we plan to rebuild my flathead this winter. i'm the clean up guy, gopher, my brother in law is our all around mech and our friend is a mech, ran a garage for 20 years and rebuilt flatheads years ago. what advice would you experienced flathead rebuilders give to this team for our rebuild. assuming the block, crank and heads check out, we'll be putting a merc crank, EAB heads (new merc pistons), etc. we will send the block, crank, and heads to the machine shop for nec. work. my $500 junkyard EAB has given me 5 summers of good but smokey service. it's tired and needs rebuild. thanks, dick r.

 

A stock rebuild using the merc rotating asssembly, valve job, rebuilt/new oil pump and water pumps if needed - I would keep the fit on the loose side of the specs - You could expect another 60 years of service if you're up to it.

 

I would use the modern one piece front crank seal....

Also drill the lifter bosses (to keep lifters from turning) if you plan on using adjustable lifters.

 

I'd also consider the full-flow oil filter options. There are a couple of flavors of them.

Lots of good info on the Flathead Forum Techno Site, Techno Source for the 1932 thru 1953 Flathead Ford
A lot of it is for the earlier engines but still appplies to much of the 8BA series.

I don't know if you've gotten the Merc crank and pistons yet, but that's a fairly expensive way to gain 16 cubic inches IMO. You gain some compression, maybe some low end torque, but also increase piston speed and wear. There are cheaper ways to gain HP, like milled heads and mild porting.