"But now to my point--I cannot believe how expensive flathead parts are!!! $240 for rod bearings!? 350$ for pistons and rings!? Wow!

A quick tally on all the things I would replace if I were rebuilding a flathead and I was just over $1800 just for parts. And that doesn't even include any machine shop work. Didn't even get to the starter, generator, water pumps, etc. I know you could shop the parts and save money but they sure are pricey even at that."

"Back to the flatties. Did I notice that the cam gear is available in both aluminum and fiber, I assume the fiber is OEM but why not steel? I can only assume that a little wear coupled with the weight would cause premature cam bearing failure."

From the 48 to 60 Forum

I would like to hear ya'lls thoughts on the price of parts and that cam timing gear question.

The flattie intrigues me. I want to build one.

Tim

 

Tim I was reading an article the other day and the guy said it cost him $3,800.00 for a complete rebuild. Long gone are the days when these Flatheads were the low buck alternatives. With all the stories floating around about how hard it is now days to find a block that isn't cracked. I think I'm going to go for a 351/C-6. My 51 has the 226 Flathead 6 in it now, It runs well but I plan on adding power accessories.

 

Go ahead and build one - you'll never regret it. Expensive? So is everything else these days. 12 years ago I spent over $2800 to have a 302 rebuilt by one of the local top mechanics. I haven't found any other engine that will keep you grinning every time you fire it up like the flat V8.

I've put over 50K miles on my flathead during the past 3+ years. I've had 2 break downs during that time - a waterpump and the generator. Both my fault for running the belts too tight.

Good blocks are tough to find, but not impossible - just don't get in a hurry. Scour the internet classifieds, ebay, talk to guys in the local car clubs, etc. A couple of years ago I found a guy that was selling a std bore 8BA block that he had cleaned and magnafluxed to test for cracks. Guaranteed good. I was happy to pay $350 for it. Saved me the time and hassle of buying 5 or 6 cracked ones looking for a good one.

Oh, yeah - cam gears. Both alum and fibre are stock. I like the alum 'cause it's a little more durable, but either will do the job. The fiber gear was developed just to keep it quieter. The flathead doesn't run a lot of valve spring pressure so it works just fine.

 

There's a guy near me selling two 49 Merc blocks/engines from a car and a 49 and 50 8BA engines/blocks from a truck. Price varies from $250-$1600 (rebuilt).
He also has two 49 Merc o/d trannys. Asking $350 each. Lastly, a 50 Ford o/d tranny for $200.

Ilya

 

For the last several years there has been rumors of a new Flathead block in the works. I looked over on Flathead Jacks sight and there is still talk of one. They say it will take the place of the 350. Have you herd anything about these blocks.

 

on the new flathead

 

I've heard the rumors also. FHJ is supposedly working to produce them in both aluminum and iron. I've also heard Mark Kirby at Motor City Flathead is working independently to produce one in iron.

All will supposedly have improvements in the areas that flatheads are weak, primarily breathing. All will be very expensive from estimates I've heard.

I'll believe it when they actually put them on the showroom floor and start pushing them out the door. Until then it's just rumor as far as I'm concerned. Sure wish it would happen tho..................

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=113275
here is our link to new parts for the flat heads

 

Check out www.yesteryeartractor.com I was looking around on their site. They seem to have some good prices on engine parts. You just have to figure out their designation 8N, 9N,

 

Anyone have any experience with the French flatties? Don't think I would ever use one--just curious. Any links?

Tim