255cui French Flathead - Some question

miwi

Member
I want to star to rebuild my 255 cui french flathead.
I want to add a 2 carb intake and add some new heads along with a new distributor.
What kind of head (edelbrock, Navarro or Offenhauser) does fit a 255cui?
Is there any distributor for french 255 cui availabe. I'm think about Bubba's dissy?
 
This engine is not really much different than any other flathead . . . so what you're asking can be answered a TON of ways.

If I was you, I'd purchase a couple good flathead books and invest some time in learning the various ways you can build these engines - and talk to people who have built a lot of them. There are great component choices from just about all the "big names" - and some are more for bragging rights and looks - than just performance. The more you know, the better decisions you can make. Also, there are a lot of myths and often repeated "facts" that you see on the WEB - many are just repeats of something that somebody heard - with no real experiences behind them. I've been into these engines for 40 years - and it still amazes me how often I hear some of the same stupid/wrong comments on what the "hot setup" is for XYZ situation. So - the more you learn, the more you can filter out the "noise" and learn WHO you should listen too . . . and what is important to understand.

It comes down to what are your expectations for performance, how will you use the engine/car/truck and what level of investing $$$ (budget) are you trying to work with? Also, are you doing a full rebuild, who is doing the machine work and assembly, etc.. If you're just bolting on external parts - that is way different than tearing into the engine, boring it out, doing a valve job, new cam, new bearings, new pistons/rings, etc.. Give us some more to work with! :)

Okay - way too much coffee for this kid today . . . better get something done! LOL

B&S
 
The type of heads you want to use depends on what you expect to do with it. If the engine is relieved like most army truck engines, you will benefit from the crow foot type chambers in some of the aftermarket heads. I'd advise you to check JWL's book to get an idea about how different build packages work. He did a lot of the heavy duty foot work so folks don't have to make mistakes that can happen from inexperience with flathead performance building. Ol Ron's book is also a good one for the "Nostalgia build". You can never get too much information. There is also a treasure trove of information left to us by Rumble Seat on this site.
http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm

It has its own section for the SUMB truck engines.
 
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