Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

Henry Floored

Henry Floored

Well-known member
Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

I’d like to build a nice little V8-60 for which I don’t even have a purpose yet. If there is anyone that would like to comment on them I’m all ears because I’ve never been into one.

I purchased three engines on a pallet. One is complete complete the other two are long blocks. Out of the three I’d like to build a nice one and “hot it up” a little bit.

I’ve ported a ton of regular Flatheads, can I assume the procedure is the same for the 60’s?

Do you guys “relieve” them? Camshafts? Recommend carbs and intake.

Thanks in advance fellas.
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

I drove a 39 with a 60 they have almost no low end torque.
Bought a group of engine parts from a old boat racer—he said that stock bottom end was good for 2 seasons in the boat at 7000 rpm, 1/2 season at 7500.
I built a engine out of NOS parts, the boxed pistons ( steel) were all within 1 gram as was the boxed sets of rods.
Anytime the car slowed to 40 on hills it got downshifted to second and would go over 45 at the same throttle setting climbing the hill — downshifting improved the gas mileage, the top speed was the advertised 74 mph on flat ground .
Had to drive over 60 mph to get the fuel mileage below 20 mpg.
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

In 1972 I bought a '37 two door slant back because I loved the looks. It was powered by a very tired 60 that would not pull the hat off of your head. I replaced that engine with a rebuilt 60 that had been in a boat and bored out the max. With the 4.44 rear-end gears it was okay around town, but was a dangerous obstruction to other traffic at highway speeds, especially in hill country.

I hope you find a good application for your rebuild, and have fun with it.
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

Thanks guys, I understand that they are underpowered in full size cars. This one if I’m successful in resurrecting it, may be powering my real Henry Ford steel 23 T roadster.
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

Henry Floored said:
Thanks guys, I understand that they are underpowered in full size cars. This one if I’m successful in resurrecting it, may be powering my real Henry Ford steel 23 T roadster.
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I think even in that vehicle, you may be underwhelmed by it's performance unless you pull out all the stops and hop it up to the max. They really are wheezy dogs in any remote form of being stock.
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

I bought a good late '40 V860 engine with the cast block sides that had been running but they took it a part to inspect it. I can't find any cracks in it so I'm pretty sure it's a good block. I don't think I'd want a V860 for anything other than a display on an engine stand or maybe in a midget race car. I just wanted one because it was so cute, and I didn't have one. I can't imagine powering a car with one of them, they are so tiny. I've never ridden in one. Years ago, there was a V860 pickup that would come to the swap meets. My dad always wanted that pickup. I can't imagine somebody buying a new pickup with a V860 in it?
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

You could always build one of these.
 

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Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

In 1971 before I got drafted I had a 1950 MGTD that a PO installed a V860, trans, and closed driveshaft rear end. Apparently that was a popular transplant back in the day. Wasn't exactly a rocket ship. Replaced it with MGA running gear. Left the 60 in my dad's garage and he had it taken to the dump when I was in basic training.
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

Basically the same thing happened to me. Between our Freshman and Sophomore years in college, a good friend and I rebuild a "tin-side" V8-60 just for the hell of it. We went away for the next year and his dad just gave it away. I'd sure like to have it back.
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

you need the correct trans for that engine. an 85 wont mount up so Im told.

the trans is a weak point. Have heard the 60 is no better then a model A engine.

run forrest run.......
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

ronn said:
you need the correct trans for that engine. an 85 wont mount up so Im told.

the trans is a weak point. Have heard the 60 is no better then a model A engine.

run forrest run.......
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I have a transmission but it’s junk I think. I believe I could adapt a T-5 transmission.

I have three all cast iron V8-60’s. I’m hoping to have enough good stuff to build one good one.

None of this will be wasted. I’ll build furniture out of the other two if I have to.

For fun.

https://youtu.be/J8Yqb3WVReU?si=A98Mm0x0Kl2hRbzo
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

corvette8n said:
You could always build one of these.
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That's perfect, then I could build a dirt track back on my 10-acres. That's what V860s are good for. I got the trans for my V860 too. Just need a period correct midget to put it in. I'll put the midget project in line behind a dozen other unfinished car projects I have. I need to stick with one project!!!
 
Re: Ford V8-60’s, who is into them?

I hope Kiwi Tony has a chance to chime in. I think I remember that he is into the 60’s.
 
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