Does anyone know how to get more HP out of a 59A-B flathead. I would like to upgrade the engine to 12volt system and pump out alot more then the original 80-90 hp, if anyone has done this please give an IM or e-mail. I know alot of you are chomping at the bit, but this is the direction I want to go with my ole truck.
flathead upgrade
- Thread starter my37ford
- Start date
Bassman/NZ
Well-known member
59A is 100hp. Quick and dirty, you aint going to get a "lot" of hp increase without a major build and considerable expense. You need to give us more info.... what sort of budget you envisage being the major info, also what is it going in, and what is the drivetrain?
Twin carbs, twin exhaust and milling the heads... you might get 110-120hp. Add a cam and adjustable lifters... another 10hp.
From there you're into boring out and oversize pistons plus a longer stroke crank to give you more cubic inches. Speedway and others sell a kit with stroker crank, large pistons and new rods for around the two grand mark. Machining on top of that. Mods are cumulative... eg: twin carbs on a stocker wont give as much hp increase as they would on a worked engine.
If $$$ is no object a blower is the way to go, there are some guys on here running blowers. That, plus the increased cubic inches will get you anywhere from say 160hp to 250hp, depending on a lot of factors.... one being, how tractable does it have to be? So many variables....
If it's just an old truck you want to go a bit faster, stick with minor mods and upgrade the trans for better shifting and diff ratio for better highway speeds.
Twin carbs, twin exhaust and milling the heads... you might get 110-120hp. Add a cam and adjustable lifters... another 10hp.
From there you're into boring out and oversize pistons plus a longer stroke crank to give you more cubic inches. Speedway and others sell a kit with stroker crank, large pistons and new rods for around the two grand mark. Machining on top of that. Mods are cumulative... eg: twin carbs on a stocker wont give as much hp increase as they would on a worked engine.
If $$$ is no object a blower is the way to go, there are some guys on here running blowers. That, plus the increased cubic inches will get you anywhere from say 160hp to 250hp, depending on a lot of factors.... one being, how tractable does it have to be? So many variables....
If it's just an old truck you want to go a bit faster, stick with minor mods and upgrade the trans for better shifting and diff ratio for better highway speeds.
TonyM
Well-known member
Henry/Kokomo
Well-known member
In addition to John Lawson's (JWL) book, you should arm yourself with a copy of a book entitled "Nostalgia" written by Ron Holleran (Ol' Ron). Its another definitive work on increasing flathead performance. Both books should definitely be in your library if you are going to build a performance engine. Good Luck!
flatheadernie
Senior Member
With a good tuning you already have nuff power to out perform your suspension and tires, not to mention brakes. That said the most fun u can get for the money is like Bassman said, ****** up grade, rear end ratio to 3.55 , some good tires , shocks, n lots of driving to shows n brkfasts. LOL ernie n tx ( 46 coupe)
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nichols617
Member
Could you please define ****** upgrade. I am looking for this! I have a 51 F1 with 3 speed.
Thanks!
Thanks!
blown49
Senior Member
Joe Abbins newest book is also very useful for blown and unblown upgrades. About $25.00 on his website.
http://www.roadrunnerengineering.com
Jim
http://www.roadrunnerengineering.com
Jim
TomT/Williamsburg
Well-known member
Your F1 could be converted to an S10 5-speed from an 84-92 S10, you can also go C4, Ford AOD, 700R4, 2004R, or an early Ford truck 3-speed w/OD.
Do a Google search and you will find some folks who have already done said conversion.
nichols617
Member
Thanks!
Oh man I'm in heaven with the links that all of you provided, thanks to everyone who put their 2 cents in. As far as what I'm doing with the truck, and the drivetrain/suspension handling more power, I have already changed the front suspension to a modern MII with disc brakes and rack - n - pinion steering and working my way to the rearend to where I plan on a 4 link system. I want to keep the flathead and upgrade it and plan on 5spd. ******
Bassman/NZ
Well-known member
I think your MII front may be a bit light for your truck. Mustangs are pretty light. JMO.
Pete
BANNED
Sounds like from all the mods you have already done to the truck that you intend to go vintage road racing or autocross racing...
It is cool that you want to keep the flathead but you are going to be at a big hp disadvantage unless you have a VERY fat wallet.
The average person doing a flathead only wants to spend for about 150 hp.
Almost any car on the road today will be able to "do" you at a stop light.
Flatheads are a noble project but before you start, understand that to make one go fast it is extremely expensive.
Just as a side observation, recently I saw a 400 hp 350 Chev WITH a Tremec 6 speed transmission advertised for $4000 or best offer.
You are going to spend that much for a 200 hp flathead WITHOUT a $1500 transmission.
Man now I'm really confused as far as engine goes, I love the look of the flathead all dressed out, but do want more hp. I was leaning towards a stroked small block until I got the flathead running with little effort, may have to go back to original plan. Thanks to all that have posted on this topic, will keep you all updated on which way I go. 