Installing an early V8 in a Model A

ajohn

ajohn

Senior Member
This is a project that seems worthwhile.The V8 is much smoother and doesn't seem to present unsurmountable problems.Anyone done this?
James :)
 
James- This is a very popular thing to do. You might want to get hold of the book "How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod" by Bishop and Tardel. There's also a "social group" here on the Barn "AV8 owners and builders" which is supposed to act as a sort of specialty forum although it seems to be pretty quiet lately. I'm in the midst of doing one now.
 
James, check out av8paul's member profile. Paul has several pics of his AV8 roadster in his av8stuff picture file. There are several other nice AV8s on the barn including thunderbirdesq's black hiboy.

Lee
 
I put a Y block 312 in a 31A. It was my first street rod back in 1959. Had to rework the fire wall.
 
ajohn You have put every kind of engine in every other car. I have faith that you will do this on also. your frend lyle
 
I'm building a 1928 A Tudor with '47 C59A, '36 trans, '47 rear, boxed frame, 4" dropped axle with '39 brakes etc. As stated above, the Bishop/Tardel book is the bible.
 
Lyle,
I have the rear bumpers here for your Model A Sports coupe that I sold you.Pick them up at your convenience. Your pal, James
 
Like others have said, the BT book is a good reference, lots of good info on the hamb too. I cheated a little bit, mine's on a '32 frame so I think it was a little more straightforward, but it can definitley be done with an A frame.

parts297.jpg
 
It can be done with an A frame, but I would box it for sure. This one isn't and the flattie twists it in 2nd gear. 8MC, 4 speed, 3:70 9". PM with any questions, Chuck.
 

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This is a very, very easy conversion to do. My first one was back in the late 50s when I was 15 (yes 15) years old. I did it without a welder or torch of any kind----just common hand tools at the time.

The original real axle will work, front bolt in motor mounts used to be available from Honest Charley(probably available from someone now), the rear trans mounts can be fabricated from two pieces of 1/4" plate bent in a "Z" shape and bolted to the original center cross member. Several steering boxes are available---the easiest is the 56 Ford PU. The firewall does need to be notched for fuel pump clearance---but an electric pump could eliminate that need. The original radiator can cool the flathead but a good fan is needed. The front radius rods must be split but that can be accomplished easily. I even used the original gas tank. The little 100HP engine pushed my coupe pretty well---really well when I had the heads milled, twin 97s and a "Sportsman" cam.

Wished I still had the car---but we all have those regrets!
 
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