The Ford Barn

Straightpipes · 07-05-2016, 02:00 PM

35 coupe, 284 inch 8BA, 3.54 ģears. I had her clocked at 90 with the gps and she was still climbing when I let off. No tach...wonder if it will do 100?
Any of you guys ever wring it out on the hghway?

tubman · 07-05-2016, 02:20 PM

I got my stock '51 club coupe to 85 on the speedometer once about 25 years ago. I think the engine may have had some more; I know the suspension, tires, and I didn't! Maybe 75, 80? (3.55 gears and no OD.)

Walt Dupont--Me. · 07-05-2016, 02:41 PM

The engine will do 100 alright but i don't know about that Avatar. Walt

40cpe · 07-05-2016, 02:42 PM

In my college and early working days I had a bone stock '50. It was converted to OD so it had a 3.78 rear I guess. It would do 90 (by the speedo) in second gear in OD. It wouldn't do much more in high OD. That 284 should pull strong till it runs out of breath. I would think 100 is in easy reach of it.

Mike51Merc · 07-05-2016, 03:09 PM

Got my '51 Merc OD 4.27 rear into the 90s (on the speedo) on a NASCAR track. I ran out of courage before the engine ran out of steam.

Straightpipes · 07-05-2016, 03:35 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt Dupont--Me.

The engine will do 100 alright but i don't know about that Avatar. Walt

Ha, Walt, thatss my dally beater. 265 8BA. I dont believe its ever been over 60...........

1949f1 · 07-05-2016, 06:12 PM

Got my 53 merc fordomatic bone stock in the 90s according to the speedo. Guy trying to catch me was doing 105 in a 2008 z71

Brian · 07-05-2016, 07:47 PM

Well done! my heavy old 35 sedan with waterpump in heads 21 stud and 3.78 ratio bum will regularly not go any faster than 79 MPH in second gear. Doesn't blow up either!
I read it on the 'net somewhere; I think it was about Arkos Duntov, about how they realised a flathead runs outta breathing before it gets into dangerous revs, therefore was an ideal platform to 'modify'. So...with this information I regularly put it to the test. Sure enough...they get to a max speed and will not go beyond it. What the absolute toip speed would be, I can't tell you, roads in NZ are not long enough, and I'm too chicken!
One thing I do know, the 284 I built and put into the same test rig 35, did not go as fast as that little 221. That longer stroke just will not rev out the same.

Flathead · 07-05-2016, 09:47 PM

Breathing is what limits RPM unless you have valve float or weak ignition.

Alaska Jim · 07-06-2016, 02:24 AM

I was clocked by the state troopers about 12 years ago at 118 in my 51 merc. basically stock , 3sp w/ o/d, 4:27 rear. was almost out of steam. had a couple of guys in it at 105 that did not believe me until they rode in it.

41LjH · 07-06-2016, 05:17 AM

I agree with Walt. Things get very interesting above 70 in my truck, so I prefer not to push it. The engine will turn over 5000 RPM with no problem, but the rest of the drive train and steering is "cutting edge " 75 year old technology!
Just my 2¢...

KGS · 07-06-2016, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

I was clocked by the state troopers about 12 years ago at 118 in my 51 merc. basically stock , 3sp w/ o/d, 4:27 rear. was almost out of steam. had a couple of guys in it at 105 that did not believe me until they rode in it.

Of course, this was a coordinated effort between you and the State Troopers, yes?

Ken

tubman · 07-06-2016, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

I was clocked by the state troopers about 12 years ago at 118 in my 51 merc. basically stock , 3sp w/ o/d, 4:27 rear. was almost out of steam. had a couple of guys in it at 105 that did not believe me until they rode in it.

You, of course, have the framed citation hanging on the wall in a prominent place, don't you?

mustang8 · 07-06-2016, 07:22 AM

So 5000 rpm is about all a flathead can handle?

Seth Swoboda · 07-06-2016, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

I was clocked by the state troopers about 12 years ago at 118 in my 51 merc. basically stock , 3sp w/ o/d, 4:27 rear. was almost out of steam. had a couple of guys in it at 105 that did not believe me until they rode in it.

