Putting a V8 in a model a

[chrs1961815]

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.

[J Franklin]

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

[Vin-tin]

X2.

[Bob-A]

Ditto!


Bob-A

[Licensed to kill]

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

[chrs1961815]

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Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

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

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

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by chrs1961815

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

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.

[Tacoma Bob]

Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

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.

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.

[garyjohn]

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

[monto]

Originally Posted by garyjohn

do screw up a perfectly good model a. Find one that is fiberglass body and put on a frame built for a hot rod

ditto

[chrs1961815]

Originally Posted by garyjohn

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

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

[PeteVS]

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

[davehc]

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

[chrs1961815]

Originally Posted by davehc

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

Thanks.

[oldsman41]

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

[Charlie Stephens]

Have you considered modifications to your 4 banger?

Charlie Stephens

[chrs1961815]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

Have you considered modifications to your 4 banger?

Charlie Stephens

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

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by chrs1961815

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

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

[Dick Steinkamp]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

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.

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

[Dave in MN]

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!