Subscribe to Precision Engine
Sign up for our E-newsletter
Our Flathead build is progressing. Once the heads have been relieved for piston clearance, I’ll start running the build series from the very start. The build began with a salvaged block that was found in an old corn silo in central Ohio. She’s come a long way since then.
I’m still trying to schedule a dyno session for the latest project engine build (our Dart 427W). Between my schedule and the dyno shop’s schedule, it’s been a challenge, but it should happen soon.
In the meantime, I’ve been working on the next build project: a “vintage” Ford 8BA flathead. I’ll start running the article series soon. At this point, the short block is done and the valves are adjusted.
I’m currently in the process of measuring and calculating material removal from the Edelbrock cylinder head chambers to achieve proper piston to head clearance (our Egge domes pistons hit the heads about 0.030″ or so before the piston can hit TDC, even with the 0.060″ copper head gaskets in place). This is a common situation when running aftermarket pistons and heads on a flathead, so it’s no surprise. We’ll bowl-cut the chambers to achieve about a 0.050″ clearance.
As you might expect (considering how anal I get), the block exterior has been smoothed out to a glass-like finish and painted a brilliant cherry red. Basically, it looks like a chunk of wet red glass. Very tasty.
The build started with a restored original 8BA (1949-1953) iron block, and now includes a Scat stroker crank, Scat rods, Egge +0.125″ pistons, with a host of goodies sourced from Egge, including rings, valves, guides, guide seals, main, rod and cam bearings, gasket set, Melling oil pump, Isky cam, timing set, water pumps, etc. The crank damper/pulley is a chromed unit from Fluidamper. The majority of the threaded fasteners are from Totally Stainless. The heads are from Edelbrock, and the intake setup consists of a triple-deuce Edelbrock intake manifold and three Demon 98 carbs. This little bugger is looking very sweet.
If you’re a flathead fan, or if you’ve entertained the thought of building your first flathead, the article series will provide an abundance of info that we think you’ll really enjoy.
Admittedly, this is my first foray into the flathead world, so I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been learning as I go, just as any builder would on their “first” of any vintage engine. I’ll be sure to point out all of the “challenges” and mistakes that I’ve made during the process so that your build will go smoothly.
Everyone who has visited my engine assembly room has had the same reaction: their jaw drops and their eyes bug-out when they see this little red honey. I’ll start sharing the experience within the next few weeks, detailing the project from the greasy, nasty old block to a ressurected piece of eye candy.
- Mike Mavrigian
Tags: DEMON, EDELBROCK, EGGE, ENGINE BUILD, FLATHEAD, FLUIDAMPER, FORD, GOODSON, HOT ROD, ISKY, MELLING, MSD, NOSTALGIC, SCAT, TOTALLY STAINLESS, VINTAGE
