239 CI Flathead V8 engine
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From: LA ROCHELLE
239 CI Flathead V8 engine
Hello everyone, writing to you from France, I wanted to know if in the United States it is quite easy to find a 239 CI 24 stud Flathead V8 with its transmission in good condition and what is the average price? because in France we only find the European versions. Thanks in advance
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From: Western NY
Parts availability for stock flathead V8 engines is very reasonable in the United States. Fresh rebuilt engines can be had starting around $4,500 USD + taxes, shipping, and any core considerations. One needs to be sure they are getting a true truck engine with all the truck accessories (larger oil pan, wide accessory pulleys, carburetor with hand choke and throttle controls, and so on...).
When you ask about transmission, that is its own discussion. Which transmission for which platform? There were many factory configurations, some more desirable and/or scarce than others.
When you ask about transmission, that is its own discussion. Which transmission for which platform? There were many factory configurations, some more desirable and/or scarce than others.
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From: LA ROCHELLE
Thank you for your response 
, it corresponds to the budget that I would like to put into it so that is already good news. For the transmission, I would like it to be manual after all, I am not enough of a specialist in the model to say precisely what it would take.
, it corresponds to the budget that I would like to put into it so that is already good news. For the transmission, I would like it to be manual after all, I am not enough of a specialist in the model to say precisely what it would take.
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From: NM
Welcome to the forum!
I saw in your other post that you want a 53 F-100. The flat V8s in that year have a number of unique hard to find parts. Your best bet is to buy a complete truck with a good flathead already in it.
I saw in your other post that you want a 53 F-100. The flat V8s in that year have a number of unique hard to find parts. Your best bet is to buy a complete truck with a good flathead already in it.
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From: Burbank, WA
In my experience, I would say finding a good flathead with transmission is not easy, but they can be found. Be prepared to open your wallet when you do. Typically, when used flathead engines are listed for sale, they resemble junk with no guarantee they will be any good, and the sellers typically want a lot of money for them. There are several different versions of the flathead V8, and even in those families there are different transmissions for different applications for different years. Finding a specific application in useable condition can prove difficult.
Here are current, typical for sale ad pictures on craigslist in a 3 state area, priced between $200 and $800.
Here are current, typical for sale ad pictures on craigslist in a 3 state area, priced between $200 and $800.
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From: LA ROCHELLE
Thank you for your answers !! I have a budget of $5,500 including taxes and shipping, so in principle the budget to have a good, well-rebuilt engine, but you have to find it! In France we have Flathead V8s sold by Ford France and Simca which were installed on Cargo and Marmon trucks so I will also look at that side.To have valid papers in France you need a certificate of conformity issued by a public service called the FFVE and the vehicle must conform to the origin otherwise it is refused and it will never be able to be driven, so theoretically we legally can't put newer V8
Last edited by ADELEANDRE; Oct 18, 2023 at 02:10 PM.
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From: Burbank, WA
Here's where this could be a problem. As Ross stated, the 53 F series trucks used a number of unique parts used only that one year for the flathead. The transmission bellhousing is a large, one piece unit made to fit the 8BA that won't bolt to the back of the French flathead. The French Flathead, from my understanding, is a hybrid using the later design 8BA style engine, but retaining the older 59AB style bell housing shroud over the flywheel. The 8BA does not use that same design. As such, the French flathead will not fit to the 53 truck bellhousing or transmission.
8BA type bellhousing mount used on 53 F100's.
59AB and French Flathead type
53 F100 bellhousing, one year, one application only design.
French flathead
8BA type bellhousing mount used on 53 F100's.
59AB and French Flathead type
53 F100 bellhousing, one year, one application only design.
French flathead
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From: Kalispell, MT
Terminology is important when talking about flatheads.
Your original post asked about 24 stud flatheads. Those were used from 1938-1947. 24 studs with a nut on each stud.
1948 and later you want to ask for 24 bolt flatheads - just to make sure you get what you want.
The guys above have the info on 53 truck specifics. Good luck with your search!
Your original post asked about 24 stud flatheads. Those were used from 1938-1947. 24 studs with a nut on each stud.
1948 and later you want to ask for 24 bolt flatheads - just to make sure you get what you want.
The guys above have the info on 53 truck specifics. Good luck with your search!
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From: LA ROCHELLE
The European V8 is much quieter than the American V8 
!! I think I would have to deviate from the pure origin otherwise it might be long, that's why I wanted to find an engine transmission assembly but still with a Flat so that visually we are close to the origin .
!! I think I would have to deviate from the pure origin otherwise it might be long, that's why I wanted to find an engine transmission assembly but still with a Flat so that visually we are close to the origin .
Last edited by ADELEANDRE; Oct 19, 2023 at 04:14 AM.
Hotshot
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From: Burbank, WA
You could look a long time for a good 53 F100 flathead engine and transmission combo someone is taking out, and that would be willing to ship to you. If you really want to use a French flathead, the easier solution would be to go with a 52 or earlier truck, as it will drop right in with the correct 8RT water pumps.
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From: NM
The 53 front mount is on the centerline of the engine, and with an aftermarket rear mount also on the centerline, it would be rocking badly. On a 48-52 with WP mounts, it would work.
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From: Burbank, WA
One could make all kinds of modifications, but the OP says the trucks needs to stay somewhat stock to pacify the government. He'd have to adapt an early flathead trans with custom mounts front and rear, or utilize some type of adapter bell, like a flat-o-matic or a T5 conversion and pretend that's how they came. No matter which way he goes, the best way to fit the engine would be with 8BA mounts, which still requires modifying the 53 frame to create the base for the mounts. It could be done to look factory to the untrained eye.