Aluminum flathead news?

[sidevalve8ba]

Does anyone have any fairly recent news on Mark Kirby's aluminum flathead block? I've searched and the latest I was able to find on the subject was maybe a year and a half old. Did this project ever get into production?

[rotorwrench]

The project is likely still in the testing phase.

The sad thing about projects like these is that they seem to always get side tracked due to economic reasons. That and our current economy still isn't anything to write home about. I hope for the best for them but it will likely be a very expensive product if it reaches the market. There are still French flathead V8s available so that also puts a small damper on things and the old OEM blocks are still out there for sale for the time being.

[flathead4rd]

Go to Shadowrods.com and click on the motorcity flatheads logo. There is a section on the aluminum block there. Last I heard was they had one installed in a roadster and were test driving it. I did see one of the aluminum blocks a couple of years ago. Cost about 10K at that time.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by sidevalve8ba

Does anyone have any fairly recent news on Mark Kirby's aluminum flathead block? I've searched and the latest I was able to find on the subject was maybe a year and a half old. Did this project ever get into production?

Hey Ted,
Sorry , but haven't heard anything 'new' of that alum block and also agree with economic statements.

Maybe you aren't interested and maybe others will be, but on another front, I've got an aluminum '32 style alum B block heading my way, via Tod, who also makes 351 cast iron and other goodies. Here's hoping that the same economics stuff does not do the same here,eh

[sidevalve8ba]

The last I read was that they indeed had one in a roadster and had put 40 K miles on it but that news is so old it has whiskers. I was hoping to hear some new developments.

I am sure they will be expensive to say the least. So expensive that they really would probably only be used for competition i.e. Bonneville and the like. I am sure my pockets are not deep enough to fund something like that.

[JSeery]

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And racing associations might ban them!

[sidevalve8ba]

Originally Posted by JSeery

And racing associations might ban them!

Good point.

[rotorwrench]

They don't allow the SUMB French engines due to their not being original production Ford engines.

[V8 Bob]

I talked to Mark last August at the NSRA Nats in Louisville and he was hoping for a fall availability at that time but obviously that hasn't happened yet. I'll look him up at the a Nats next month if he's there.
Just to add, (and from memory ) a complete new engine, except for intake, is what will be sold, not just a block, because of many special parts and redesigns. The heads are drilled for 3/8" bolts/studs, the oil pan is part of the lower end support, along with many other features. Standard size will be around 340". I hope to see it materialize, as it should be one hell of a flathead, but probably not legal for any flathead racing class.
I've got one of Marks (MCF) last engines, have known Mark for many years, and hope his long-time dream does come true, as I'd like to own one.

[Henry Hopper]

It will have to be right before it goes on sale as any call backs due to problems could cost them a fortune.I bet they wish they never started out on the project as I cannot see it ever making a profit unfortunately.....plenty of Flattys still available and to most the allure is the originality.

[Fe26]

I can see the Hotrodders snapping them up for that new nostalgic look.

[Henry Floored]

I have it on good authority that the aluminum Flatty will outrun a comparable '34 with a sbc.

[Kahuna]

Just depends on the state of tune of the SBC.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by JSeery

And racing associations might ban them!

Thy indeed are illegal in any association requiring production blocks.

No problem in the "open" classes but you will be running against OHV engines there.

[Ol' Ron]

Mike Davason is marketing a SOHC set of heads for the flathead. starting price 9K. He said they would be at bville next month. Interesting??

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Mike Davason is marketing a SOHC set of heads for the flathead. starting price 9K. He said they would be at bville next month. Interesting??

Then it's really no longer a flathead, right!

[flatheadmurre]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Then it's really no longer a flathead, right!

Same boring stuff as thoose arduns

[scooder]

Originally Posted by Henry Floored

I have it on good authority that the aluminum Flatty will outrun a comparable '34 with a sbc.

Now I love flatheads, my absolute favourite engine. But even a fool with the same budget as that ally flathead when all together, can just bolt aftermarket sbc parts and get easy 500+hp.
A smog choked 150hp 350 in a 34 compared to a same size custom built flathead that when all together and running cost north of $15000, time it's got good heads and carbs and ignition, won't stand a chance.
So as above, depends on the build spec of the sbc in the 34.
Martin.

[estout81]

I saw this engine a couple years ago and it sounds awesome! Don't know availability.

[scooder]

That's the engine on topic. Mark Kirby (was motor city flatheads) aluminium one.
Martin.