Flathead question

This would be a good time for the doubters to buy Johns book and follow all the modifications and what worked and what didn't. Here's an interesting fact, On a stock 239 there is no improvement in torque, between the stock single exhaust and duals with headers. But the sound better.
 
In my opinion, if you're contemplating modifying a Ford flathead, two books should be considered required reading. "Nostalgia" by Ron Halloran (sp?) and "Flathead Facts" by John Lawson. I can guarantee you that you'll be money and time ahead to study both works BEFORE you start working on your engine. Flatheads are anything but 'plug and play' machines. Also remember the old addage "There's no replacement for displacement". Good luck with your project!
 
usered said:
Attached is picture of my '36 LB engine. Pretty much what you were asking about. Alu. heads, two 97's, MSD Ign., what I would call 3/4 race cam, and tube headers. It has a '39 trans and 4:11 gears.

I didn't have it dyno'd (wish I had)but I can sure tell a difference from the stock engine I had before. With the 4:11 gears its not much for touring, If I was going drive it more I'd probably change them. As others above have said it depends on what you want to do.
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What is that fluid in your spark plug wells on your heads? Is that coolant?
 
All the "old school" built engines I was around in the ??good old days?? had a CAM yes a roppen cam, the flathead has to breath, a good cam, big, tall cam will open wider and close the valves faster.... no more than two carbs, or one four barrel, good heads, ie mill the stock heads or add after market heads ?? original dist, built right, and the right coil, stay away from super hot coil, it just not needed.... headers, yes good tube headers, not Fentens, some polish of ports in and out ... ?? WHAT is your ride, an early coupe, you don.t need a big bore.... or a later fordor,heaver sedan go bigger bore, like .80 over plus ?? you don't need a big 11 inch clutch, 9" or 10" max..and yes I agree read the books. good info, and get back to us about gearing, tire size, duel pipes, gauges, and a tacks, oil pressure ?? where and how to make it.?? .... OLD....BILL
 
I'm just saying that some people are never happy with the way it was built. I'm vary HAPPY with the power of my stock 34
 
When I got my first flathead I had the idea that I was gonna build a super hot rodded machine. Then I learned a lot, like you're never gonna get 300 horses out of a flattie without a blower and even then you'd be lucky.

It doesn't matter. Flathead is a state of mind.
 
could make My dyno say anything, there are calabrating adjustments. Also you need a good weather station.
 
LSJUNIPER said:
Hello,
Was wondering. If you take a stock flathead motor and add headers, aluminum heads and one of the intakes that uses 3 carbs, will this give the motor a good boost in HP??? I have a falthead motor I will be taking to the auto shop for cleaning and testing for cracks. If all is good then I want to rebuild it, but I want to keep it more of an old school build.
Any info will be appriciated...
Thanks
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Just wondering which way you decided to go. As the original post was made back in January it's been awhile.

I like the tone of your question, the 'old school' guys (read much younger and without much money way back when) would fit new heads, exhaust and carbs) and yes they did get a modest increase in H.P. But what they really got was 'Street Cred',:cool: and louder was always better, right?:eek: And shiny, don't get me started on shiney...:rolleyes:
 
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