[Deuce]

Originally Posted by MustBnuts

THx ....Deuce...I know your a chevy man, and was hoping to stay with a ford engine, but problems with water pumps and oil filters.??? NOT

Robert BUllard Toronto

I did not suggest a Chevrolet ..
Find a late 80's early 90's 5.0 Ford and use it. The Model A should be lighter than a Mustang so you know the Model A would just about FLY ...



I would find a wrecked 5.0 Mustang with a automatic transmission and use everything I could ... IF ... I was going with a Ford V8 engine in a early Ford ...

The oil filter relocation is not a issue ... is it easy ... and I believe Ford even has a different setup that will clear a Model A frame ... KULTZ would know for sure ...
.

[Mrwood]

Nothing beats the look of a flathead, but like everyone says it aint going to be cheap. But would like to see you stick with a ford engine. Now i love my chevys, but in your case keep it all ford.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

Just helped do a 29 sedan with a 302 Ford. Oil filter is an issue. Went to remote.. LENGTH of motor and exhaust is the biggest issue. Even with the short w/pump, the engine is still way back under the cowl. Also required front floor mods and the steering was a real problem. Forward relocation and u-joints were solution.

I have four nailheads on the shop floor at this time. All 401's going into various cars. Did more nailheads this year than in the last twenty.

[home brew]

After you have almost given up on the flathead here is something you might try. Out here in Saskatchewan guys are buying complete 3/4 ton and bigger RUNNING flathead trucks (some with hoists) for $500 - $2,000. A local guy bought a running 52 Ford 3/4 ton with a hoist last year for $500. He uses it to haul junk for people to the landfill. Some of the locals call it the "Big Store" as we go there to pick up stuff to recycle. If you can check out the farm auctions in your area I am sure you will be able to pick up a ratty looking truck with a good drivetrain. Part it out to recover a lot of your investment and you have a flathead for your A. Rebuild the engine and add the go fast and pretty parts later as you can afford it. By the way if you can find that Street Rodder article it is very informative.

[ap72]

What about going with an old Edsel engine? Yea you have fitment issues but who is driving around with an old 475E under the hood? Its Ford, but its definitely different.

[formerice]

My 2 cents go with the flattie. Check out Hemmings. Heck, a buddy of mine has a 1932 with the original 60 hp flattie that was his grandads car, still runs like a top.

[51ford fan]

I would go with the Flathead, the 351 will be tough to fit because of the length you will probably have firewall and radiator clearance issues.
I tried to put a 289 in a 1936 Plymouth back in the early 70's the engine length as I recall was around 32" and with their offset heads makes it rough. The head was against the firewall and the water pump was into where the radiator went. I swapped it for a SBC (28 inches long) and dropped it right in without any problems.

Good luck with your decision
Rod

[Biggarmike]

Flatties are not as common as they used to be, but they are still available. Look for a post war engine such as the 8BA or newer. They use bearing inserts, not poured babbit. They were rated at 100HP and are reliable. Around here a good core can be had for $300-$500, If you are in the $500 range, it might still be useable as is until you have the $$ to overhaul. You think the flattie V8 looks cool, try a Lincoln V12 flattie. There is a picture of one all dressed up on the LZOC.com website (Lincoln Zephyr Owner's Club) in the links section.