I have a 1949 F4 with Flathead 6 cyl. Thinking about switching to Flathead V8. Would like to know what modifications I would have to make. A few items come to mind, motor mounts, bell housing, transmission, drive shaft modification, carb linkage and exhaust. Any ideas and suggestions.

 

I'm guessing you have a 4-sp spur gear trans? If so, you can keep the trans but need to use the V8 clutch cover (the 1/2 bellhousing attached to the block). Then motor mounts and exhaust, radiator, carb linkage. No driveshaft changes.

But you might want to consider a different trans anyway, depending on your intended use.

 

The radiator mount positon also differs from the I6.

 

If you are staying with six volt, you may want to move the battery to the passenger side.

 

One of my trucks POs did the opposite. They took out the 8 and 3 on the tree and put in the 6 and spur gear 4 sp. At least they grabbed the floor trans cover as well.

I think the motor mounting hardware and rubber bits are the same for 6 & 8. Don't forget about the wind deflector under the hood. The 8 version I bigger as it is further back in the hood.

 

JMHO, the six is a better choice for the truck. More torque where you need it. But, it does not have that cool V8 factor.

 

You will need the air deflector in the hood and the one below in front of the radiator. You will also need a V8 battery tray which is on the passenger side and lower to the frame. The radiator will need to be moved back 3" to the V8 position, all the holes are already there. You will need a V8 radiator shroud. Motor mounts are the same, transmission is in the same position, but as Ross said you will need the V8 half bell or hogshead. The throttle linkage mounted on the firewall is also different. The starter solenoid is on the passenger side of the firewall in a V8 truck, but here again the holes are there for the move.

 

Thank you all for decision making information. It sounds pretty straight forward with minimal fabrication.