239 Flat Head Engine Worth

jdwoods · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 08:29 PM

Can someone tell me how much a 1947 239 C.I. engine and transmission is worth. It is in a superior body school bus. Not sure what speed the transmission is.

46fordtruck · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2007, 01:41 AM

The trans is a 4 spd, this was all that was available in trucks 1 ton and bigger. The trans has minimal value, maybe $100 at most. Most guys don't want the 4 spd. The Flattie is a different subject. It's really based on market since it would likely be sold locally. What is the condition? Running is best, of course, around here, $800-$1200 if running, depending on mileage. If stuck, internal condition unknown, maybe $150, maybe. Of course these values are based on a stock engine, not recently rebuilt.

jdwoods · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2007, 07:38 AM

Thanks Gary, I appreciate the info. That gives me a good guide.

1952henry · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 12:44 AM

Are you buying or selling? I would want to remove the heads to look inside before I parted with any cash.

jdwoods · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 07:24 AM

Right now I'm just trying to get an Idea for Budget purposes. I haven't had a chance to pull it out yet. Once I do I will make my decision on what I am going to do.

soule46 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 09:07 AM

I just bought a similar block and 4 spd for $125. The block had enough parts that I could make an 8BA look like a '47 59A, so I figured it was worth the money even if the block was cracked. The only reason I took the trans with me is that it had the removable trans side 1/2 bell. I assume that that is the part that would allow me to mate a different trans to the flathead and use the stock clutch setup.

In MN most of the time these motors sell for stupid money, the 8BA are far more common -- right now I could pick up 10 of them if I wanted.

5 Star · #7 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 12:05 PM

Soule46

You were refering making an 8BA look like a 59A. I done exactly the same on my 39 Sedan, which I no longer have.
I used an 8BA out of a 51 Truck, and bought a 59A Cam, used the 39 Transmission, and used 49 Gears in the Trans. The Engine had a 4 inch Crank, .030 Pistons, and a 2 Carb Intake.

Anyway enough of the description of the Engine. Just wanted to let you know in case you didn't, already check into it.
Although the Timming Gear will interchange, make sure you use the 59A one. Reason it has a different pitch to it, and it will draw the Cam to the rear of the Engine.
Should you use the 8BA Gear it will draw the Cam foward, and mess up your Distributor, if useing the Front mount unit with Crab Cap.
You will also need to use the 2 Hole Timming Gear Cover.
Just thought I would let you know as I almost made the mistake, and whenever I hear of someone doing this, I caution them.

50flathead · #8 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 04:18 PM

The 59A and the 59AB do have a look that folks like. Value 50.00-1500.00 depending on condition.

1952henry · #9 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soule46

I just bought a similar block and 4 spd for $125. The block had enough parts that I could make an 8BA look like a '47 59A, so I figured it was worth the money even if the block was cracked. The only reason I took the trans with me is that it had the removable trans side 1/2 bell. I assume that that is the part that would allow me to mate a different trans to the flathead and use the stock clutch setup.

In MN most of the time these motors sell for stupid money, the 8BA are far more common -- right now I could pick up 10 of them if I wanted.

You will have to figure out how to vent this engine if using an early intake. You can put together a pcv unit that will work great.