What did the cop say about it? Did he at least pay you a compliment on the Merc?

Ol' Ron · 07-06-2016, 09:10 AM

The stock flathead runs out of breath around 3500 RPM. I think you should check JWL's book "Flathead Facts" He did a series of dyno tests on the engine adding everything you could think of to it except supercharging. He never got over a 100 hp or 3700 with out changing the cam.

BUBBAS IGNITION · 07-06-2016, 09:18 AM

Our Bonneville 49 ford truck , on the salt with 3:50 rear axle will run 4300 when held wide open for three miles !!! We needed 4500 for a record! (its a 265)
A change to a 3:73 rear axle and it will run 4500 but speed drops way down ( like 88 mph).
We have decided we need a bigger air pump, our next trial is a built 304 ci , hopefully at Willmington Ohio next year ! A flathead will only pump so much air !!!!

outlaw · 07-06-2016, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

I was clocked by the state troopers about 12 years ago at 118 in my 51 merc. basically stock , 3sp w/ o/d, 4:27 rear. was almost out of steam. had a couple of guys in it at 105 that did not believe me until they rode in it.

I have been there @ 105. So has my son. Fun ride!

Bill PS. There was still more on tap. It was still pulling!

Ol' Ron · 07-06-2016, 12:19 PM

JIM, a bigger engine needs more air. The Key here is in the ports, valve and cam. This along with the right intake and exhaust. It's a real problem Ken Kloth went 13?? MPH something with 265ci. Might go faster with a 258, I ran a 258 in a hydro and it went faster than the 284.

Alaska Jim · 07-06-2016, 01:14 PM

Seth, not exactly coordinated, but it was late at night in the summer ( daylight here ) and it turned out the trooper was one that I knew from work. ( I used to work for the state of Alaska and worked on the trooper cars. ) since it was on a very long straight stretch with no traffic I got off with a very stern warning, only because he could not believe the car was actually going that fast, said if it happened again I would face the consequences. I just made sure I did not get caught again, but never ran it over 105 again, was a little squirrely, even with the radial tires.

sortkaffekop · 07-06-2016, 01:25 PM

120 km/h - 75 mph and a picture to proove it! Mind you - this is a 70hp 60 flathead

BUBBAS IGNITION · 07-06-2016, 02:04 PM

Guys just remember " the older we get the faster we was!!!"............My first car was a free 50 Plymouth ran out of steam at 130 plus....... Ok maybe that was 1300 rpm with my new JC Whittney tachometer..............

RalphM · 07-06-2016, 03:28 PM

I've only had my AV8 up to 70, roads here are not the best, and my bias ply tires are not even balanced( because they are on wide five rims). All the tire shops just scratch their heads.
Jim,
Where did you find a straight away in the valley to go that fast?

scooder · 07-06-2016, 05:29 PM

Ron,
Kloths engine was all about airflow, and this, as you know makes horse power. The higher rpm the torque peak can moved up, the greater the horse power. This requires good air flow.

Some details of Kens Merc. For those that don't know.
full body, interior, bumpers etc. 143.3 mph on the salt. Shifts gear at 6000 rpm, goes through the back door at 5600 rpm.
Obviously lots of trick parts, roller cam with big journals, home made roller lifters, 600 cfm Holley, much modified offy heads and intake, 180 degree headers. 4" stroke 3.257 bore, 267 ci. That's just 0.070" over stock.
He didn't need a massive bore an stroke. It's all about the ability to breath.
Martin.

Karl Wolf · 07-06-2016, 05:50 PM

I got Dads 1953 Ford station wagon over 100 mph, on the speedometer. 8BA, 3 speed.
I was 17 and on my way home- alone- from a flight lesson in a J3 piper.
The plane wouldn't go that fast.

Never did tell dear old Dad about that.

Karl

edhd58 · 07-06-2016, 07:12 PM

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Geez I love you guys. I wondered about my ole 226G. Now i don't have to worry, I'll be to scared to do much over 80. I say this with a great big grin on my face. I love to hear these stories.

quickchange34 · 07-06-2016, 07:27 PM

My Blown 276 flatie in my 34 three window did a easy 100 miles a hour down the straight at Charlotte Motor Speedway . It had more left but the coupe was getting a little light in the front end. I gave up before the engine. What a thrill !!

std1940 · 07-06-2016, 08:15 PM

I did 100 mph in this car when I was 16 ,54 years ago and I currently bring it up to at least 80mph every year now with no problem.

