$200 flathead

drumyn29

drumyn29

Senior Member
for the 30 hot rod
 

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Everyone has their opinions. But putting in a V8-60 is not an opinion - it's an incorrect choice :p

Honestly a V8 Model A is not the worst mod in the world. I've heard many stories from older club members about doing that very thing in the 50s and 60s when someone wanted a cheap upgrade. Just that the Model A Fordbarn may not be the best platform for figuring out your build.
 
The Fenton cast iron headers are probably worth $200 or more especially if they are the original ones from the fifties that fit better.
 
Bob C said:
Where did the original post mention a 60HP?
Click to expand...

It did not, just conjecture for a quip.

There are a few versions of the flathead and it would be nice to know which one this is.

From the number of studs on the cylinder head this appears to be a "24 stud" motor from 1938 or later.
 
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V8 Model A's were the rage in the 1950's. This could be a nostalgia car. Candy apple red with orange and yellow flames and a multi carburetor manifold with lake pipes. Cool. Bitchen.
 
pre 1948
good score for $200. the headers and the ****** are worth that.
engine is gonna cost north of $7000 to get it hotrod ready. IF the block is good.
flathead v8 is not a poor mans sport anymore, but i guess nothing really is.
should be a fun project.

ps. look closely at the valve seat areas for cracks and then also have it magnifluxed before you start
 
old ugly said:
pre 1948

engine is gonna cost north of $7000 to get it hotrod ready. IF the block is good.
flathead v8 is not a poor mans sport anymore, but i guess nothing really is.
should be a fun project.

ps. look closely at the valve seat areas for cracks and then also have it magnifluxed before you start
Click to expand...

If that one doesn't work out I have access to a fully rebuilt '34 flathead long block with most all components. Dist, starter, fuel pump water pumps, wiring looms/with new wire. manifolds, rebuilt oil pump, 94 carb, and maybe a few things I forgot. $3450.
 
Unfortunately there is little tolerance for "improved" Model As among the faithful. Check out the HAMB forum https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forums/the-hokey-***-message-board.5/ You'll be welcomed with open arms.
 
And get Charlie Yapp's "Trial Package" and give it a look over. Charlie VERY RARELY goes to the V8, and the magazine has some amazing mods to Model A and Model T.

The trial package is VERY reasonably priced - four "past" magazines of his choice. He'll do it ONCE for any buyer.

I did the package before signing up for a year subscription. The earliest Secret of Speed in the package was like 2017.

https://www.secretsofspeed.com

Joe K
 
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A lot of mods go into a model A frame to use it for an AV8. The motor looks to be a post war 59 series but a person needs to see the big "59" on the rear clutch/flywheel area or half bell if you will, but that's not a guarantee of it being a 239 engine. Ford made 221 blocks that had the big 59. The frontal characteristics will tell as in the pencil test.

The 59 block is a good one for AV8 conversions since it's already set up to be the shortest possible from front to rear. Model As don't have a lot of room down front.

Many a person has purchased a flathead V8 engine only to find it cracked in the valve pockets from overheating or cracked due to freeze up of the coolant in the water jackets. It's a fair amount of work to tear one down unless you have the usual trouble saving tools for valve removal. Brake a leg on that one and hope for the best.
 
Very cool project. Building a period correct Model A hotrod was always a dream of mine. Old flathead engines and Model A bodies were made for each other. Like Peanut butter and chocolate.
Good luck with your build.
 
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