Best engine replacement for a 1935

J

JJOHN

Member
Now that my garage has been cleaned out and there is plenty of room, I would like to pick up a spare engine to rebuild for later use in my 1935 Ford sedan. I would like to get one that is somewhat easy to install or what is the best replacement without any major trouble. Wife won't be happy when she reads this.
 
JJohn,

I guess it depends if you are going for originality or not. If you are going for originality go with the early 21 stud engine. If not, then find a 59A engine or any of the later flatheads with insert bearings. Any of the flathead V8's will go into your '35 sedan.
 
37 21 stud ez install cheaper than rebab 35 or 36 lb use block off plates & heads with water pump in them. hard to tell the differance. when done onley proulbem 37 eng hard to find but if you got time its worth the hunt. good luck.
 
The main question to keep in mind is, just what is your intentions for the car? If you want to keep the car basicly stock, the 21 stud engine fills that bill... A late '36 or '37 with the insert bearing would be the most desirable.
If you want to improve things a little move up to '42-48 engine, preferably the '46-48 59AB engines... Using your '35 exhaust manifolds and some slight modifications to the coolant plumbing will give you an increase in horse power with a moderate price.
If your intentions are to just build a car/engine to putt around town stay with the '36 LB engine.. These engines also have hardened valve seats which cut down the cost of rebuilding.. Of course the majority of the 24 stud engine have hardened valve seats, with the exception of many of the 8BA/8CM '49-53 engines.
 
I agree with Richard. '37-'38 21 stud, using '36 cast iron heads, your '35 intake manifold, and '37 water pump block off plates. Much easier to find than an LB block, and virtually no modifications required. Best block would be a 59 series ('46-'48), but much harder to find.
 
The '46 engine in our '38 is a great motor. I like the crab style distributor with a coil. I think the greatest improvement we made was a rebuilt 12 generator (we used the case on the original generator for mounting purposes) and voltage regulator. It doesn't appear too much different than a '38 engine. Both are 24 stud engines. If you don't need to be "judge correct" it's my suggestion.
 
Thanks for the info...original is not a concern as I don't care to be "judge correct" I would rather just drive it and enjoy it along with the family. Thanks again for the helpful information guys.
 
JJOHN said:
Thanks for the info...original is not a concern as I don't care to be "judge correct" I would rather just drive it and enjoy it along with the family. Thanks again for the helpful information guys.
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You might also ask your insurance agent what they like. The company I had wouldn't take you if your engine was more than 2 years newer than the car. I don't know what the market is like today for insurance.

Charlie Stephens
 
Charlie Stephens said:
You might also ask your insurance agent what they like. The company I had wouldn't take you if your engine was more than 2 years newer than the car. I don't know what the market is like today for insurance.

Charlie Stephens
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Hagerty. If you want to insure it for more than what a regular '35 is worth get a good inspection of the vehicle with an appraisal and send it to them. Otherwise just purchase their insurance. They might limit your mileage but it's usually within a reasonable amount.
 
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