Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify

by Tony Thacker, Mike Herman

Overview

Get your hot rod back on the road by rebuilding its Ford Flathead engine using this comprehensive guide that features expert advice and detailed step-by-step sequences.

In Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify, veteran author Tony Thacker and flathead guru of H&H Flatheads, Mike Herman, take you through rebuilding a flathead. One of the most important steps is to actually find a good, usable core; many have been sitting for a very long time and the engine design is prone to cracking. Running changes are also an important consideration when selecting a core and include the cooling system, ignition, and transmission mount.

After you have selected a core, Thacker and Herman take you through the entire process of a rebuild, including teardown, parts inspection, machine shop processes, replacement part selection, reassembly, start up, and break-in.

Although not the first V-8 engine ever produced, Henry Ford's side-valve V-8, launched in 1932, certainly qualified as the first mass-produced V-8 sold to the public. Because of Henry Ford's stubbornness, the first versions were less than ideal. The technology was in its infancy, and cost-cutting measures limited the output and reliability of the early models. Over time, however, the “Flattie” became the go-to powerplant for a whole generation of new hobbyists who were called “hot rodders.” The engine maintained its position in the hobby well into the 1950s, even when more modern overhead-valve designs started coming out of Detroit. It's hard to overstate the impact that this simple little engine had on a whole generation of enthusiasts. Even today, people choose a flathead for period-correct builds over far more powerful options. The style and sound of a modified flathead is an iconic part of American history.

Also covered is a unique performance build completed at the H&H shop for legendary race car team manager and all-around enthusiast Ray Evernham. It all adds up to a must-have book with more than 500 color photos and insider tips on building what could be called the most iconic engine ever built: the Ford flathead V-8.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613252871
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	07/29/2016
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	1,108,955
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

After setting speed records on the salt flats and working for the legendary So-Cal Speed Shop and the NHRA Museum, Thacker wrapped up his professional career by opening an education museum in the Portland, Oregon, area called the World of Speed. However, he is far from being retired, as he continues to work as a consultant and on book projects, which were his first love.

Mike Herman works at the family business of H&H Flatheads in La Cresenta, California. He has rebuilt countless flatheads of many different specifications. He has a deep and abiding affinity for this storied power plant. He intimately knows the design, parts, and best products for the flathead. In addition, he has assisted Rod & Custom and Street Rodder magazines with several articles.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword by Ray Evernham

About the Authors

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Brief History of the Ford Flathead V-8

Growing Pains

Surviving the Great Depression

Building Up to the End

Chapter 2: Engine ID, Equipment and Tools

What Is the Goal?

Selecting a Candidate

Identification Research

Cleanup

Special Tools

Basic Tools

Chapter 3: Disassembly

Fuel Pump, Starter and Accessories

Intake Manifold, Water Pump and Timing Cover

Cylinder Heads

Oil Filter, Pan and Pump

Bearing Caps

Rods and Pistons

Valve Assembly

Bellhousing and Clutch Assembly

Chapter 4: Cleaning

Block Cleaning

Hot Tanking

Rust Removal

Cylinder Head Cleaning

Crankshaft Cleaning

Sludge Trap Plugs Removal

Chapter 5: Inspection

Crack Detection

Magnafluxing

Pressure Testing

Head Inspection

Crank Inspection

Rod Inspection

Sonic Testing

Chapter 6: Machine Shop

Blueprinting and Balancing

Balancing and Honing the Rods

Balancing the Pistons

Balancing the Crank

Crack Repair

Cylinder Boring

Align Boring

Sleeving

Honing

Decking

Power Slot Relieving

Pressure Sealing

Valveseat Installation

Valveseat Grinding

Cylinder Heads

Chapter 7: Selecting Parts

Source List

Chapter 8: Final Assembly

Oil Gallery Plug

Camshaft

Oil Pump Gear

Fuel Pump Pushrod Bushing

Valvetrain

Oil Deflectors

Crankcase Breather Tube

Rear Oil Slinger

Crankshaft

Pistons

Camshaft Gears

Oil Pump

Crankshaft

Water Pump

Oil Pan

Pulleys

Flywheel

Head and Head Gasket

Finishing

Chapter 9: Start-Up

Run-In Procedure

Fire-Up in the Car

Chapter 10: Building a Performance Flathead

Block

Rotating Assembly

Porting the Block

Porting the Intake Manifold

Valves

Block Honing

Assembly

Oil Pan

Heads

Appendix

Cylinder Numbers and Firing Orders

Torque Sequence

Serial Numbers

Source Guide

Editorial Reviews

"This book is the tip of the top."

Ol' Skool Rodz

"A must have."

Eastern Hot Rodder - John Worden

"Thorough and informative."

Canadian Hot Rods

"... an excellent entrée into the tech behind Ford's legendary L-head V-8."

Hemmings Classic Car - Jim Donnelly