Building an S/C Flat 8, is it worth it in the '33?

[Mirage775]

Since I'm iffy on which car I wanna build, I figured if I bought an engine/trans first, that would pave the way for my future toy?

Really dig old Flatheads! Been doing some research on them and found several around my area between $500-$4000! I would plan on throwing a supercharger on it, just to maybe get it near 200 ponies. I would be going for the cool factor, if I were to do this.

If yall think it's a waste of time, I'll build a 302/351, with an auto instead.

Thanks!
Jason

[erlihemi]

Mirage,
Someone did the flathead V-8 early on. I think it's pretty cool and it got my attention to do the build I'm doing. Lots of new parts are available. I think the Ardun hemi conversion may even still be available. You can get a T-5 Bell conversion too.
No reason not to do it. It may even be easier than a coyote build. I'll bet it can be pretty light.

Go for it!

[65 Cobra Dude]

Jason,

I did the flathead build with a Weiand SC from Roadrunner Engineering. I had it dyno'd and it was 275hp. The car was flat black with bike fenders from Lang. I had the FFR hardtop, custom dash and custom bomber aluminum seats. It won top 10 at SEMA in 2012. If you search for "Henry's FFR 33", you will see quite a bit of info about the car. I sold it in 2014 and really miss that car. My email is hrenaud at comcast dot net if you have any questions.

IMHO, the only way to go in these cars!!!

Thx,

Henry

[Mirage775]

Jason,

I did the flathead build with a Weiand SC from Roadrunner Engineering. I had it dyno'd and it was 275hp. The car was flat black with bike fenders from Lang. I had the FFR hardtop, custom dash and custom bomber aluminum seats. It won top 10 at SEMA in 2012. If you search for "Henry's FFR 33", you will see quite a bit of info about the car. I sold it in 2014 and really miss that car. My email is hrenaud at comcast dot net if you have any questions.

IMHO, the only way to go in these cars!!!

Thx,

Henry

Awesome Henry! I found a little info on your car, but not everything? Maybe I haven't dug far enough? Which block did you use? I've been reading that a block with 8ba heads is the popular choice? There's a 37 Flat 8 locally with a manual trans for $500. I'm been thinking about it, but the ole internet says not to blow a 37? Looks like it says C2081 on the block, but can't be for sure? Any info you can give me would be awesome!

[britpit]

Was interested, so did a little research
C for the third month
20 for the 20th day
8 for 1948
1 for the first shift

For what its worth.

[Mirage775]

Was interested, so did a little research
C for the third month
20 for the 20th day
8 for 1948
1 for the first shift

For what its worth.


Sweet, so it's a '48 block instead of a '37? Doesn't look like it has 8ba on the heads though. Is that a totally different engine? I know I really need to learn this stuff, just don't have the time right now.. Thanks

[toolerwayne]

I have a street rod with a flatty. If you decide to go with one, be wary of cracked blocks. Also '48 and up have insert bearings, where earlier engines had poured bearings.
I have had mine for 35 years, but would not do another. Although it is a very nice looking and sounding engine,It is too much money for so little power.
Wayne

[Mirage775]

I have a street rod with a flatty. If you decide to go with one, be wary of cracked blocks. Also '48 and up have insert bearings, where earlier engines had poured bearings.
I have had mine for 35 years, but would not do another. Although it is a very nice looking and sounding engine,It is too much money for so little power.
Wayne

I found a Flathead in Georgia that's been Magna-fluxed and checked out good, with paperwork, but is pretty much a short block, for $600... No intake, carbs, pulleys, etc... I've been pricing just a few Flathead performance parts and it's effin outrageous! And as you said, lots of $$$ for little power. So, other than the cool factor and period correct engine for the '33, I think I'm gonna pass on a Flathead and just go old school 302 or 351. Thanks everyone!

[erlihemi]

"Worth it" is always in the eyes of the beholder... of the wallet. I looked at Ardun conversions and quickly decided I can build 2 complete early Hemis with more power for the same cost as an Ardun conversion. And with cast valve covers the "look and Theme" is similar. However, if I had a flathead V-8 taking up space in my garage I wouldn't hesitate to put a T-5 or C-4 behind it and put it in the Hot Rod.