vehicles and they weigh at least 60 lbs. It isnt uncommon to see heavily modified flathead V8s pushing 300 horsepower, over three times what they produced from the factory. We can tell you this: The 339-inch version we heard run was one healthy sounding Flathead. Even stock flatheads can run 6-7 psi boost with no problem. Ford Flatheads retained the familiar 3 1/16-inch bore and 3 3/4-inch stroke for 221 ci, and while the Mercury used the same crank, a larger 3 3/16-inch bore resulted in 239 ci. In 1933, new aluminum cylinder heads and redesigned pistons resulted in the compression ratio increasing from 5.5:1 to 6.33:1 and horsepower rose to 75 at 3,800 rpm. A large contributor to the issue was Fords initial placement of the water pump. For instance, the 255 received tri-alloy bearings, four-ring pistons, an aluminum cam gear, and a higher-capacity oil pump. Melling still makes a high-volume oil pump (PN M-15). Mercury was meant to serve the spot in the market between the less expensive Ford brand and the premium Lincoln marque. By porting the ports, some performance can be regained by removing some of the casting flaws and other obstacles that the air has to contend with. 1947 Ford Flathead. Received 78 Likes on 68 Posts. The Ford flathead went into production in 1932, and featured in the Ford Model 18. While the flathead Ford eventually became antiquated by the rise of the overhead valve V8, it still lives on in the hearts of many due to its major impact on the history of high-horsepower motoring. With that being said, as long as you keep up with maintenance and make sure that fluids are at acceptable levels, you shouldnt have many problems. You need the right amount of plenum volume and runner length to complement the engine size, camshaft, cylinder-head flow, and operating range. Not much changed in 1935 except the material of which the pistons were made; some engines had steel slugs, others had aluminum, but a significant improvement came about in 1936. Fortunately, a wide variety of adapters are available to mate the venerable motor to today's automatic and manual transmissions. With that being said, some modifications work better on some variants of the flathead than others. Ford's last version of the Flathead was the 1949-53 design (through '54 in Canada). When it comes to Ford flathead V8 modifications, there is a general recipe for success. mtdorf. Along with the new name, the 85hp Flathead included some significant cooling-system improvements. As for craigslist in my area, a seized flathead is 350, untested block is 250. . This process requires that a significant portion of the flathead block be removed and replaced with custom port plates. It was only at the very end of the flathead's reign that the first small four-barrel carbs appeared; back then everyone used multiple-carb setups. Removable thermostat housings were now found at the fronts of the heads, which were retained by cap screws instead of studs, although there were still 24 per side and the pattern was the same. And when it comes to hot-rodding history, the Flathead Ford will always be a big part of it. Smaller displacement variants fit comfortably in cars like the Ford Model 18, while larger displacement variants were used in larger F7 and F8 Ford trucks. Before the Chevy small block engine became a popular engine platform for hot rodders, the Ford Flathead V8 ruled the streets, drag strips, and the dry lake beds. Freshman User. Prices have seemed to have changed, (for the worse) and me being 20, I need to know a good price so I can get a good deal for my new (to me) purchase. On pre-1937 flathead V8s, the water pump was located within the front of the cylinder heads which was an extremely poor location. On the following pages, we'll take a look at some of the stuff available for the flathead and also cover the lineage, interchangeability, and secrets of this proud forebear of modern hot rodding. Austin has been a muscle car enthusiast since an early age with his Dad having a collection including a 1965 Mustang, 1968 Mercury Cougar, and a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 among many others. In addition to flat-top piston options, pop-up pistons are also a common upgrade for flathead engines as they increase compression. Strombergs were the favorites, but Chandler-Grove/Holley, Zenith, and Rochester two-barrels were also in use. It is certainly one of the most enduring. Of course, this modern stuff requires a 12-volt electrical system. Aug 7, 2019 Racing automobiles and hot rodding began long before World War II. Sadly, its the area that suffered the most exposure to the elements and is now seized up. This means that the cylinder heads can be essentially flat as a board. Ross, Wiseco, Egge, Arias, and others make pistons in any configuration you desire. BenLeBlanc, Aug 28, 2015. Thanks primarily to the carburetor, redesigned intake manifold, and a new air cleaner, horsepower rose to 85 at 3,800 rpm; a redesigned and fully counterweighted crankshaft made the V-8 noticeably smoother in operation. You need lots of timing to make a flathead run. With the introduction of the LB block, the crankshaft main journal diameters were increased, and replaceable inserts were used-now hot rodders had something with which to work! What's an ARDUN? The Ultimate OHV Conversion for the Ford Flathead V-8 Despite the lesser ratio, the V8-48 flathead saw a 10 horsepower increase over the previous model. Jun 7, 2007 By most accounts, other than what was produced by those writing ad copy for Ford, the V-8 got off to a rocky start in early 1932. The piston bore was 3.0625 inches, and the crank gave a stroke of 3.750 inches, for a total displacement of 221 cubic inches. Again, by offset-grinding the rod journals and using the early connecting rods, an additional 1/8-inch stroke could be had, or 3/8-inch more than a stock Ford.
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