Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I have been thinking about putting a V8 in my 28 roadster sometime in the future, but I don't know how to go about it and what fits. Has anybody around here done this to a 28 Roadster or similar example? I want the setup that is the easiest to put in.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I have heard of this modification, but all research has shown it just cannot be accomplished.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

X2.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I have a couple model A's with small block chevies. They require a recessed firewall. I think a flathead might fit though.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Ditto!:mad:


Bob-A:D

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

DO SCREW UP A PERFECTLY GOOD MODEL A. Find one that is fiberglass body and put on a frame built for a hot rod

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

#1 Ask this question on the Flathead Forum
#2 Find the book "Building a Traditional Ford Hot Rod" by Mike Bishop and Vern Tardel.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

ditto

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Lot's of info about this on the HAMB site .
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...n-an-a.875648/

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Hot rod stuff the hamb is your friend. Jalopyjournal.com

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I am still on the fence, don't worry.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Thanks.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Mid to late 50's small blocks? I have a 55 Chevy as well and some spare engines...

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Have you considered modifications to your 4 banger?

Charlie Stephens

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Didn't think about it yet. I never really explored modifying any engine beyond some simple things.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I saw some pictures of your car on your previous post, https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248779 Definitely a good looking car. Before you jump into the project make a list of everything you are going to have to change and what it is going to cost. Post it here (and on HAMB). Nothing worse than getting half way through and running out of money or giving up because it is too big of a job. While you are thinking about it you might consider selling you car and buying one that already has a V8. Please don't even consider putting a small block Chevy into that car, you will end up with a car that looks like everyone else's car. Hence the expression, a belly button motor.


Attached are a picture of a modified engines (neither of them mine). Just be sure to not try and pump out too much horsepower or reliability will suffer. The speed equipment on both of these engines are probably reproductions you don't have to scrounge for original speed equipment. The flathead is a "Thomas" equipped engine and the overhead is probably a Riley two port by Charlie Yapp of the Secrets of Speed Society (SOSS). The Roof, Cragar and Four Port Riley's are also currently reproduced (and probably a couple of others).



Charlie Stephens

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I agree with Charlie Stephens. I recently put a Model B engine with a Roof overhead conversion in a '31 Slant Windshield. It required no modifications to the body or chassis. I think the Roof and Riley topped four cylinder engines look better than a V-8 in a Model A. Either of these heads put out plenty of power for road cruising and air conditioning if you so desire.

In the end, when you sell your car, you may find it is worth more if it is not "cut up" to accommodate a V-8. JMO
Good Day!

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

certainly brakes and suspension have to be modified to handle a V8 unless it is a V8 60 flathead and there you gain no performance addition.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I have done one with. Flathead v8 59ab I put a 35 transmission and hook it to the stock rear axle and put juice brakes on it off from mid 40s ford I went with cross steering it was easyer to run I had t notch the fire wall for.the fuel pump

It was not that bad of a job cost a lot to do it radiator will cost.the most to get a good one

I would never do it to a nice car

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

You wantabe had up for murder?

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Hey I am just exploring the option. I am being skinned by many in the community for even thinking of it...

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

That's the barn!

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Go over to the Hamb....instead of skinning, they will rub lotion on it! I am doing a banger roadster and for my needs, both forums are indispensable!

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

THE V8-60 SOUNDS like a good idea BUT that engine is too small at 136 cubes to have enough torque to make drivable.

A friend had one for a short time ... 20 more Horsepower BUT "GUTLESS" was his comment and sold it.

This was a 3.78 rear end ... MAYBE a 4.44 would be usable.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I would think you would have to box the frame to be able to handle the torque of a v/8.I would think a hopped up Ford v/8 60 would be interesting.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Actually a restored, stock Model A looks a lot like everyone else's restored, stock Model A. ;)

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Small block chevies are all the same from '55 to about '96. Doesn't matter if it's a 265 or a 400, same block. We went on a hotrod tour with a guy that had a '29 coupe with a flathead-8. Was a nice car but he was still dropping a gear on every hill, even the relatively mild hills. Would be an expensive job for little gain IMO but it all depends on what you want. Don't pay no mind to all those that are ragging on you for wanting the car to be what YOU want. It's your car. make it the way you want it. I had a guy a few weeks ago on another forum post pics of a beautiful '30 couple stating that he took it for a drive and "now to pull the fenders and boards off". He wants to hotrod it. Kinda breaks my heart to see such a nice original get modified but it's his car to do as he pleases. BTW I would be curious how many of those that are giving you the gears about modifying your car added a second tail light and signals to theirs?. Seat belts, speed parts, powder coated wheels, 12 volt etc. Mods are mods. It's either how Henry built it or it isn't.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Bravo! I built two Model "A"s with small block Chevy engines. No regrets. Something I have said for years....................."was Henry a hot rodder or restorer"? Kinda makes one think huh.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I think Henry was practical.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

In your first post., you say that you don't know how. You need to carefully examine your skill set. Can you weld? Do you have a large enough space and a set of tools? You don't just stick in a V8 and call it good. Everything needs to be altered in some fashion. Brakes, suspension, possible frame boxing, steering and on and on. Don't get in over your head

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Should have known you can't just throw the thing in there. I am not the best welder, never had to do any of that. I used to fix car bodies and paint cars, nothing really in the mechanical area.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Hi, my avatar is a Model A roadster with a flathead, it was built from flea market bits and pieces. No Model A's were destroyed in the process and most of the pieces were Hot Rod parts or in poor condition for a good original A. I also have a bone stock Tudor '30 that I will never modify. You can probably see where I am going with this, If you want more performance try some mods to your 4 cyl. or build a Hot Rod from a kit or from parts.
The flathead is a tight fit in an A, I used a recessed firewall for mine and do not run any hood. In the end it is your car and entirely your decision what you do but think it through fully before you start. Good Luck!! :)

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I think if I am ever going to put a flathead or small block in a model a, I will have to do it to a bad condition one or one that is built from bits and pieces.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Hot rodders are no dummies. They know that the fastest and least expensive way to get to a finished car is to start with the best one they can afford.

Don't fool yourself. A cobbed together, incomplete car, with major rust and body damage, is not a good candidate for a hot rodder...just as it is not a good candidate for a restorer.

Hot rodders do not seek out crap in order to "save" the good stuff for restorers. If you do so, you will be among the first (and maybe not the brightest)

If you want to hot rod your car...do it. It has been done for well over 100 years. It's allowed. :D

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

If you really want to build a hot rod there are many modern frames. engines, drivetrains, steering, brakes, springs, interiors & A bodies in all the hot rod magazines I have read. They go together quickly & well and don't require as much fabrication as trying to start with a full modification of a weak framed, straight axle model A.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

MY 1931 roadster the motor and transmission wasn't useable . I got dropped in my lap a complete 59 ab with a 39' top loader from a deal freind . Long story short it fix without any Mod's to the firewall and driving the model A daily . Vern Tardel has a new book that could be useful.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Get the Vern Tardel book from Rodders Journal, it has great instructions and pictures.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Yes but that route is EXPENSIVE and not as much fun.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Henry was also responsible for the V8 flathead.

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

There is a place back east called Rufus Ranch,, rufusranch.com. Its a Model A junk yard that puts together roadsters and trucks out of spare parts. Most of the cars even run. Since they are not original and restored, they look like good candidates to make hot rods out of,, anyone can even cut up an original steel body like the hot roders like to do. Its win win. :)