New block

T

Tod

Well-known member
I just got an 8BA engine in that I plan on using the block for designing a new 8BA block. I need to tear it apart and then I can begin modeling up a new one with whatever improvements people can come up with. Any positive input will be appreciated.

I have several people already interested in these.

Tod
 

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Tod,

I wonder if there would be more of a market for the pre 1948 24 stud blocks? I believe that they are shorter and a better fit for the early cars. I am just an observer and not a customer for either.

Charlie Stephens
 
It seems that the old blocks had a tendency to crack. If you could eliminate that tendency, it would be great. I assume a design flaw in the original block, but what do I know?
 
If you really want to reproduce this block, I suggest you talk to JWL and Ray Fedrosky. I also believe the block must be capable of receiving ALL fors original pieces parts.
Good luck
 
Go man Go!
Flatheads Forever!
put an extra hole in the rear oil port to make the full flow oiling option easier, and thread ithe passage for a plug. I think a lot of the Canadian motors were done that way.
 
deuce_roadster said:
Thicker decks, stronger main bearing web area, move end exhaust ports out and enlarge.
Hope you have deep pockets.
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I like those ideas, but I want it to accept stock parts. I could always make alternate versions for the guys that want 8 exhaust ports and a couple of other non-stock ideas.

Why would I need deep pockets? This is far from my first block project.

Tod
 
Tod said:
Is there no need for one?

Tod
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Don't think it is a question of need, it is a question of cost. The price would be way beyond the means of almost any interested buyer and the market very limited. About the only market would be Hot Rodders, competition bodies would not allow it and it is not original for the restoration folks.

To cast a block out of cast iron would be very difficult, developing the cores would be very difficult, on and on. The machine work along would be a major cost factor. I'm all for it if it could be done.
 
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JSeery said:
Don't think it is a question of need, it is a question of cost. The price would be way beyond the means of almost any interested buyer and the market very limited. About the only market would be Hot Rodders, competition bodies would not allow it and it is not original for the restoration folks.

To cast a block out of cast iron would be very difficult, developing the cores would be very difficult, on and on. The machine work along would be a major cost factor. I'm all for it if it could be done.
Click to expand...

So, this will be more difficult than anything else I've ever done? How much would it cost me to machine a block on one of my Horizontal CNC machines? More than the FE blocks I have done, or Clevelands, or Model A blocks?

Tod
 

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Yes, LOL. The flathead is a totally different animal. What are the foundry estimates? And who is building the core boxes? I have foundry experience and core design and manufacturing experience and know the cost involved. How many hours is involved in the machine work on say an FE block?
 
Tod, I realize you asked for suggested improvements, but for those of us that have not built a block, can you walk us through how you do it? I imagine things like lost foam and 3-d printers but would like to hear how you go about it.
 
I've seen 3D printed sand cores, I say go for it, would you cast in aluminum?, its getting harder and harder to find decent rebuildable blocks.
 
Just a couple of things to shoot for.
Perhaps concentrating on the bore size limitations of the blocks as they are. Allow extra material that would permit boring to an oversize that is more desirable to some without compromising reliability.
And give attention to better intake and exhaust flow characteristics.
 
JSeery said:
Yes, LOL. The flathead is a totally different animal. What are the foundry estimates? And who is building the core boxes? I have foundry experience and core design and manufacturing experience and know the cost involved. How many hours is involved in the machine work on say an FE block?
Click to expand...

I have been in the industry for 40 years and have made castings much more difficult than a V8 flathead block. I have the ability to do all the design work, tooling work, and machine work. Core boxes are not hard to make. My first trade is pattern making. Engine blocks, even this one, are far from the most difficult thing I have done.

An example of machine time would be my Model A first OP which is most of the block, takes 5 hours running at 25% rapid travel and 40% feed rates. That is on my Toyoda FH55. I can cut a Cleveland or FE block in less than 20 hours on slow feed rates. I use slow feed rates because I am usually doing other things at the same time so I don't have to be hovering over all machining that is going on.

A casting this simple would probably be around $900. My investment will be negligible, so it allows me to make a return with little in it. I am also in the process of buying more foundry equipment than I already have to expand into pouring my own blocks. Even if I didn't, I have quality foundry people to count on.

Tod
 
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