Alaska Jim · 07-06-2016, 08:46 PM

Ralph, it was on the flats between the kink river bridge and where the parks/ glenn hwy interchange is now. long, straight and flat for about 2 miles. I was already at 65 when I came out of the curve across the last bridge onto the flats heading north.

awelker · 07-06-2016, 08:53 PM

Well I don't have any good stories of speed in a stock bodied car. Maybe I'm not that brave.

But I do like to see what the flathead will do in my bellytank. Video was from the Ohio Mile last fall. They will breathe and rev ok naturally aspirated, just takes a lot of time, custom parts and $$$, to still not make a lot of horsepower. But it's loads of fun. Wish I had video from a few weeks earlier at Loring Maine when we were pushing just a little harder. Decided to back off a little when the tach peak memory was pushing 6800.

This engine has proven to like to pull to 5200 in high gear at Bonneville, Ohio, and Maine.

Andy

https://youtu.be/h5ta6dBwObA

34fordy · 07-06-2016, 09:06 PM

Just did a bit of calculating with measurements--My 34 Fordor with 235/75/15 rears and 4.11 gears would have to turn 4800 rpm to make 100mph--I doubt if Clyde Barrow could have sucked that much air with the LAW on his tail!!!

Lawson Cox · 07-06-2016, 11:13 PM

Only way to drive a flathead is WIDE OPEN. LOL

Lanny · 07-06-2016, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awelker

Well I don't have any good stories of speed in a stock bodied car. Maybe I'm not that brave.

But I do like to see what the flathead will do in my bellytank. Video was from the Ohio Mile last fall. They will breathe and rev ok naturally aspirated, just takes a lot of time, custom parts and $$$, to still not make a lot of horsepower. But it's loads of fun. Wish I had video from a few weeks earlier at Loring Maine when we were pushing just a little harder. Decided to back off a little when the tach peak memory was pushing 6800.

This engine has proven to like to pull to 5200 in high gear at Bonneville, Ohio, and Maine.

Andy

https://youtu.be/h5ta6dBwObA

===============================================

Andy, thanks for sharing your video, that was a fun ride-along.

.

GB SISSON · 07-07-2016, 12:02 AM

From an old dog eared Floyd Clymer publication , written by Roger Huntington in '51 called How to hop up Ford and MercuryV8 engines. This is the last paragraph on the last page...

A man is a man who will fight with a sword,

Or tackle Mt. Everest in snow.

But the bravest of all owns a '34 ford,

Who will try for six thousand in Low.

Bluebell · 07-07-2016, 12:44 AM

Maybe using that cold Alaskan air helps with the volumetric efficiency?

Alaska Jim · 07-07-2016, 12:57 AM

Bluebell, my brother used to do a lot of drag racing, and he always commented on how we have such "good" air up here. I am sure that the cool evening air did not hurt, but can't say that it helped either lol.

outlaw · 07-07-2016, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

Bluebell, my brother used to do a lot of drag racing, and he always commented on how we have such "good" air up here. I am sure that the cool evening air did not hurt, but can't say that it helped either lol.

Jim, You're correct about the "good air", but unfortunately the coolness up here doesn't always leave enough heat in the pavement for the best traction.

Bill

danliveshere · 07-08-2016, 05:58 AM

Got to 100 on a long long slightly downhill stretch with a 59 a with offy heads twins carbs and dual exhaust and 3.78 rear. Stable ride at 60 very scary at 100 so I never did it again (in the roadster) and besides that nowadays here in Australia get caught doing that speed and they want to take your car off you

Alaska Jim · 07-08-2016, 02:52 PM

Dan, not sure I would do it in my 30 coupe. it is Y- block powered, and I am sure the car is capable of matching and surpassing My '51 Merc., but I run bias tires on it and the roads up here are not to friendly to bias ply tires, they seem to grab every rut. it is manageable at reasonable speeds, but I have only had the coupe up to 85 for a short distance . the car is still new with only about 600 miles on it, and still sorting things out. I may get braver later on, but I am 65 now and am not to anxious to meet my maker just yet. lol.

