Re: Flatheads Engines All Makes

[farna@xxxxxxx]

If you're driving a Rambler -- a REAL Rambler, not a later model AMC, you're not exactly oncerned about "the latest" in technology. Mid 67 is the start of the "modern" Rambler/AMC products IMHO because the last vestiges of the "old" ones disappears -- the torque tube and the GEN-1 V-8s. 63-66 were "transition models" -- mostly new bodies (except for the 63 American) but old drivetrains (except for the 66 290). The 66 199 even used the old "big nut" driveshaft and rear axle! So discussions of old tech like the Ford flat-head V-8 are relevant. I'd still like to see a tricked out (finned heads and such) little flat-head Ford V-8 in a 58-60 American because the technology matches the look of the car. Wouldn't look to out of place in the 61-63 models either. More importantly it would be a relatively easy fit in those cars and still provide a power upgrade from the 196 -- flat head or OHV (not stock flat-head V-8, but reasonably built)

The flathead was far from dead in 1955 for hot-rodders, though it was as far as the new car showroom was concerned. Hot-rodders continued using it quite a lot through the mid 60s because so many speed parts were available relatively cheap. It took a few years for the aftermarket to gear up to the OHV engines. Even now the flat-head V-8 has a good following. Sure it's old tech, but that's part of the charm. In a light car like a T-bucket or 32 high-boy you don't really need lots of power. The flat-head V-8 looks good in them, and provides plenty power without going overboard. There's nothing more insane than a blown 350 Chevy in a T-bucket!! 

Now isn't this something -- here I am taking up for old tech when I was just chidding you for sticking with points!! Well, if I were runing a flat-head V-8 it would have at least a throttle body EFI system and Pertronics ignitor!! Old tech with a little help from new...


On November 30, 2005 Mr. AMC wrote:

> I know I am stepping into this flathead thing big time since I was the
> first to reply to the Bio-Diesel flathead post but all these engines
> were an ancient design. Ford was the most popular because they were the
> only cheap V8 in the 30's to mid 50's that hot rodder's and racers could
> buy cheap and the speed equipment business grew from them. In the late
> 40's when GM came out with the Olds and Caddy OHV V8's the flathead what
> ever engine's were dead. Straight 6's, straight 8's and the Ford V8
> flattie. Pontiac had a similar looking Corvette style concept car with a
> straight 8 flathead Pontiac engine in it in 52-53?. For all you gray
> beards here you will know what a Studealac or Fordalac conversion is
> from Honest Charlie himself, for you kids read closely the words. The
> 265 V8 Chevy engine bridged the time from flathead to the modern cheap
> OHV engine and has stood the test for 50 years. A cheap simple good
> design, nothing more nothing less. The Ford flathead was the best in
> it's day which was over in 55.. With all new blocks and modern parts it
> can barely make 300 Hp. It looks nice in a new retro rod, fiber glass or
> repo steel 32 body  & repo chassis with all the repo 50's chassis parts.
> That exotic flattie in the salt flats car has more big bucks into it
> than anyone here with the Rambler mentality would even spend on a whole
> car or maybe 10-20  cars no less than making an old engine run like
> that. Nice for an article in a magazine but not practical for any one of
> us but maybe Jay Leno to buy and drive it once a year for the "My
> Classic Car Show". Just my 2 cents. I'll just put my regular gas in my 2
> 1974 Hornets and my 77 Chebby beater.
> "Doc"


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