Cheap Internal Upgrades?

jkeesey

jkeesey

Well-known member
So ive found that the top end of my 1940 v8 needs a complete overhaul. the bottom end so far looks good though. Does anyone know any cheap upgrades that would work for the top end? Say pistons from another engine that fit? Anything really just want to hear some options. Im going to have to resleave the cylinders so thats not a big deal.
 
Yes, go to 3 3/16, mill the "A" heads for .040" piston to head clearance. Very inexpensive up grade and a major increase in torque and economy. Make sure the dist is operating properly and tune the engine with an A/F meter.
 
Do as OL'RON says. It make a nice little engine. Remove the sleeves and bore it another .045 to 3-3/16 std. If it's really a shoe string job somebody probably has a good used set of std. 8BA pistons. Walt
 
It is a shoe string job since its my own. Mike the reason I said from another engine is ive heard of guys running 283 Chevy pistons in their Model As and wasn't sure if there was some kind of upgrade like that for a v8. Thanks Ol Ron that sounds like a good setup. As far as the dist. I got a 11A I believe it is which is mint NOS Ford rebuilt that I'm gonna put on it. And thanks Walt I'll see if I can find a set of used 8bas, they fit the 3 3/16?
 
Surpirsingly I actually have an old Sun diagnostic machine so I have a way to test the A/F ratio.
 
Yes a wide band O2 sensor is the best way to go, but I've used thise exhaust pipe sensors and they work pretty good just slow and some are static. You need one you can drive around with.,
 
jkeesey - I'd suggest that you might want to have your stock distributor set up professionally and the advance curve checked, etc. Small changes here along with a compression and displacement boost will really make a nice running engine. FWIW
 
pauldeborr said:
Anybody putting O2 sensors on a flathead is an idiot in my opinion. Just don't seem right.
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Anybody putting a flatbed on a classic ford truck is an idiot.....just because u wouldn't do it doesn't mean its wrong for someone else to. An O2 sensor gives u tuning accuracy. Who's the idiot.
 
How does this AF meter on a flathead work? Is it permanantly installed? Does it need 12 volts. I know one is not needed but once you make the smallest modification you admit it could be better and after that there really is no line.
Ron, if you have a minute to take your idiot hat off an answer my question I am sure more than just me would appreciate it.
 
Anyobody calling Ol' Ron an idiot obviously has been around here very long. The 02 sensors ive seen are 12 volt and you can get them from the Sunpro company and many others.
 
Guess I'm an "idiot" also. Putting an O2 sensor & gauge on the flathead was one of my best improvements.
Butch
 
I'll join the crowd. Put a modified 8ba in my '46. When back on the road, it will have an A/F meter for tuning purposes.
 
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