TomT/Williamsburg · 07-08-2016, 10:38 PM

Hit 85+ in the roadster while on my way to the Roadster show. There was more there but would probably have taken a few more miles to achieve its max!

Straightpipes · 07-10-2016, 01:38 PM

I will run my 35 coupe at the Ohio mile next year. Hoping for a record for stock bodied flathead.
On another note, according to my gps Ford speedometers lie.....a lot!

07-05-2016, 02:00 PM	#1
Straightpipes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ballston Spa, NY Posts: 789	flathead speed 35 coupe, 284 inch 8BA, 3.54 ģears. I had her clocked at 90 with the gps and she was still climbing when I let off. No tach...wonder if it will do 100? Any of you guys ever wring it out on the hghway?

07-05-2016, 02:20 PM	#2
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,312	Re: flathead speed I got my stock '51 club coupe to 85 on the speedometer once about 25 years ago. I think the engine may have had some more; I know the suspension, tires, and I didn't! Maybe 75, 80? (3.55 gears and no OD.)

07-05-2016, 02:41 PM	#3
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: flathead speed The engine will do 100 alright but i don't know about that Avatar. Walt

07-05-2016, 02:42 PM	#4
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: flathead speed In my college and early working days I had a bone stock '50. It was converted to OD so it had a 3.78 rear I guess. It would do 90 (by the speedo) in second gear in OD. It wouldn't do much more in high OD. That 284 should pull strong till it runs out of breath. I would think 100 is in easy reach of it.

07-05-2016, 03:09 PM	#5
Mike51Merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Pennsylvania Posts: 1,582	Re: flathead speed Got my '51 Merc OD 4.27 rear into the 90s (on the speedo) on a NASCAR track. I ran out of courage before the engine ran out of steam.

07-05-2016, 06:12 PM	#7
1949f1 Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Winona, Mississippi Posts: 93	Re: flathead speed Got my 53 merc fordomatic bone stock in the 90s according to the speedo. Guy trying to catch me was doing 105 in a 2008 z71

07-05-2016, 07:47 PM	#8
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,832	Re: flathead speed Well done! my heavy old 35 sedan with waterpump in heads 21 stud and 3.78 ratio bum will regularly not go any faster than 79 MPH in second gear. Doesn't blow up either! I read it on the 'net somewhere; I think it was about Arkos Duntov, about how they realised a flathead runs outta breathing before it gets into dangerous revs, therefore was an ideal platform to 'modify'. So...with this information I regularly put it to the test. Sure enough...they get to a max speed and will not go beyond it. What the absolute toip speed would be, I can't tell you, roads in NZ are not long enough, and I'm too chicken! One thing I do know, the 284 I built and put into the same test rig 35, did not go as fast as that little 221. That longer stroke just will not rev out the same. __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit! Last edited by Brian; 07-05-2016 at 07:56 PM.

07-05-2016, 09:47 PM	#9
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,498	Re: flathead speed Breathing is what limits RPM unless you have valve float or weak ignition.

07-06-2016, 02:24 AM	#10
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,575	Re: flathead speed I was clocked by the state troopers about 12 years ago at 118 in my 51 merc. basically stock , 3sp w/ o/d, 4:27 rear. was almost out of steam. had a couple of guys in it at 105 that did not believe me until they rode in it.

07-06-2016, 05:17 AM	#11
41LjH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NW North Carolina Posts: 461	Re: flathead speed I agree with Walt. Things get very interesting above 70 in my truck, so I prefer not to push it. The engine will turn over 5000 RPM with no problem, but the rest of the drive train and steering is "cutting edge " 75 year old technology! Just my 2¢... __________________ 3 pedals, 3 gears, no valve-covers.. *Now THAT* is a hot rod** !! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmwwB34vxJE

07-06-2016, 07:22 AM	#14
mustang8 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 200	Re: flathead speed So 5000 rpm is about all a flathead can handle?

