Ford sidevalve V8's (great website too)

gettinggrey, Feb 28, 8:27pm
OK, so I had a nostalgia trip, and thought about building a Model A pickup with a sidevalve V8 motor (just like I had 45 years ago).
Oh B*gger! Nostalgia sure can cost a lot.
I found this site

http://www.flatheads-forever.com/hnh-flatheads-ford-flathead-rebuilding-specialist.html

Very nice stuff in there.
So, as an idea if you are thinking about a similar project.
A new French block, with all new forged crank, rods, finned alloy heads, etc fully assembled 'turn key' motor is just over $US11000 plus shipping.
Sure I could buy the bits , and assemble my own for less $$ (I'm a retired mechanic), and absolutely loved the old sidevalve V8's, much to the disgust of my fellow BMC mechanic workmates.
Anyway, thought others might enjoy looking around that site.

strobo, Mar 1, 2:08pm
Having reconditioned a few flat head v8s in the past , like you found a wealth of info on the net.Onmy first rebuild i was impressed how smooth the engine run.the yanks did all sorts with that engine.the same engine was used in harvesters also, were a fire hazard.Kd valve tools and The crab type distribitor , points are still available too .

neville48, Mar 1, 2:25pm
One wee fault you get with a french flathead is you cannot go nostalgia racing with one under the bonnet, they are classed as late model as in fact they are. Finished in 1993 methinks. Theres one for sale in the latest NZ Hot rod mag at Macspeed [am I allowed to say that] Amazing motor tho the flathead, back in the days have seen one run on three cylinders and still run, also had one kick back and start chugging backwards when cranking the damn thing.watch the chin and the thumb haha.

bill-robinson, Mar 1, 6:51pm
gave me a laugh, having reco'd a couple of sv v8's and played about with them i reckon that is magic.

neville48, Mar 1, 6:58pm
Thats awsum, torque tube ,banjo and all.priceless.