1938 flat head advice

[wp38]

I have no history of my 1948 v8 flathead C59A as far as a running engine, Turns over by hand easy to take out at this point. I believe it has 85 HP . I would like to drive as much as possible, I don't want to spend a fortune. I will be doing the taking apart and assembly. What steps at this point should I take to make a reliable a little more HP , I will be adding a c4 automatic transmission unless this is a bad choice, Also a rear end most likely a cougar , Open to any suggestions at this point of the build ,Thanks

 

[JSeery]

There is not much you can do "cheaply" to increase hp. One thing you could do is check the piston to head clearance and have the heads milled to increase the CR (not that much, but every little bit helps). Ol' Ron claim hp gains doing this because of increased turbulence.

 

[Binx]

Check these sources:

http://www.amazon.com/Rebuilding-Famous-Ford-Flathead-Insights/dp/0830620664?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/FH_images/Book-pics/Nostalgia.pdf

Also look at "Flathead Facts" by John Lawson on the Vanpelt's site if you really want to get serious. It won't link for some season.


Lonnie

 

[wp38]

Thanks will do took exhaust manifoldoff last night passenger side had a cup of carbin.l

 

[scooder]

Mill the heads for 0.040-0.050" piston to head clearance.
You'll gain some compression (depending on the clearance now) you'll gain torque and some fuel economy.
Martin.

 

[rotorwrench]

A C4 automatic transmission would be a big job. You would have to do modification work on the center X member plus you would have to go open drive for the rear axle. There is a conversion for the 3-speed with OD F150 trans that might be a lot less complicated.