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01-09-2017, 04:48 PM | #1 |
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Engine size (cubic inches)
I have available to me a very nice, uncracked (with old Mag test tag), 1936 Ford LB Block. I also have a good Mercury crank.
I'd like to know from the wizards here, just how big an engine can I put together? Can the block be bored to 3 3/16? Or Bigger? (assume sonic test) What road blocks are presented? IE- what rods will/will not fit? I have the rods from the Merc crank, but I can also acquire 21A rods without too much difficulty. Will the rods (whatever ones used) clear if the crank is offset ground to 4.125? I have zero experience with the 32-36 engines Any thoughts appreciated Jim |
01-09-2017, 05:06 PM | #2 |
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Re: Engine size (cubic inches)
Jim, from my experience the 36 LB blocks I have used don't like much over .060,
Lawrie |
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01-09-2017, 05:23 PM | #3 |
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Re: Engine size (cubic inches)
It has been written up. See if you can get a copy7 of Tex Smith's "The complete Ford flathead v8 engine manual. There is a detailed article in there written by Vic Thompson and Rex Gardner about great race 21 stud with 4" crank and all the other mods needed to make it a first class dependable and powerful engine. There are good pics and a required parts list in the write up.
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01-09-2017, 05:39 PM | #4 |
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Re: Engine size (cubic inches)
I wouldn't waste time or money on a real early flathead. The later ones are better all around.
Just my two cents. |
01-09-2017, 05:53 PM | #5 |
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Location: westport ct.
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Re: Engine size (cubic inches)
Be happy with 85 Guys are always trying squeeze the last hp out of these old blocks
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01-09-2017, 05:59 PM | #6 |
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Re: Engine size (cubic inches)
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Whereas....I would....the later flatheads, whilst more cubes, are, in my opinion, no where near as good as the prewar blocks To answer the original poster; sure, as mentioned, it can be done. However, in my experience, one of the best features of a 36 LB block with a 3 3/4 stroke, is its ability to rev. Chucking a longer stroke crank innit is gonna take away that ability. Those blocks have thin walls, taking then out to .060" is risky. If you want to bore a 21 stud, use a 37 block, more meat in the walls. I'm in the process of doing this right now. Head gaskets could be a problem....
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01-09-2017, 06:33 PM | #7 |
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Re: Engine size (cubic inches)
The one in the Tex Smith book was a 1937 21-stud so they would at least have a 21 stud for their 1935 coupe to run the GAR. They bored it for 3 3/16" sleeves and put a 4 inch crank in it. I think they had to cut down the crank a bit to get it to fit in the crank case properly.
I don't know if I'd try all that stuff in an old LB engine. It seems the main sizes would make a larger crank shaft a difficult situation. |
01-09-2017, 09:30 PM | #8 |
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Location: Qld, Australia
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Re: Engine size (cubic inches)
Scat make a 4 in crank for these early engines
Lawrie |
01-10-2017, 11:59 AM | #9 |
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Re: Engine size (cubic inches)
Thanks Guys.
Not sure what I'll do and didn't remember that a 37 block was used in that Great Race engine. Jim |
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