What is a 8BA Flathead?
What is a 8BA Flathead?
Major changes occurred to the mid size flathead V8 in 1948 for the new Ford trucks and in 1949 for new Ford and Mercury cars. In general, the latter year flatheads were commonly referred to as the “8BA” type for Ford and “8CM” for Mercury. The truck version was identified as an “8RT”.
How much horsepower can a Ford flathead V8 make?
Despite having three rather than five main bearings, the flathead has stayed the course. With some exotic tuning, it has been known to produce 700 hp, and not just for short bursts.
Why did Henry Ford make a flathead engine?
Because of Henry Ford’s intractability, the flathead was compromised right from the get-go. It was meant to be a carthorse, not a racehorse. Nevertheless, the flathead is the little engine that could. Despite having three rather than five main bearings, the flathead has stayed the course.
How to assemble a Ford flathead engine guide?
The black needle of the spring scale indicates 80 pounds of preload with two shims inserted below the spring, which is acceptable. After the springs are measured and the number of spacers calculated, the valve assemblies are, well, assembled: the guide first, then the spring, and finally the retainer.
How big should the bushing be on a Ford flathead?
When you’re finished hammering, the bushing should protrude into the gallery approximately 1/8 inch. If you don’t have a suitable steel drift, use an aluminum or brass drift so you don’t damage the bushing.
Which is the fastest flathead engine in the world?
The world’s quickest flathead dragster, Ron Schnell’s Slider, has run the quarter in 7.695 seconds; it’s blown flattie dyno’d at 939 hp on a 60-percent nitro load. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, FORD FLATHEAD ENGINES: HOW TO REBUILD & MODIFY. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link:
Because of Henry Ford’s intractability, the flathead was compromised right from the get-go. It was meant to be a carthorse, not a racehorse. Nevertheless, the flathead is the little engine that could. Despite having three rather than five main bearings, the flathead has stayed the course.
What kind of bellhousing do I need for a Ford flathead?
B Both options will adapt any ’32-’48 Ford and Mercury Flathead V-8 flawlessly, but note that later Flatheads like the ’49-’53 Ford and Merc 8BA engines will need a factory 3” bellhousing adaptor, found on ’49-’52 Ford 1/2-ton pickups and ’49-’50 Mercs. This also requires a matching starter plate or cover assembly to mount the starter.
The black needle of the spring scale indicates 80 pounds of preload with two shims inserted below the spring, which is acceptable. After the springs are measured and the number of spacers calculated, the valve assemblies are, well, assembled: the guide first, then the spring, and finally the retainer.
When you’re finished hammering, the bushing should protrude into the gallery approximately 1/8 inch. If you don’t have a suitable steel drift, use an aluminum or brass drift so you don’t damage the bushing.
