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09-16-2019, 03:12 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Waxahachie, Texas
Posts: 956
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Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
My brother has a 1933 Model B pickup with a cracked block that he doesn't think can be properly repaired to be reliable. Early Model B blocks are notorious for this problem. There seems to be only 3 solutions to get it back on the road and maintain a somewhat stock appearance:
1). Find a good "Diamond" Model B block at a reasonable price. This block had better casting quality and doesn't have a tendency to crack but is hard to find! 2). Adapt Model A engine to the Model B oil pan along with making the wishbone mount and pedal modifications. 3). Switch over to a flathead V8. Has anyone successfully adapted a Model A engine to function in place of the Model B and what are the necessary modifications and pitfalls of taking on the switch? I know about the challenges of grafting the rear part of the Model B oil pan to work on the Model A pan while making sure the rear oil seal is secured. Also, I'm told the dip tray on the Model B sits deeper in the pan and may starve the dippers on the Model A rods, but haven't verified that. Would appreciate any guidance or advice on solutions, tips, tricks, etc. Thanks to all. M. Garrett |
09-16-2019, 03:25 PM | #2 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
Where do they crack?
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09-16-2019, 03:42 PM | #3 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
The ones I've seen have the problem on #3 cylinder with a crack running from the cylinder bore to the exhaust valve pocket.
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09-16-2019, 04:20 PM | #4 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
Find someone that removed the rear part of the "B" oil pan to put it in an A, weld it to the a oil pan , use all the external parts from the original engine for the rest--- sort of simplified
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09-16-2019, 05:06 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
Quote:
Charlie Stephens Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 09-16-2019 at 05:23 PM. |
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09-16-2019, 09:08 PM | #6 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
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09-16-2019, 09:17 PM | #7 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
B blocks are notorious for cracking but I'm not so sure the diamond B is any better. I have a diamond A and a diamond B engine in two of my cars and I wonder sometimes why anybody bothers chasing a diamond block over an ordinary one.
As for the original quaestion, the biggest adaption I think you'll have to make is the flywheel housing and rig up a fuel pump. Electric would be the easiest way to go.
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09-16-2019, 10:16 PM | #8 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
have you considered buying a B motor thats all new?
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09-17-2019, 07:46 AM | #9 |
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Location: Waxahachie, Texas
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
Thanks for all the feedback. I think we might want to go with the V8 since it seems to be the least complicated solution.
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09-17-2019, 08:07 AM | #10 |
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Location: Dighton, Mass
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
Long time thoughts ; has anyone ever tried a 8N tractor engine. All I can say is they
run whisper quiet absolutely no vibrations smooth as a cat. And then my son dropped a 1935 V8 in a 1930 4 dr about two hour job had to buy a radiator and he put F100 steering box which there is much confusion on that; he did not cut or weld anything except we spliced the steering shaft for the original steering wheel. The spark and throttle levers not used just for looks. I know your working on a 33 but some one some where has gone the tractor route with a simple adapter and got rid of the governor. I say this cause my father bought a new tractor 1949 and never been apart till this day and we use it daily all year raking horse poop.....sam |
09-17-2019, 09:44 AM | #11 | |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
Quote:
Charlie Stephens |
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09-17-2019, 10:39 AM | #12 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
8N ... NO torque!
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09-17-2019, 11:49 AM | #13 |
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Location: San Antonio, Texas
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
Ford tried the 9N, in commercials no less, for 1941 and they were a dismal failure. Way too underpowered. Even a V8-60 is a bit doggy but it has more power than the 120 cid tractor engines.
I have to disagree about putting a V8 in any model A being an easy bolt it. There is no way it's easy. In a 32, now that's a different story but then they had them as an option. Last edited by rotorwrench; 09-17-2019 at 12:18 PM. |
09-17-2019, 02:33 PM | #14 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
I have heard a lot of stories about cracks in the V8 engines but that may just be the group I am associating with.
Charlie Stephens |
09-17-2019, 06:07 PM | #15 |
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Re: Need info on adapting Model A engine to Model B pickup.
They either get too hot or they freeze up. Ford didn't use freeze plugs till the Y-blocks came out so all the flatheads were vulnerable.
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