Turbo charging a flathead

S

strat9973

Junior Member
I have read that you don't get much gain from turbo charging a flatead. It's said that it's due to the exhaust running through the water jackets. Why is that? Exhaust pressure is what makes the turbo work, where does temp come in to play?
 
Heat is a factor to gas expansion and thus, exhaust pressure. However, there are sooooo many inlet and exhaust housing options for turbos that almost anything can be successfully turbocharged. Including our Flatheads. There are several myths and false bits of information included in some popular books.
 
Most folks interested usually go the supercharging route. There is less lag time with a roots type blower. Charlie is right about the bottom end worries. When you wake one of these old beasts up like that, they are prone to self destruction unless the center main issues are addressed to some degree.
 
Thanks guys, I'm looking to wake up my little 60hp. Not looking for huge power, just enough to run a good hwy gear.
 
Many years ago there was a guy in the area that ran a Forty coupe with a turbocharged FH on propane. Saw the car at several shows and it was a screamer for the times.
 
i know the little 60 h/p engines are cutr, but if you want a reliable engine that can run hi way speeds put in a latter model engine and gain 50 h/p , no worries about sending the crank out thru the oil pan, hell of a lot cheaper to
 
there is a guy here in st, louis that just completed a chopped `34 three window with a twin turbo charged flathead. you should see how it is packaged! sa weeeeeet!
 
There's a good thread over on the HAMB about turbocharging a flathead - it's older. Most folks do opt for a roots type blower though.
 
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