07-06-2016, 09:10 AM	#16
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,859	Re: flathead speed The stock flathead runs out of breath around 3500 RPM. I think you should check JWL's book "Flathead Facts" He did a series of dyno tests on the engine adding everything you could think of to it except supercharging. He never got over a 100 hp or 3700 with out changing the cam.

07-06-2016, 09:18 AM	#17
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: flathead speed Our Bonneville 49 ford truck , on the salt with 3:50 rear axle will run 4300 when held wide open for three miles !!! We needed 4500 for a record! (its a 265) A change to a 3:73 rear axle and it will run 4500 but speed drops way down ( like 88 mph). We have decided we need a bigger air pump, our next trial is a built 304 ci , hopefully at Willmington Ohio next year ! A flathead will only pump so much air !!!! __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

07-06-2016, 12:19 PM	#19
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,859	Re: flathead speed JIM, a bigger engine needs more air. The Key here is in the ports, valve and cam. This along with the right intake and exhaust. It's a real problem Ken Kloth went 13?? MPH something with 265ci. Might go faster with a 258, I ran a 258 in a hydro and it went faster than the 284.

07-06-2016, 01:14 PM	#20
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,575	Re: flathead speed Seth, not exactly coordinated, but it was late at night in the summer ( daylight here ) and it turned out the trooper was one that I knew from work. ( I used to work for the state of Alaska and worked on the trooper cars. ) since it was on a very long straight stretch with no traffic I got off with a very stern warning, only because he could not believe the car was actually going that fast, said if it happened again I would face the consequences. I just made sure I did not get caught again, but never ran it over 105 again, was a little squirrely, even with the radial tires.

07-06-2016, 02:04 PM	#22
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: flathead speed Guys just remember " the older we get the faster we was!!!"............My first car was a free 50 Plymouth ran out of steam at 130 plus....... Ok maybe that was 1300 rpm with my new JC Whittney tachometer.............. __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

07-06-2016, 03:28 PM	#23
RalphM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 2,651	Re: flathead speed I've only had my AV8 up to 70, roads here are not the best, and my bias ply tires are not even balanced( because they are on wide five rims). All the tire shops just scratch their heads. Jim, Where did you find a straight away in the valley to go that fast?

07-06-2016, 05:29 PM	#24
scooder Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2,593	Re: flathead speed Ron, Kloths engine was all about airflow, and this, as you know makes horse power. The higher rpm the torque peak can moved up, the greater the horse power. This requires good air flow. Some details of Kens Merc. For those that don't know. full body, interior, bumpers etc. 143.3 mph on the salt. Shifts gear at 6000 rpm, goes through the back door at 5600 rpm. Obviously lots of trick parts, roller cam with big journals, home made roller lifters, 600 cfm Holley, much modified offy heads and intake, 180 degree headers. 4" stroke 3.257 bore, 267 ci. That's just 0.070" over stock. He didn't need a massive bore an stroke. It's all about the ability to breath. Martin.

07-06-2016, 05:50 PM	#25
Karl Wolf Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mill Valley,Ca. Posts: 1,509	Re: flathead speed I got Dads 1953 Ford station wagon over 100 mph, on the speedometer. 8BA, 3 speed. I was 17 and on my way home- alone- from a flight lesson in a J3 piper. The plane wouldn't go that fast. Never did tell dear old Dad about that. Karl

07-06-2016, 07:12 PM	#26
edhd58 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Guston,ky Posts: 653	Re: flathead speed Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Geez I love you guys. I wondered about my ole 226G. Now i don't have to worry, I'll be to scared to do much over 80. I say this with a great big grin on my face. I love to hear these stories.

07-06-2016, 07:27 PM	#27
quickchange34 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: charlottesville, Va. Posts: 589	Re: flathead speed My Blown 276 flatie in my 34 three window did a easy 100 miles a hour down the straight at Charlotte Motor Speedway . It had more left but the coupe was getting a little light in the front end. I gave up before the engine. What a thrill !!

