First off, I am NOT an engine guy. I don't pretend to be and I prob never will be. I did find a listing for a 52 ford flathead v8 engine in our local town. I know they didn't have any horsepower when they came from the factory, but can you do anything to them to make it a decent engine. I like the look of the engine and don't need anything to take to the strip. Just want something that sound good and can take the truck down the highway

 

Actually they had around 100 hp, not bad for 239 cubes........and they are a "decent" engine in stock form. A little tinkering can make them a really great engine.
How much hp do you need to go down the highway? The stock flattie propelled these trucks (usually with a heavy load) just fine back in '52.

I have driven my flathead powered truck many thousands of miles with no problems. Just saying.....