The Ford Barn

hardtimes · 03-25-2018, 12:51 PM

I often wondered what the percentage of guys who had a 4 cyl originally fitted '32 and then changed to V8. Anyone willing to plead own up to doing this ? Full disclosure...I'm a Banger bug bitten fan.

mrtexas · 03-25-2018, 01:34 PM

Don't know but I think the added weight of the v8 would
offset any HP gained. Don't have a 32 myself.

Kerk · 03-25-2018, 02:11 PM

Been there done that!! I think there are about 18 to 20 things different - mostly nuts & bolts stuff if I remember. Chasing some of the parts may be a problem. JMHO kerk

Charlie Stephens · 03-25-2018, 02:12 PM

The following changes need to be made when replacing a Model B with a V8 (21 stud, others will require a few more things):

Of course engine, motor mounts
Muffler and exhaust system before muffler (same after)
Radiator
Radiator support rods
Engine steady rods
Hubcaps
Starter switch (if it is early B with pull starter)
Transmission (gears interchange but cases are different)
Choke (B is a cable, V8 is a rod)
Accelerator linkage
Engine splash pans
Gas line needs to be routed from right on Model B to left on V8
The B will have a few extra holes in the firewall pad from mounting the 4 cyl engine snubber
Need to add emblem to headlight bar
Need to accept the fact that the serial number (VIN) is for a 4 cylinder

Interesting to note the increase in value for the car in the price guides is about the same as the cost of making the change.

I would keep the banger.

Charlie Stephens

Kahuna · 03-25-2018, 02:38 PM

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I have a 32 Tudor sedan that was originally equipped with the 4 cylinder engine.
I put a Model 59 V8 in it using original V8 engine mounts on the front cross member.
As indicated by the above comments, there are other changes necessary to accomplish
this.
In my case, I didn't use an early transmission, but rather a 4 speed. I also added hydraulic brakes, etc., along with a host of other changes.
Worth it? IMO, Absolutely. I guess it depends on your personal goals.

In a 32 car, the 4 banger just doesn't have the power necessary to move the car
IMO. A 32 is just too heavy, compared to a Model A

Jim

03-25-2018, 12:51 PM	#1
hardtimes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South California Posts: 6,188	Flathead 4 to V8 ? I often wondered what the percentage of guys who had a 4 cyl originally fitted '32 and then changed to V8. Anyone willing to plead own up to doing this ? Full disclosure...I'm a Banger bug bitten fan.

03-25-2018, 01:34 PM	#2
mrtexas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 4,395	Re: Flathead 4 to V8 ? Don't know but I think the added weight of the v8 would offset any HP gained. Don't have a 32 myself. __________________ 41 woodie https://41fordwoodie.weebly.com/

03-25-2018, 02:11 PM	#3
Kerk Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 642	Re: Flathead 4 to V8 ? Been there done that!! I think there are about 18 to 20 things different - mostly nuts & bolts stuff if I remember. Chasing some of the parts may be a problem. JMHO kerk

03-25-2018, 02:12 PM	#4
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,033	Re: Flathead 4 to V8 ? The following changes need to be made when replacing a Model B with a V8 (21 stud, others will require a few more things): Of course engine, motor mounts Muffler and exhaust system before muffler (same after) Radiator Radiator support rods Engine steady rods Hubcaps Starter switch (if it is early B with pull starter) Transmission (gears interchange but cases are different) Choke (B is a cable, V8 is a rod) Accelerator linkage Engine splash pans Gas line needs to be routed from right on Model B to left on V8 The B will have a few extra holes in the firewall pad from mounting the 4 cyl engine snubber Need to add emblem to headlight bar Need to accept the fact that the serial number (VIN) is for a 4 cylinder Interesting to note the increase in value for the car in the price guides is about the same as the cost of making the change. I would keep the banger. Charlie Stephens

03-25-2018, 02:38 PM	#5
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: Flathead 4 to V8 ? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have a 32 Tudor sedan that was originally equipped with the 4 cylinder engine. I put a Model 59 V8 in it using original V8 engine mounts on the front cross member. As indicated by the above comments, there are other changes necessary to accomplish this. In my case, I didn't use an early transmission, but rather a 4 speed. I also added hydraulic brakes, etc., along with a host of other changes. Worth it? IMO, Absolutely. I guess it depends on your personal goals. In a 32 car, the 4 banger just doesn't have the power necessary to move the car IMO. A 32 is just too heavy, compared to a Model A Jim