Flathead sound.

The beat goes L R L R R L R L L R L R R L R L L

So every third beat is repeated on the same side twice instead of alternating. This alone doesn't explain the unique flathead sound because all V8 engines with 360 degree crankshafts have syncopated rhythms.

I think the flathead architecture contributes to the uniqueness, just like how a small block Ford sounds different from a Mopar or Chevy.
 
Last edited:
That is my engine! It's been so long since I built it, I cannot remember the exact CompCams grind---but it's the biggest one.

We do have a lot of compression for the street(9.6 to 1 ) but with the amount of overlap the engine will loose some running compression----so I think we will be OK. Also, the pistons and combustion chambers have been coated.

Also, the blue fuel you see in the pump bowl is 105 octane gas----available at a local station from a pump in the ground.

If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask.
 
sanborn said:
That is my engine! It's been so long since I built it, I cannot remember the exact CompCams grind---but it's the biggest one.

We do have a lot of compression for the street(9.6 to 1 ) but with the amount of overlap the engine will loose some running compression----so I think we will be OK. Also, the pistons and combustion chambers have been coated.

Also, the blue fuel you see in the pump bowl is 105 octane gas----available at a local station from a pump in the ground.

If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Click to expand...

You did a wonderful job on that one!! Awesome sound!!
Did you ever have it on the street?
 
sanborn, how is it out on the road, does it have any low end? how fast have you spun the motor?
TOM
 
If you look at the video, you will see a 40 Pickup----that's what I hope to install the engine in. I have had some serious health issues for the past 4 years that have prevented any work on the truck. Maybe some day!!!
 
sanborn said:
If you look at the video, you will see a 40 Pickup----that's what I hope to install the engine in. I have had some serious health issues for the past 4 years that have prevented any work on the truck. Maybe some day!!!
Click to expand...

Looking forward to seeing you finish it :)
Dont happen to have a spare set of those heads do you?? :D:D
 
I'm sure it's from the siamesed center ports. My engine has dividers that totally seal each port. The flathead sound is no more.
 
Have to disagree on the Siamese center port idea, a lot of engines from the time period have the same arrangement but not the sound. The only things I see that is distinctive to the Ford flathead is the firing order and the exhaust ports through the water jackets. As an example, the Olds Rocket engine has the Siamese center port, but uses the same firing sequence as a lot of other V8 (same as Ford 289-302). A flathead has a different firing sequence, 1-5-4-8 the four corners, then 6-3-7-2 the four inside cylinders. It may well be the combination of all of these.

Note: Not a new concept, Ol Ron already suggested the firing order.:) I was just playing around with the different firing sequences on paper.
 
JSeery said:
Have to disagree on the Siamese center port idea, a lot of engines from the time period have the same arrangement but not the sound. The only things I see that is distinctive to the Ford flathead is the firing order and the exhaust ports through the water jackets. As an example, the Olds Rocket engine has the Siamese center port, but uses the same firing sequence as a lot of other V8 (same as Ford 289-302). A flathead has a different firing sequence, 1-5-4-8 the four corners, then 6-3-7-2 the four inside cylinders. It may well be the combination of all of these.

Note: Not a new concept, Ol Ron already suggested the firing order.:) I was just playing around with the different firing sequences on paper.
Click to expand...

Do the Rocket's center exhaust ports come together or are they just next to each other a la the Chevy small block? As we all know, the flathead V8's center cylinders in each bank both dump into ONE exhaust port; from valve seat to manifold the exhaust in this area is free to mix and mingle. I think this is the major contributor to the Ford's unique sound, but I also believe its relatively low compression and exhaust configuration play important roles. The way these passages are routed through the block could reduce the gasses' exit velocity, partially muffling the sound. Just a few wild a** thoughts for a Tuesday morning.
 
I'm still voting for the firing order.
 

Attachments

  • 0908sr_11_z+1957_oldsmobile_golden_rocket_engine+stock_heads.jpg
    0908sr_11_z+1957_oldsmobile_golden_rocket_engine+stock_heads.jpg
    89.6 KB · Views: 25
Fibber Mcgee said:
Thanks. That does make sense, so the end cylinders are the lower less pronounced tones and the center cylinders are the higher more pronounced tones giving it almost an uneven sound. I love the sound just never knew where it came from.
Click to expand...



I would have thought that the end cylinders are the louder sound and the center cylinders are muffled by going through the center passage?
 
AKCJ said:
I would have thought that the end cylinders are the louder sound and the center cylinders are muffled by going through the center passage?
Click to expand...

And canceling each other with the two cylinders going through the same passage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top