My friend (who built my flattie for me) builds race engines. He sent me an email asking:
I am toying with the idea of using a piece of aluminum billet and make a drawing and making an aluminum head from my CNC machine. Do you think I could sell them

I'm guessing he is talking about heads for a Flattie... I said I would ask the experts.... that would be YOU.

Thanks in advance,

 

The only problem I see is the flatheads are "wet" heads. He would have to find a way to get the water to channel through them.

 

There have been a fair number of two-piece heads made for flatties, made that way so that the cooling passages could be made without a casting core.

To answer his question, I doubt it. The Edelbrocks are selling for $400+ a set, in volume, and there is more interest in nostalgia heads than anything else. The ones in high demand (incl. to some extent the Edelbrocks) have combustion chamber shapes that were highly developed in racing (like the Navarros and a couple others). Unless he has lots of dyno time to prove his design is better, I doubt there's a market. The number of flatties on the road is steadily declining, and figure half are restorations to stock, doesn't leave a huge market. JMO...

 

Speaking for myself, I would entertain the idea of a purchase. The main things to keep in mind are costs and actual HP increase. I have seen quite a few people mill 2-piece heads and seal em with RTV or cut a gasket to fit.

The problem with this whole thing is keeping costs in line. Towards the end of R&D, he will have a mint wrapped up into making his own heads that may or may not show an increase in what is already available which will drive his price point out of most peoples wheel house.

In my opinion, if he were to make these heads...which I think he should cause it is cool...he should make em for himself.

 

Something else to consider is the new Aluminum flattie block coming on the market. This could very well increase the market. Another thought is considering all the new after market iron blocks being made i am surprised nobody makes an after market block....

In my opinon if both of these would come to pass I think the flattie deal would increase and by a large percentage. But again just my opinion.

jim

 

Anyone spending $12k for a new Motor City aluminum block (bare) is not likely to experiment with an unknown, unproven head. I'm not sure those blocks use standard flatty heads, either.

Who is making cast iron blocks? Haven't heard of anyone.

 

Sorry, I thought I was clearer. I thought it was unusual that nobody is making a cast iron flattie block. Yeah the aluminum is pricy but if you have the money for one of those high dollar street rods it will fit in the budget.
jim

 

I wonder if there are any more of the "new" french blocks still around.

 

Something else i forgot to mention [advanced CRS] is if there was a new iron block available I would consider pulling the small block I have for a flattie. With todays parts and technology these motors can be built to have plenty of horsepower for a driver and be dead stone reliable. Besides it would be seriously cool to be able to pop the hood and have a flattie sitting there.
Maybe someday.....

jim

 

look up vern tardel / sf flatheads for info on the french blocks , and socal speed shop is selling them too for / through sf. i'd save my pennies for one but i need a block with a late model bell not the 1/2 cast in bell . but stil they present so many possibilities but are not cheap . i don't know if these peeps are still making them , the heads pictured ,but i heard their company was up for sale , for why i do not know . but this is too make the point that there are still folks making the stuff besides the big players . i believe that the mcf block uses the same heads mark kirby sells for those of us with our original flatty blocks ... just don't quote me on that as i have been known to not have a CLUE !!!!!!!!!!