Flathead questions for 1949 Deluxe

[snaps]

Hi Everyone.

I am considering the purchase of a 1949 Deluxe. It currently has no motor.

If I do purchase I'd like to put a flathead 8 or 6 (I'm honestly fine with either) back into it.

If I understand correctly (and this is where I need your guidance) I would need to find either a 1949 - 1953 car engine or 1949 - 1954 truck engine to ensure it will bolt onto the original 1949 transmission without any issues (I think maybe the tuck engine may need a different oil pan etc).

Do I understand this correctly or would any flathead 8 or 6 fit the 1949 Deluxe without major issues?

thanks and looking forward to your collective wisdom.

[19Fordy]

I think the easiest thing to do would be to install the original engine as the transmission and rear end gear ratios might be different for a six or an eight cylinder. I am not sure about that but, it's a thought that came to mind. Plus there would be a radiator difference.

You would probably enjoy driving a V-8 more than a six. Other fordbarners more experienced with "Shoebox Fords" will chime in for sure.

[flatford8]

What did it have, 6 or 8? Radiator and mounting panel will be different depending which one. 49-53 car would be easiest. A truck motor would need the car water pumps. A steel bell housing from a car and the flywheel. 9 or 10 inch clutch is best. Im sure others will have more...... welcome to the Barn.... love them shoeboxes!!!!...... Mark
PS we love pictures!!!!!!

[tubman]

Don't forget about the Mercury's from those same years. Replace the half bell with the proper bellhousing (the are easy to find and you can probably sell the Merc unit for more), change the pan and water pumps and you're good to go. The extra 16 cubes, better cam, and bigger carb provide more power stock.

[snaps]

Thanks for the replies.

flatford8 - It originally had a V8

[Ford Freak]

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The 8 will sure sound better , if that matters to you !

[JSeery]

There are several reasons a V8 would be a better way to go. Very little to no modifications and increased sale value come to mind. And there is always the cool factor.

[19Fordy]

Another reason for the V-8 is the unmatchable
rumble of dual exhausts that only a flathead can make.

[snaps]

Is the easiest way to identify a 1949 - 1953 flathead V8 (which would be in direct install for this car) by the separate bell housing (rather than one that was integral for which I think 1948 was the last year)?

[JSeery]

That's one for the block, the whole engine would be water outlets near the front of the heads and the side mounted distributor.

[mfirth]

My first car was a 50 with a 6. Wanted a v8, but.... rebuilt it after a year of oil smoke.It had overdrive trans & would out run some v8s. Great economy & very dependable. m

[JSeery]

But, I would assume it started life as a 6, that makes a big difference.

[Mac VP]

Easiest would be to stay with the V8. The Six is a nice engine but parts are getting harder to find for it. The radiators are different so you save money if it’s already got the V8 type.

Any 49-53 passenger V8 and any 48-53 truck V8 will all be the same block as far as it fitting the 49-51 car. You would need the 49-51 bolt-on stuff (oil pan, bell housing, flywheel, clutch, water pumps, and fan assembly). If you already have those things on a bum motor, just search for the general long block and transfer them to it. Otherwise you’ll have to find them as well. The good thing is that all this is generally pretty easy to source. Plus just about any part you need for a flathead V8 is available these days.