Flathead motor reliable?
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Flathead motor reliable?
So im building my 49 ford 3/4 and i got it on a later 64 chevy 3/4ton frame, currently with a 283 v8 4spd manual transmission and 4x4 with 33inch tires.im not to proud of the chevy parts in it, but i bought it cheap and its what i was looking to do to my truck anyways. im thinking of putting in a flathead back in the truck. but i heard they've been known for overheating under high constant loads, and they dont have to much hp. I want to be able to drive the truck down the highway going around 65 70. Is this at all a reasonable thought? my concern are that the engine wont be reliable or strong enough to keep up with modern speeds (can they be upgraded?) and although i havent really researched it all that well i assume theirs an adapter to hook a ford flat head up to a chevy 4sp.
Thanks
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Yea having the chevy parts doesn't bother me, but the 283 needs a major rebuild so i was kicking around the idea of just getting a 350, Then i thought it would look pretty sweet with a flathead in it, ive always been a big fan of the looks of them. just wasn't sure if it would keep up with the modern speeds with them coming only with about 100 hp, or how big of a project it would be making the switch.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,662
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From: Las Vegas NV
hello welcome....ive readig this guys thread it is very interesting http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...=320631....and the folks in this forum are very wise and they love to help...i say keep the flattie unless you want to donate it for my 51 lol
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,771
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From: Kalispell, MT
Reliable? Ford used them for 22 years of production in the US and Canada, other countries used them for decades longer - last ones produced were in the mid-80's by France. Personally I've driven my 48 F1 cross country. They have a few quirks by modern standards but once you learn what your engine likes, they're very reliable.
If you take time to make sure the water passages are clean, your radiator is clean and in good condition, your timing is set correctly, etc (normal mechanical maintenance) it'll take you any place you want to go. The guys who have trouble with overheating didn't so something right or took short cuts.
Especially in Wisconsin you'd be fine. They tend to run about 100 degrees above the outside temp and will run all day between 190 and 210 without problems.
If you want to know about flatheads go here:
Ford Flathead V8 .. 1932 thru 1953 • Index page
If you take time to make sure the water passages are clean, your radiator is clean and in good condition, your timing is set correctly, etc (normal mechanical maintenance) it'll take you any place you want to go. The guys who have trouble with overheating didn't so something right or took short cuts.
Especially in Wisconsin you'd be fine. They tend to run about 100 degrees above the outside temp and will run all day between 190 and 210 without problems.
If you want to know about flatheads go here:
Ford Flathead V8 .. 1932 thru 1953 • Index page
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