Flat head v8 swap
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 105
Likes: 12
Flat head v8 swap
Hello all. Posted this earlier but possibly in the wrong forum.
long story short I have a 63 galaxie that needs a new engine. I’ve been playing with the idea of putting a 51 flat head v8 in good running condition in it and building it up a bit. How insane is this? My friends like the idea, my mechanic especially. Just want more opinions. Thanks!
long story short I have a 63 galaxie that needs a new engine. I’ve been playing with the idea of putting a 51 flat head v8 in good running condition in it and building it up a bit. How insane is this? My friends like the idea, my mechanic especially. Just want more opinions. Thanks!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
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Likes: 12
makes sense. I just thought it sounded cool. I’ll probably get the 390 I’ve been considering instead
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 78
I have to weigh in with the Debbie Downers. Those flathead V8s are incredibly heavy ! I pulled one out of my 51 F1 and my engine stand was just not going to be up to the task. And it is a pretty good unit. I read somewhere that they go 700 lbs plus. I know that the 390 is not exactly light, but nothing like the flattie. Besides, with the 390 you can go aluminum intake, aluminum heads, even headers and really slim it down.
Oh yea, the old flatheads are prone to cracking and parts are expensive !
Oh yea, the old flatheads are prone to cracking and parts are expensive !
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 105
Likes: 12
I have to weigh in with the Debbie Downers. Those flathead V8s are incredibly heavy ! I pulled one out of my 51 F1 and my engine stand was just not going to be up to the task. And it is a pretty good unit. I read somewhere that they go 700 lbs plus. I know that the 390 is not exactly light, but nothing like the flattie. Besides, with the 390 you can go aluminum intake, aluminum heads, even headers and really slim it down.
Oh yea, the old flatheads are prone to cracking and parts are expensive !
Oh yea, the old flatheads are prone to cracking and parts are expensive !
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,292
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From: NM
48-53 8BA Flathead -- 569 lbs
FE big block (332 - 428) -- 650 lbs
Flatheads have provisions for a front mounting plate, but the Galaxie's mounts are back pretty far. I wouldn't go to the trouble. But I wouldn't go to a 390 either. Your car, your choice!
FE big block (332 - 428) -- 650 lbs
Flatheads have provisions for a front mounting plate, but the Galaxie's mounts are back pretty far. I wouldn't go to the trouble. But I wouldn't go to a 390 either. Your car, your choice!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
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I honestly don’t know what to do. I’m feeling so defeated at this point. A guy I know suggested trading for his 66 fairlane. Maybe I just do that
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
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I used to live in NM. Was born in ABQ
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 78
eire49,
Don't feel defeated ! OK, we were all pretty negative on the flathead, but there are plenty of Ford V8s that will fit in easily. As you note, the 390 and related series blocks are a bolt in. Likewise, the Windsor series is an easy bolt in. There are good companies making crate engines if you are not up for the time and trouble of getting an old block and building your own.
Don't feel defeated ! OK, we were all pretty negative on the flathead, but there are plenty of Ford V8s that will fit in easily. As you note, the 390 and related series blocks are a bolt in. Likewise, the Windsor series is an easy bolt in. There are good companies making crate engines if you are not up for the time and trouble of getting an old block and building your own.
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