Ardun OHV Conversion

Chev valves, new guides, bushings moving plugs to combustion chambers, rocker work and all runs well. That us for no!
 
supereal said:
The reason Ardun heads were not considered is the same for Columbia axles: Henry Ford would not abide any attempts to convert his cars. He made that clear with his son, Edsel, and sternly forbade even the mention.
Click to expand...

Well, the first ARDUN prototype did not run until late 1947, after both Henry and Edsel were dead! So I doubt that they had any influence on Ford Company using or not using the ARDUN heads.
 
My heads were reportedly bought new in 1950. I now have 8mm valves, steel seats, porting, and have changed to 14mm 3/4 each plugs now in the chambers. However I still have rocker arms to deal with.
 
Unfortunately, this conversion didn't work well when first introduced. I doubt much testing was done before it was put up for sale. My friend Dave bought one new for $500 dollars in 1949 and bolted it to a Sears rebuilt engine and it never ran well enough to drive.
 
At this point, I couldn't be more pleased with how my Ardun is running. I got a lot of appreciated advice, help and it paid off. Much different than building a stock flatly. For sure, it takes more than the suggested 6 hours to accomplish. Biggest accomplishment was the installation of specially made spark plug bushings to pu 14mm plugs at the combustion chamber. I now run 38 degrees total advance. Got 18 mpg on a recent 700 mile trip. My biggest concern is the longevity of the rockers. Will wait and see how things turn out. However, building an Ardun, origins all or new heads, ain't cheap.
 
Don't know on mine. But, good power.... Usual other stuff, cam, carb, bore, pop top Pistons, valves, stoked.. Etc... Have 3 speed 0D but gettin ready for an AOD and Maverick rear end.
 
What is the part number and source for the extended or long reach plugs people use to get rid of the cartridge plugs and to get the electrodes out into the combustion chambers?
Thanks.
 
I used Autolite AR3934 Spark Plugs. These are 14 mm. However, these can only be used after machining the heads to receive a custom made bushing that will accommodate the plugs. Machining the heads are for experts only as the risk to hit "water" is high due to thin castings. Attached is a pic of the custom bushings. I have a complete spare set of bushings and the tool that I will sell.
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    36.6 KB · Views: 108
Last edited:
Quote:

"I don't think you would have liked Don Clark or Clem Tebow. They didn't keep Arduns "original", they just made them run hard before everyone else did."



Hats off to these pioneers. Fortunately, they had access to more spares than others. I like what they did as some of their mods are used today. Even the cost of building a flathead short block is high today. BTW, mine is far from "original." Oh yea, don't forget the contributions by the "Bean Bandits."
 
Last edited:
I also use Autolite 3934 plugs. I made my own aluminum inserts, when finished looked like the ones above. I have plans I got from Doug King somewhere in one of these computers, I may be able to email to any who would like them.
 
Ronnie, Thanks for posting the ARDUN info. and photo.
ARDUNS are an engineering art form along with mechanical ingenuity.
The "Mona Lisa" of flathead goodies.
 
Last edited:
Ardun said:
Nice.. what else did you do to the engine? Pics?
Click to expand...

My Ardun is a pile of parts right now. It was a old alcohol sprint car engine. Had Hilborn injection and a mag that I didn't get. Also did not get the valve covers. I did get the roller cam and do plan to use it. I don't know how to put pic on here, so have no pics.
 
In an article in Early Ford V-8 Times it was stated that the OHV configuration was developed for 337 CI trucks to cure or help cure the overheating problem in trucks. The other benefit of course is n improvement in volumetric efficiency
 
ccsampson said:
In an article in Early Ford V-8 Times it was stated that the OHV configuration was developed for 337 CI trucks to cure or help cure the overheating problem in trucks.
Click to expand...

alchemy is correct, the Ardun was not developed for the 337 engines.
The article got the details wrong, the 337 is what killed the Ardun. Zora Arkus-Duntov developed the Ardun to produce a more powerful and cooler running truck motor. Ford made a more powerful and cooler running truck motor with the 337, thus removing any after-market need.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top