Dead flathead, imagine that
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2011
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Dead flathead, imagine that
Hey guys just found out that my flathead has a bad crack in the block running from one of the valves down to a cylinder. I am now thinking about going to a new motor design since I cant keep the original block. I know that the 289,302, and 351 Cleveland are good candidates. But I always see people use a c4,c5 or AOD transmission. I am really wanting to keep my truck manual, what would be the easiest motor/trans swap? Thanks guys and sorry if this is a repost, I tryed to look before posting.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Bristol TN.
Welcome! Sorry to hear about the flathead. I think the 302 or 351 might be the easiest swap motor wise. I'm running a 302/aod but mainly cause I want more room in the cab (no floor shift) someone will chime in with the manual trans knowledge here soon.
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Freshman User
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My real question is what is the best option on a 1949 f1. I just never see any information about manual transmissions. I know some people use the t5 out of an s-10 when they use the flathead. Would this work for a 289 or 302? Or is something like a T18 or T19 a better fit? A 5 speed would be nice, but not necessary. This truck wont see much highway time, so a four speed would work just fine.
I am going to try to use the Dana 41 rear-end that was already in the truck.
I am going to try to use the Dana 41 rear-end that was already in the truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
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From: Pekin, IL
Hey verch why can't you find a newer ford pickup donor engine tranny combo? I would stick to the 289/302 if i was to backstep. I have a 351W and the problem with it is the width interferes with the steering. And I think you can find alot more 302 parts. I know the 351W/302 share some stuff but you can find all the 302 parts you want. plus my 351w is only rated at 210 hp. you can easily pull that out of a 302.
As far as tranny you can use one with the hydraulic clutch system,that would aviod some linkage issues but either way you would have to do something with the petals I think. hopefully others will jump in here and help out soon, as I am not the expert yet. but i am workin on it
As far as tranny you can use one with the hydraulic clutch system,that would aviod some linkage issues but either way you would have to do something with the petals I think. hopefully others will jump in here and help out soon, as I am not the expert yet. but i am workin on it
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,291
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
The very simplest thing is find another flathead block, there are still plenty of them. The only adapters made any more for the stock tranny are for SBC's, Olds engines, Caddy engines... nothing for 302's
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
Good luck with your project, and welcome to the forum.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
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From: Harpswell Maine
Back in the 50's and 60's and perhaps into the 70's there were adapter bell housings to use other engines running through a flathead transmission. My 49, Willard, had a 56 nailhead buick mated to the stock trans. The buick however was too much for the stock trans however after bolting in a HD 3 speed, it was fine. I do not know what is available today maybe someone else on the forum has some input. You might try another thread titled something like "small block ford into a flathead transmission?"
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2011
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Anyone know how much torque the original 3 speed on these trucks can take? Is this a decent trans? Or is this transmission prone to failure?
Also do the people that put a t5 on the flatheads change the clutch linkage? Is there a guide on here.
Also do the people that put a t5 on the flatheads change the clutch linkage? Is there a guide on here.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
Several T5-Flathead swap articles on this page + about all you need to know about Flatmotors
Techno Source for the 1932 thru 1953 Flathead Ford
Techno Source for the 1932 thru 1953 Flathead Ford
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
I would not run much more than a hot flathead thru the stock light duty trans. I replaced parts in the origianl light duty flathead trans about 3 times before I found and installed a heavy duty 3 speed. That cured the problem. The 56 nailhead buick was a good motor, probably twice the torque of a stock flathead motor.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
be different and keep the flatty , either as dick said have it fixed or find another block . i'm keeping the one in my 53 . got a good 4.6 and auto , had two 390's and two 360's , a 302 and 351w i let go with another truck , and i got a 292 tucked away so i could've easily gone the new route but trust me ain't nothin' could take the place of my beloved flatty . not for the rumble , or driving enjoyment , the smiles per gallon , and they got more charm , character and personality than any dressed out newer one will ever have ....................
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
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From: Pekin, IL
I guess if I had a flathead v-8 to begin with, I would probably would have stayed with it..I have never been a fan of inline sixes even though there is nothing wrong with them. just like the sound of a v-8.
I will tell ya that when you decide to swap like what I am doing, you open A whole complete can of issues. its never as easy as it seems..
I will tell ya that when you decide to swap like what I am doing, you open A whole complete can of issues. its never as easy as it seems..
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,291
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
A switch to anything except an original type motor means at a minimum: new front motor mounts (you'd want the front end off for this), trans crossmember surgery (means cab off, almost certainly) unless you stick with the stock trans, new trans mounts, new exhaust, major re-wiring, probable issues with gauges, 12v conversion, radiator rework or replacement, shifter? depends on trans used. Then there's the question of the condiition of the donor engine/trans, what are the chances they need nothing?
It is not a simple or cheap proposition. A fresh, crack free block in usable shape, a gasket set, throw in a set of rings, worst case you could be back in business for a little over a grand. Or like Dick/4tl8ford said, get the existing block stitched for $300 (?) and put it back together.