32 Roadster

[Randall]

Restoring 32 B model and thinking about puting late flathead engine in it,not to familiar with 32's,what all would I need to do this swap? I like the 4 cyl but think a v8 would be nice! Thanks Randall

[Andy]

You would need a radiator,engine mounts,transmission,engine and exhaust system. The 32 V8 engine mounts are pricey.
I would humbly suggest putting an overhead conversion on the 4cyl. It would run very well.
The wow factor would be very high and your car would not be like many others.

[Charlie Stephens]

The following are a few thoughts on changing from a 4 to a V8 in a 1932. I restored a Model B roadster in the early seventies. I used a frame from a V8 with the V8 serial number. A couple of years later I decided I need a little more power and reliability (probably a bad decision) and installed a 4 cylinder Chevy II engine. When I made this change it required no irreversible changes and I kept all of the Model B parts. In the 1990’s a good friend tried to convince me to make it a V8. He sold me an original engine and a many of the other parts that were V8 unique. So now it is 2012 and I would like to return the car to original. I have all of the parts to go either way and just need to get started. If I had a Model B engine in the car now I would leave it.
A couple of important questions. Are you building a “resto rod” or doing a restoration? Is your V8 21 or 24 studs? I am sure I missed a few.
The following changes need to be made when replacing a Model B with a V8 (21 stud, others will require a few more things):
Of course engine, motor mounts
Muffler and exhaust system before muffler (same after)
Radiator
Engine steady rods
Hubcaps
Starter switch (if it is early B with pull starter)
Transmission (gears interchange but cases are different)
Choke (B is a cable, V8 is a rod)
Accelerator linkage
Engine splash pans
Gas line needs to be routed from right on Model B to right on V8
The B will have a few extra holes in the firewall pad from mounting the 4 cyl engine snubber
Need to add emblem to headlight bar
Need to accept the fact that the serial number (VIN) is for a 4 cylinder

Interesting to note the increase in value for the car is about the same as the cost of making the change

Charlie Stephens

[Ol' Ron]

Vern Tardel and Mike Biships Book

[Randall]

Thanks all,its an org.B,trying to put it back like its supose to be.sound like it would be hard to gather up all the parts,I like the 4 cyl,as I have a couple A's I have driven a lot of miles,so for now I think will go with B engine.

[1931 flamingo]

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On a sidenote I ran a 4cyl Pontiac tempest/39 tranny in my 32 5w for a while. Ran almost as good as the Olds.
Paul

[columbiA]

I dont know about the 32,but the 33-34 B engined cars used a DS-torque tube about 1-1/2" shorter than the V8 cars,also the rear trans mount is reversed on the rubber when using the V8 trans due to the shorter trans case.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by columbiA

I dont know about the 32,but the 33-34 B engined cars used a DS-torque tube about 1-1/2" shorter than the V8 cars,also the rear trans mount is reversed on the rubber when using the V8 trans due to the shorter trans case.

The rear end was the same for the 4 and the 8 in 1932.

Charlie Stephens

[flatheadute1934]

Except for the late. V8. Rear end with pinion bearing but 4 and v8 were the same length.

[done4]

I ran my 32 B for some time before I decided to rebuild it and it was a fast little girl that could easily over power the old mechanical brakes. The brakes are what put me on my path for the build. Stay with the banger and be different and happy.

[firerod]

Just for the cool factor, stay with the banger.

[jerseyboy]

Keep 4-banging! You can also keep the mechanical brakes, just make sure they tuned up.

[Randall]

I don't have a problem with mech brakes I have them on my Mdl a and like them!

[32phil]

Stay with the B . Dan Price is making a new Model B head that takes the Model B 3 bolt w/pump. I bought one of the first ones at Hershey last year. Use a juice brake kit from Richard at the Early V8 garage. Then you'll be goin' & stoppin' too!

[Seth Swoboda]

Randall,

My grandfather had a 32 five window coupe that he restored back in the late 80's. I was about 12 years old when he sold it in 1992. I remember the car very well. It was an original 4 cylinder B model, it had a trunk, no rumble seat. Looking back, had I been older, I would have made every attempt to keep that car in the family.

Now my opinion is to keep your car as is. The Model B four cylinder. I see many 32's with V8's but not many with their 4 cylinders still in them. For myself and perhaps I'm bias but the 4 cylinder is much more appealing, maybe valuable as well. If I ever have the chance again, I'd love to have a Model B in my garage someday.

[1936ford64]

I have a fresh 'C' engine with counter balanced crank , insert bearings, , standard bore, head and pan installed. $5500. invested, make an offer. Thank you, Don 541-582-8966