Suggestions on flathead choice

[RGC1]

It does make sense and it will be original enough for me , I would like to get it out and use it and with something hopefully that is dependable and I can put some miles on it. Anymore I’m a lot more about practical to haha. So tranny wise I will have to find one that came with the 8BA or 57 series.
Thanks for your input

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

I would use an8BA or 57 series engine The reason, These engines would be the cheapest to rebuild and all the block parts are interchangeable Everything Heads Cams and etc , this way you can use allthe best parts. However. It;s not original, just practical Gramps

[tubman]

A couple of miscellaneous thoughts. If the current engine really is a '34, it will have poured babbitt main bearings. Unless these are in very good shape, they are a real problem getting them renewed these days. Expensive, too. The pre '49 engines, having "floating" rod bearings, have the aforementioned scarcity problems. Also, to be set up correctly, they need a skilled, experienced technician, that seem to be in short supply these days.

Make sure you know what you are getting into before you jump in with both feet.

Uh, I think "Ol' Ron" meant to say "8BA or 59 series".

[RGC1]

Thanks

That was one of my worries with the 34 the poured Babbitt bearings and where I would have to get that done.

I am not really that familiar with the floating bearing I thought they were more of a regular clam shell style bearing so I will have to have a closer look at that . Thanks for the words of caution much appreciated

Originally Posted by tubman

A couple of miscellaneous thoughts. If the current



engine really is a '34, it will have poured babbitt main bearings. Unless these are in very good shape, they are a real problem getting them renewed these days. Expensive, too. The pre '49 engines, having "floating" rod bearings, have the aforementioned scarcity problems. Also, to be set up correctly, they need a skilled, experienced technician, that seem to be in short supply these days.

Make sure you know what you are getting into before you jump in with both feet.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by RGC1

It does make sense and it will be original enough for me , I would like to get it out and use it and with something hopefully that is dependable and I can put some miles on it. Anymore I’m a lot more about practical to haha. So tranny wise I will have to find one that came with the 8BA or 57 series.
Thanks for your input

Further explanation on transmissions… Your original ‘34 tranny will bolt up to ANY Ford flathead v8 except for the 60 hp. The 8BA series engine will need a truck bell housing to bolt up. The gears and synchromesh in the 1939-1948 transmission are far superior to yours, and would require the 91A shift fork/lever to go with them, and would locate the shifter hole in the floorboard transmission cover slightly different than yours. For this gear change you can use your case with modification, or a 1937-‘39 case. Transmission end plates carry the mounts, and differ in the mount method, but those plates are interchangeable between years. These gears and cases are readily available today. You were talking about using a transmission that came with the 8BA, which would give you the advantage of employing an overdrive, but if you did, you’d need to convert the entire drivetrain including the differential to open drive. For any of those gearing options, contact Mac Van Pelt, our resident expert on the subject.

[tubman]

I suggest that the O/P check out the current thread by "Ron Pilger" about his quest for floating bearings. Hopefully he finds what he needs, but I have seen too many similar threads over the years here on the "Barn" to be comfortable about the supply situation. If you find them, they can also be quite expensive.

[Seabees]

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RGC1, I am in Pendleton Oregon. Are you going to Puyallop in Feb? I have a couple complete engines, one is out of a '39 or '40 truck. Has a 4 speed attached. The other is earlier, also complete. I think it is a '36 or '37. Let me know if you might be interested. Thanks.

[RGC1]

Originally Posted by Seabees

RGC1, I am in Pendleton Oregon. Are you going to Puyallop in Feb? I have a couple complete engines, one is out of a '39 or '40 truck. Has a 4 speed attached. The other is earlier, also complete. I think it is a '36 or '37. Let me know if you might be interested. Thanks.

Thanks I will keep that in mind for sure , if I don’t go I have a friend who goes every year, that’s a great idea, thank you