V8 conversion in an 8N

[frnkeore]

I'm not an 8N fan so I purchased a 1956 850 for 3,500. It has a lot more power than any of the early N series plus it has better gearing to pull a shredder. Old Fords are way less expensive to purchase and operate than any of the new Japanese or Indian tractors.

About 7 years ago, I bought my first tractor. I was looking for a 8N, because my father had 2 of them in the 50's, for his asphalt work but, a 641 came up and I bought it. I've since bought another 640, for parts, then, I went crazy and bought two 850's, a 861 and then a 650 and some non Fords too

The 8 & 9N's are nice little tractors but, they won't lift as much or pull as much as a 640 and not even close to a 850. The 8N's sell, here in OR, for 1000 - 2000, for a average "work" tractor, a nicely restored one for ~$3500.

The 861, is my work tractor, it has power steering and a dual clutch, the the first 850 I got isn't pretty but will do a LOT of work, the last 850 I got was a family owned one with the original sale invoice and is my show and tractor pull one. I put 1600 lb of wheel weights on it (1160 outside 440 inside) and single rib 8N 4.00x19 fronts on it, no other changes and 2nd, in it's first pull.

The V8, 8N's, while very cool looking, will be to high geared for actual work, w/o a Sherman, auxiliary trans.