Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

So ive found that the top end of my 1940 v8 needs a complete overhaul. the bottom end so far looks good though. Does anyone know any cheap upgrades that would work for the top end? Say pistons from another engine that fit? Anything really just want to hear some options. Im going to have to resleave the cylinders so thats not a big deal.

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

Another engine? Why another engine?

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

Yes, go to 3 3/16, mill the "A" heads for .040" piston to head clearance. Very inexpensive up grade and a major increase in torque and economy. Make sure the dist is operating properly and tune the engine with an A/F meter.

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

Do as OL'RON says. It make a nice little engine. Remove the sleeves and bore it another .045 to 3-3/16 std. If it's really a shoe string job somebody probably has a good used set of std. 8BA pistons. Walt

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

It is a shoe string job since its my own. Mike the reason I said from another engine is ive heard of guys running 283 Chevy pistons in their Model As and wasn't sure if there was some kind of upgrade like that for a v8. Thanks Ol Ron that sounds like a good setup. As far as the dist. I got a 11A I believe it is which is mint NOS Ford rebuilt that I'm gonna put on it. And thanks Walt I'll see if I can find a set of used 8bas, they fit the 3 3/16?

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

Ron
Don't you need a oxygen sensor for a A/F meter?

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

Surpirsingly I actually have an old Sun diagnostic machine so I have a way to test the A/F ratio.

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

Yes a wide band O2 sensor is the best way to go, but I've used thise exhaust pipe sensors and they work pretty good just slow and some are static. You need one you can drive around with.,

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

jkeesey - I'd suggest that you might want to have your stock distributor set up professionally and the advance curve checked, etc. Small changes here along with a compression and displacement boost will really make a nice running engine. FWIW

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Anybody putting O2 sensors on a flathead is an idiot in my opinion. Just don't seem right.

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

Opinions are like #ssholes, everyone has one. I think you should have kept yours to yourself.

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Anybody putting a flatbed on a classic ford truck is an idiot.....just because u wouldn't do it doesn't mean its wrong for someone else to. An O2 sensor gives u tuning accuracy. Who's the idiot.

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This ^^^^^^

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

How does this AF meter on a flathead work? Is it permanantly installed? Does it need 12 volts. I know one is not needed but once you make the smallest modification you admit it could be better and after that there really is no line.
Ron, if you have a minute to take your idiot hat off an answer my question I am sure more than just me would appreciate it.

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Ron, just keep on doing what you are doing. I enjoy your posts and respect your knowledge and have learned a great deal from you.
please keep us updated.

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Anyobody calling Ol' Ron an idiot obviously has been around here very long. The 02 sensors ive seen are 12 volt and you can get them from the Sunpro company and many others.

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Guess I'm an "idiot" also. Putting an O2 sensor & gauge on the flathead was one of my best improvements.
Butch

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

I'll join the crowd. Put a modified 8ba in my '46. When back on the road, it will have an A/F meter for tuning purposes.

Re: Cheap Internal Upgrades?
 

I too would like to hear more about o2 sensors and A/F meters.