Motor city flathead

bluardun

bluardun

Senior Member
I had a lenghty phone conversation with Mark Kirby a couple of days ago. I would like to share some of our conversation. It is always a pleasure to speak with someone as knowlegable a Mark.
They have entered their aluminum engine "test" 34 Ford couple in this years "GREAT RACE". June 22-30,2013. At this time they intend on an announcemnet about the completion of the project, and start selling engines.
Mark and Jon have signed all the contracts for material, supplies, castings, machinist, shipping, etc.
The test car/engine as over 40,000 miles on it. They have driven it from Mich.to Calif. and back. Mich. to Florida and back. Zero problems.
It has been a long expensive project. But that's what it takes to produce a perfect product. Worth waiting for !
Bill Herbert
 
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Great news! Mark is a top notch guy. This has long been a dream of his and looks like it's coming to fruition. Best of luck! I hope to own one someday.
 
That sounds good. I always talk to Mark whenever I see him at shows. This engine has been a long term project that many thought would never happen. I'm really hoping this goes well for him.
 
I am sure we all wish Mark Kirby and his team the very best of success and that his dream comes true. Mark is a good man.
 

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You could probably contact Mark Kirby through the Shadowrods organization, which he is part of, and talk to him directly about the status of his FH engine. I usually see him and enjoy talking to him at shows but have not seen him lately.
 
I am glad to hear that Mark is still proceeding with the development of this "new" flathead. I know he had some pretty serious health problems a few years ago. He built the 8ba that is in my truck and it is a terrific engine. I don't know the nature of the health issue he had but obviously it was serious enough to get him out of the engine-building business. I hope he and the new block do well.
 
Read a lot about it, very cool but very expensive, I've heard twice as much as a professional performance rebuilt with stock block. Maybe when I hit the lottery, LOL.
 
What ever happened to Mark Kirby? He built my Blown Flathead for my 40 Coupe. I would sure like to be able to contact him,
Thanks
 
JoeFordman said:
What ever happened to Mark Kirby? He built my Blown Flathead for my 40 Coupe. I would sure like to be able to contact him,
Thanks
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the last time I saw Mark Kirby was in 2011 at an EFV-8 Club National Meet in Auburn, Indiana. You might try tracking him down by calling Shadow Rods and see if they still have his contact information.
 
I had some work done on my MCF 286" flathead from my '32 at Phil Goller's Hot Rod shop in Defiance OH early in 2019. Phil took over much of what Mark used to market and sell, and was putting the final touches on a '53 Ford sedan for Mark, the "new" test car for the aluminum engine. During one of my visits I was lucky to have a memorable ride on it's maiden trip to town for lunch! :):cool: Phil and Mark also brought the car to the NSRA Nationals in Louisville and the Kalamazoo Nat's No. in Sept.
I don't know when the engine will be available for sale, but Mark still lives in Dundee MI., works at Shadow Rods and makes regular visits to Phil Goller's HRS.
 
Speaking of Motor City Flathead, was wondering if any of you could help decipher the stamping on the engine in my '37. I bought this car out of an estate sale. Previous owner did not build it, had bought it as-is. There was no file or history found. I have been unable to determine who built the car. I'm guessing it was built about 20 years ago by a professional hot rod shop.

Engine is stamped: "Motor City Flathead", then "S.B.", then a small "6".

Anyone know what the "S.B." or the "6" would indicate?
 
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