Just got 51 flathead

[johnnyzoom]

Howdy folks, I've gotten lots of help with my 64 Comet at fordsix.com, new to this section.

Just got a 226 flathead l6 with 3 speed transmission from a 51 Ford. PO upgraded to v8 and didn't want to throw out a good motor. It is very clean, and he says ran great, trans also. Looks recently painted and no oil leaking anywhere. Coolant was very clean. I picked it up to learn about these motors, and to hopefully one day throw into a period correct roller. It was running at 6v.

Just looking for any advice, insight, etc. that someone might be able to share with me. The owner also gave me an intake/exhaust manifold from same year truck, my understanding is that exhaust can be split from both for duals, and possibly same for intake for two carbs.

I know that this isn't exactly a powerhouse, but I'd like to do something with it. Is it worth the effort to hop up this 6 or just run as is? My limited knowledge of flatheads is that they don't disperse heat very well and are prone to cracking. I've already ordered a 51 shop manual in hopes of more info. Can't find much on this, is it considered an unpopular oddball motor?

Thanks for any info!

-- Johnny

 

[addo]

That could be great in a rat-rodded small bumper Maverick - would really do peoples' heads in.

 

[johnnyzoom]

Ha, you just did my head in with the thought of it! I was thinking squeezing it into a Metropolitan might be a way to get speed, I have the rear from the 51 too.

 

[ludwig]

I6 flathead. Wow! Boom! (My head blows up) Waaay cool.

 

[flatford6]

Something lighter, like an early Falcon would provide better performance, these engines weigh about the same as a 289/302 v8, 460 lbs. In 1950 the Ford 6 was about the quickest stock car 0 to 50 mph. 0 to 60 in about 14.4 seconds which was 1 second faster than the 1950 Ford v8. It won its class in the Grand Canyon economy run that year by 2+ mpg over brands C**** and P*******. Top speed about 92 mph. From 75 up, the v8 was faster. Hard to believe? Check the June, 1950 article by famous car tester Tom McCahill in Mechanix Illustrated. He had trouble believing it too. Horsepower potential modified is about the same as the flathead v8. A T5 trans mated to the back could give you a deeper ratio first gear for off the line and the overdrive for top speed and/or economy. About a 3. 70 or 4.11 rear ratio would be good. Also check previous posts on this topic for much good information. The first thing to check on this engine is the vacuum advance diaphragm. They often fail and then you have no advance causing a sickly and overheating engine. Good luck and please post your results. Richard

 

[johnnyzoom]

The man knows the magazine issue down to the month and year. This is the kind of detail that keeps me coming back here. Thanks very much. May be a while before it's in something, but I'll definitely keep posted and I'm sure have more questions.

 

[M6ride]

I suggest that you convert it to 12 volts, electronic ignition, as the increase in voltage will boost the power too.

You might want to contact:

PerTronix
440 E. Arrow Hwy
San Dimas, CA 91773 US
P: 909-599-5955
F: 909-599-6424

http://www.shopatron.com/index/pg=2/591 ... 6485.0.0.0

John

PS: in case you decide to sell it, please send me a PM
or call 901 753 1130

note: I am looking for speed equipment (after market heads, split intake manifolds, split exhaust manifolds) for these engines in case anyone has any lying around in the attic that might be for sale. =^..^=