Flathead swap questions

W

Wolfe.brennan

Junior Member
Good evening,
I'm debating on keeping the flathead in my 35', as local builders and parts are an issue in my area. Seeing as this will be a daily, I would like to find an easy-to-use, or as close as possible drop in. Preferably, I would like to not cut the firewall. Any suggestions?
 
I'm interested, as I found this in cylinder 6
 

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As much as I hate to say it a sbc would be the easiest swap. Using an adapter to your existing trans makes it even easier. Pretty sure you'd have to cut the firewall for a sbf but not positive. Other options are a Pinto 4 banger or a Chevy Iron Duke or an earlier Chevy 4 banger out of a Chevy II.
 
I'd be interested in salvaging it,as it is the only one with a major issue. Due to my inexperienced with this particular engine,it's rather daunting.
 
Are you wanting to keep it Flathead but asking whether to use the 59A or 8BA variants, or asking which alternative non-Flathead would be the easiest swap?

If the former, then the 59A will be slightly easier due to the belt spacing.

If the latter, then it will be a (gasp!) Chevy small block. Not only from the fitment standpoint, but the parts availability standpoint as well.
 
I'd prefer to keep what I have, but I am open to alternatives. It's not going to be a hotrod,or race car,but a daily,with potential for long trips every weekend.
 
Where do you live ? I have a couple of 37 lb motors that are good running motors . I’m starting to down size and need the room .
The tin sleeve motors are pretty easy to change the liner in , as long as you can locate the liner . There are many manuals , books etc that can walk you through the process.
Ford shop manual is the first Id suggest.
The sbc is the easiest to install , I’ve done 1 recently only because I wanted AC and a good cruiser at highway speeds . That’ll lead to the next problem going on the highway , brakes . Fords brades are adequate for the speeds normal with the flathead, but at 60 mph + a self energized setup or disc is preferable.
Both the sbc and brake upgrades are doable and common .
Sorry for rambling.
 
I put a small block Ford in my 1937 back in the mid sixties and had to modify the firewall and front of the oil pan sump to get it in. It didn’t fit all that well. Look at my avatar and you can see where I have repaired the damage that I had done to fit the sbf.
 
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To put in the SBC you have to pull the existing motor. Once it is out why not try to find a machine shop and have them replace the sleeve?
 
It’ll cost you about $400 to swap in a sbc . Plus the cost of the sbc . Exhaust manifolds , clutch , flywheel , pilot bearing , hurst style mtr mount , conversion bell housing . The $400 dollar estimate is finding good used bellhousing and hurst mount .
 
In O'Fallon,Illinois. I'd be interested, as I am learning how to completely rebuild and recondition these engines, in time. It's an excellent hobby.
 
The Hurst mount won't work . The 35-36 front crossmember does not drop down enough.The mount will interfere with the spring U bolts. Been there and done that.I should have kept the Flathead.
Another thing is ,what engine is in your '35 ? 21 stud babbitt main bearings?
 
It's a 38 engine, insert bearings. I've seen other mounts work, but the flathead probably isn't going back in for a long time.
 
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I will throw in another possibility - 4.3 V6. It will adapt to your stock drivetrain just like a sbc, 4 bbl carb intakes and parts are around, and they get great gad mileage. ‘86-‘93 are good years.

I have a rebuilt motor, 4bbl intake and some other stuff but I am in Williamsburg va. Contact me here and I can give you more info. The added benefit is that it has 3 exhaust ports like a flattie V8 - you can then mess with people that see it an experimental engine of some kind back in the day! Lol!
 
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