Flathead 6 to a flathead V8 ?

Dave Castle

Dave Castle

Senior Member
How much trouble is it the change a 41 pickup from a 6 cylinder flathead to a V8 flathead ? What parts if any are needed ?
 
1941 Ford pickups with a 6 cylinder are very rare and somewhat unique. 1941 was the first year for the G series 6 and they were introduced late in the model year. The 1/2 tons had a specific front cross member in the frame to clear the 6 cylinder oil pan, and also 6 cylinder only bracing around the radiator for the grill and fenders. I see 40 & 41 pickups with flathead V8s around, they are interesting but not unique. However, I remember only seeing 2 original 6 cylinder 41 pickups total. It is your truck, but converting it to a V8 makes it way less special to me. Nowhere near a generic as hot rodding it would be, but way less unique than a stock 6. If it was my truck I would consider installing a later H or M series 6 cylinder to get the easy to maintain side mount distributor, but only if the G engine was giving trouble.
Again, it is your truck, do what you want with it, but first be aware of the unique qualities of a 1941 pickup with the six.
 
They are rare indeed, I would keep it as-is. I rebuild/restore Ford generators. I just finished this 1941 6 cyl generator for one. Before this, I had never seen one of these generators. Rare indeed.
 

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Dave, You might want to reconsider installing a V-8.
What you have is rare and unique.
It's only original once!
 
I see on Dave's profile he's a retired mechanic. It appears at least for now he has only one flathead era vehicle. He'd almost have the be at an early V8 national meet for anyone in the crowd to be excited that he has the rare 6 cyl model. To most of us, that V8 under the hood is what it's all about, and what that guy you encounter in the hardware store parking lot wants to talk about. Since it's all bolt in stuff, the next caretaker can put it back. Sort of ironic that I'm the guy that posted a build thread 3 years ago where I installed an H six in a pickup that was originally a V8 :), but I have multiple jailbar trucks and the pride of the fleet sports a 276 stroker as it should. Once again, just me and my old .02
 
Charlie, why would that be? The 6 cylinder had the same 90 hp and higher torque. Just wondering.

Ken
 
I am wondering is there is vintage speed equipment for the six that might retain the "authenticity" and give a boost in power at the same time.
 
Speed equipment was made for the Ford 6, it is now rare. The high performance option would be to find one of the 254 cubic inch M series truck motors and build it up. M engines are also rare.
 
38 coupe said:
Speed equipment was made for the Ford 6, it is now rare. The high performance option would be to find one of the 254 cubic inch M series truck motors and build it up. M engines are also rare.
Click to expand...
I assume the parts are just as rare. Are there any known reputable parts suppliers?
 
Since we are talking 6 cylinder here I have many boxes of NOS GENUINE FORD G & H engine parts for sale. Cheaper if you buy it all. Should fit in one pick-up. Message me here

Keith
 
fordyford said:
Since we are talking 6 cylinder here I have many boxes of NOS GENUINE FORD G & H engine parts for sale. Cheaper if you buy it all. Should fit in one pick-up. Message me here

Keith
Click to expand...

Can you please give us an idea of your location? Thanks
 
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