flathead in a '57
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Long Beach, CA
flathead in a '57
Hey all...
I've been offered '53 flathead. At first I was hesitant to take it, I've heard a lot about cracked blocks...but...it's currently in a car that a friend of mine picked up for cheap. We got it running recently, and I haven't found any water in the oil. So...yeah...I'm picking it up this weekend.
Question: I have a '57 F100 that I'm considering dropping it into. Other than the need for fabrication, is there any other reasons I shouldn't do it? The '57 has no drivetrain...and I'm getting everything out of the '53. What do you guys think?
My other option is to save it for something else that will eventually come along.
Thanks all...
CaliFordDood
I've been offered '53 flathead. At first I was hesitant to take it, I've heard a lot about cracked blocks...but...it's currently in a car that a friend of mine picked up for cheap. We got it running recently, and I haven't found any water in the oil. So...yeah...I'm picking it up this weekend.
Question: I have a '57 F100 that I'm considering dropping it into. Other than the need for fabrication, is there any other reasons I shouldn't do it? The '57 has no drivetrain...and I'm getting everything out of the '53. What do you guys think?
My other option is to save it for something else that will eventually come along.
Thanks all...
CaliFordDood
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,894
Likes: 3,135
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Save it for something else. You won't be able to get the performance out of the flattie and it would be a lot of work to do it. The only reason to have a flattie is usually either for a stock vehicle or nostalgia. I say this as a person who has focused on '48-50 F series trucks, I like the engine in these trucks but there are a lot better engines to stuff into your truck, IMO. It would be different though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
You didn't say if it was a V8 or a six - but in either case the flat head is not the best design. The keyhole shaped combustion chamber just can not give you enough compression to be efficent.
It is a great engine and just what I would want in a 53 or older, but IMO not so good in a newer truck. You can pick up a running overhead valve six with a standard transmission for a few hundred dollars - a much better choice IMO.
It is likely you can trade a running flathead for a more modern engine.
It is a great engine and just what I would want in a 53 or older, but IMO not so good in a newer truck. You can pick up a running overhead valve six with a standard transmission for a few hundred dollars - a much better choice IMO.
It is likely you can trade a running flathead for a more modern engine.
Last edited by WillyB; Jan 27, 2006 at 05:10 PM.
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