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tubman · 03-12-2019, 07:39 PM

"Boy oh boy"; after looking over the responses to the "three biggest mistakes" from myself and Gary (GOSFAST), I think it shows the difference between professional and amatuer engine builders. I will admit up front that I have only built 3 flatheads, while Gary has probably done hundreds. That being said, I have only done the "drilling the lifter bores" exercise on one, but have never used a "block plate" when boring an engine and have never resorted to "bronze-lined" lifters. On the three engines I have built, all have turned out excellent and run great. First of all, Ford never did these things from the original builds, so in my opinion, they are not necessary, especially in an engine destined to be used on the street. Granted, if I were closer to his shop and had the scratch, I'd have these done in a heartbeat. On the other hand, I'll bet he does the last two on my list before he does any of his special operations.

His three suggestions are all great ideas and should probably be done on all out race motors, but they are too expensive for us "normal" guys on a fixed income. If you don't need them and are on a budget, I suggest that they are unnecessary and the kind of thing that contributes to the current view of the $8000 flathead build. My last build cost me $2100 (including used speed equipment) and runs great.

Good ideas? Yes. But the three most important? I don't think so.

03-12-2019, 07:39 PM	#18
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,148	Re: 59AB head stud question "Boy oh boy"; after looking over the responses to the "three biggest mistakes" from myself and Gary (GOSFAST), I think it shows the difference between professional and amatuer engine builders. I will admit up front that I have only built 3 flatheads, while Gary has probably done hundreds. That being said, I have only done the "drilling the lifter bores" exercise on one, but have never used a "block plate" when boring an engine and have never resorted to "bronze-lined" lifters. On the three engines I have built, all have turned out excellent and run great. First of all, Ford never did these things from the original builds, so in my opinion, they are not necessary, especially in an engine destined to be used on the street. Granted, if I were closer to his shop and had the scratch, I'd have these done in a heartbeat. On the other hand, I'll bet he does the last two on my list before he does any of his special operations. His three suggestions are all great ideas and should probably be done on all out race motors, but they are too expensive for us "normal" guys on a fixed income. If you don't need them and are on a budget, I suggest that they are unnecessary and the kind of thing that contributes to the current view of the $8000 flathead build. My last build cost me $2100 (including used speed equipment) and runs great. Good ideas? Yes. But the three most important? I don't think so.