07-06-2016, 08:46 PM	#29
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,575	Re: flathead speed Ralph, it was on the flats between the kink river bridge and where the parks/ glenn hwy interchange is now. long, straight and flat for about 2 miles. I was already at 65 when I came out of the curve across the last bridge onto the flats heading north.

07-06-2016, 08:53 PM	#30
awelker Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Berrysburg, PA Posts: 49	Re: flathead speed Well I don't have any good stories of speed in a stock bodied car. Maybe I'm not that brave. But I do like to see what the flathead will do in my bellytank. Video was from the Ohio Mile last fall. They will breathe and rev ok naturally aspirated, just takes a lot of time, custom parts and $$$, to still not make a lot of horsepower. But it's loads of fun. Wish I had video from a few weeks earlier at Loring Maine when we were pushing just a little harder. Decided to back off a little when the tach peak memory was pushing 6800. This engine has proven to like to pull to 5200 in high gear at Bonneville, Ohio, and Maine. Andy https://youtu.be/h5ta6dBwObA __________________ www.vonwelker.com https://www.flickr.com/photos/vonwelker/albums Home of the Blonde Bitch Bellytank

07-06-2016, 09:06 PM	#31
34fordy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Fort dodge, Iowa Posts: 822	Re: flathead speed Just did a bit of calculating with measurements--My 34 Fordor with 235/75/15 rears and 4.11 gears would have to turn 4800 rpm to make 100mph--I doubt if Clyde Barrow could have sucked that much air with the LAW on his tail!!!

07-06-2016, 11:13 PM	#32
Lawson Cox Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above the gnat line in Georgia Posts: 7,009	Re: flathead speed Only way to drive a flathead is WIDE OPEN. LOL __________________ Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes. It is better to be seen, than viewed. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm".

07-07-2016, 12:02 AM	#34
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,924	Re: flathead speed From an old dog eared Floyd Clymer publication , written by Roger Huntington in '51 called How to hop up Ford and MercuryV8 engines. This is the last paragraph on the last page... A man is a man who will fight with a sword, Or tackle Mt. Everest in snow. But the bravest of all owns a '34 ford, Who will try for six thousand in Low. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

07-07-2016, 12:44 AM	#35
Bluebell Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Tauranga, New Zealand Posts: 726	Re: flathead speed Maybe using that cold Alaskan air helps with the volumetric efficiency?

07-07-2016, 12:57 AM	#36
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,575	Re: flathead speed Bluebell, my brother used to do a lot of drag racing, and he always commented on how we have such "good" air up here. I am sure that the cool evening air did not hurt, but can't say that it helped either lol.

07-08-2016, 05:58 AM	#38
danliveshere Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cairns , Australia Posts: 746	Re: flathead speed Got to 100 on a long long slightly downhill stretch with a 59 a with offy heads twins carbs and dual exhaust and 3.78 rear. Stable ride at 60 very scary at 100 so I never did it again (in the roadster) and besides that nowadays here in Australia get caught doing that speed and they want to take your car off you

07-08-2016, 02:52 PM	#39
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,575	Re: flathead speed Dan, not sure I would do it in my 30 coupe. it is Y- block powered, and I am sure the car is capable of matching and surpassing My '51 Merc., but I run bias tires on it and the roads up here are not to friendly to bias ply tires, they seem to grab every rut. it is manageable at reasonable speeds, but I have only had the coupe up to 85 for a short distance . the car is still new with only about 600 miles on it, and still sorting things out. I may get braver later on, but I am 65 now and am not to anxious to meet my maker just yet. lol.

07-08-2016, 10:38 PM	#40
TomT/Williamsburg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Williamsburg, Virginia Posts: 2,654	Re: flathead speed Hit 85+ in the roadster while on my way to the Roadster show. There was more there but would probably have taken a few more miles to achieve its max! __________________ Run to the LA Roadster Show - 2016 My Run to Bonneville - 2013 My 32 5-Window Build My Run to the LSRU

07-10-2016, 01:38 PM	#41
Straightpipes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ballston Spa, NY Posts: 789	Re: flathead speed I will run my 35 coupe at the Ohio mile next year. Hoping for a record for stock bodied flathead. On another note, according to my gps Ford speedometers lie.....a lot!