Opinion wanted

[theriddler56]

I’m building a 34 p/u flathead powered, t-5 transmission, banjo rear with 4.11 gears. The block is a 8ba block it has a 3-3/8” bore with 1.6” valves, the cam is a regrind 286 duration and .380” lift. I will be using a 3-2 intake. My question is what stroke would be good? 3-3/4” = 268, 4” = 286, 4-1/8” = 295, or 4-1/4 = 304. I want an engine that is street-able but fun to drive. Give me your opinion and WHY.

Thanks,

Stephen

[Pete]

The best stroke is the most you can afford. More is always better.
The cam you have will be best suited to a larger cubic inch engine. 304 or larger.
A 3/8 bore in most 8ba blocks leaves enough for at least 2 rebuild bore jobs.
It is always a good plan to sonic test before any bore job.
There is no down side to more cubic inches other than it takes a bit more work for the port job. It needs to be BIG and well matched to the manifold and headers.
The other equipment you list will work fine.
With big cubic inches you need a very good ignition like a mag or capacitor discharge
type.

[slowforty]

3.78 rears gears might be more driver friendly. Makes no difference. The old lady in the wore out KIA will still leave you at the light.

[flathead4rd]

I'd just go with a Mercury 4" crank. I don't think the extra cubes are worth the expense. This is the combination I run (286 CI). WC T-5 and a Maverick 8 inch rear end. Easily keeps up with the crazy interstate drivers if necessary. Cruise at 70 at about 2,100 RPM.

[KiWinUS]

Pete nailed it. Listen to him. He knows. Be sure the cam you have is what you want.

[Veeder]

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I just wish I had the knowledge as you guys!!

[Ken/Alabama]

The Flathead in my 40 Convertible is bored to 3 3/8 with a 4 1/8 stroke crankshaft. The only reason I didn’t go with a 4 1/4 stroke is because back when I built that engine they weren’t readily available. Has a Isky Max1 cam with three Stromberg 97s with a T5 transmission and 3:50 gears in the rear. That engine pulls really good , has lots of torque. The 40 is heavy compared to your pickup. I think 4:11 would be a mistake in your pickup.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

The Flathead in my 40 Convertible is bird to 3 3/8 with a 4 1/8 stroke crankshaft. The only reason I didn’t go with a 4 1/4 stroke is because back when I built that engine they weren’t readily available. Has a Isky Max1 cam with three Stromberg 97s with a T5 transmission and 3:50 gears in the rear. That engine pulls really good , has lots of torque. The 40 is heavy compared to your pickup. I think 4:11 would be a mistake in your pickup.

Well I'll be....! As you MAY know, I'm a huge advocate of the T5 transmission behind a Ford flathead. I never had a clue that your convertible has a T5 in it. Could you possibly take a few minutes to explain to the whole world just how much more fun that T5 has made that car to drive, over and above the Ford 3-speed? Do you know any of the info on the gear ratios in your T5?

Coop

.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

The Flathead in my 40 Convertible is bird to 3 3/8 with a 4 1/8 stroke crankshaft. The only reason I didn’t go with a 4 1/4 stroke is because back when I built that engine they weren’t readily available. Has a Isky Max1 cam with three Stromberg 97s with a T5 transmission and 3:50 gears in the rear. That engine pulls really good , has lots of torque. The 40 is heavy compared to your pickup. I think 4:11 would be a mistake in your pickup.

Jeez Ken imagine how great that engine would be with that “other” cam you have. 😉

[Ken/Alabama]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

Jeez Ken imagine how great that engine would be with that “other” cam you have. 😉

That been my intention from the day I got it. Now that I’m retired maybe I’ll have time. The throw out bearing is howling so I’ll probably pull the engine anyway.

[Ken/Alabama]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Well I'll be....! As you MAY know, I'm a huge advocate of the T5 transmission behind a Ford flathead. I never had a clue that your convertible has a T5 in it. Could you possibly take a few minutes to explain to the whole world just how much more fun that T5 has made that car to drive, over and above the Ford 3-speed? Do you know any of the info on the gear ratios in your T5?

Coop

.

It’s way more fun to drive. I drove it for years with a 39 gearbox and a Columbia two speed. The T5 makes it more user friendly. The T5 I have in there is of the S10 style with the low first gear. Not a fan of it but I live with it. What counts is on the top end. I put an 8” rear out of a Grenada in it and used Chassis Engineering leaf springs and hangers . It all bolted right in and didn’t even need to move the spring pads on the axle. Changed the gear to a 3:50

[theriddler56]

Cam 286 duration @0”, 240 duration@ .050”, lift .380”.

we T-5 Mustang tag # 238; 1st 3.35, 2nd 1.93, 3rd 1.23, 4th 1.00, 5th .73

Tire diameter 30” with 4.11 gear in od 2000 rpm (approx) @ 60

Thanks for those who gave an opinion.

I agree cubes are nice but for a street engine is 4-1/8 or 4-1/4 stroke worth it?

I agree an graded Ignition is definitely a must

[KiWinUS]

More stroke More poke. Yes it’s well worth it. That cam may be a turd in a small engine I’m guessing it’s a single plane cam.

[GB SISSON]

Yes there are lots of experienced folks here and I'm enjoying this post along with you. Would love to install a T-5 in my heavy truck based woodie, and I see here one from an S-10 might be the ticket for me in this hilly place. Always wondered abut a 9 inch too. So bring on the opinions, they will benefit more than just the OP. Just don't ask for opinions on motor oil. We don't have enough popcorn in our pantry.

[theriddler56]

I value your opinion. You are much more knowledgeable about cams than me. I’ll attach a pic of the cam card. What would you recommend?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

It’s way more fun to drive. I drove it for years with a 39 gearbox and a Columbia two speed. The T5 makes it more user friendly. The T5 I have in there is of the S10 style with the low first gear. Not a fan of it but I live with it. What counts is on the top end. I put an 8” rear out of a Grenada in it and used Chassis Engineering leaf springs and hangers . It all bolted right in and didn’t even need to move the spring pads on the axle. Changed the gear to a 3:50

Ken.... Thank you for the info update! There was no doubt in my mind that you would speak swimmingly of the improvement in the driving experience with the T5. With all those gears to choose from, along with the synchronizers on EVERY gear, it'll pull like crazy while keeping the REVS right there in that happy torque band. Ken, you already know how much more smile a Mustang or a Camaro close-ratio gear box with the well-spaced gears would put on your face. Listen-up guys, all this from a Ford Barner that knows well what he's talking about.

Coop

.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Ken.... Thank you for the info update! There was no doubt in my mind that you would speak swimmingly of the improvement in the driving experience with the T5. With all those gears to choose from, along with the synchronizers on EVERY gear, it'll pull like crazy while keeping the REVS right there in that happy torque band. Ken, you already know how much more smile a Mustang or a Camaro close-ratio gear box with the well-spaced gears would put on your face. Listen-up guys, all this from a Ford Barner that knows well what he's talking about.

Coop

.

Well spoken of a great knowledgeable man. Thanks Coop.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Ken.... Thank you for the info update! There was no doubt in my mind that you would speak swimmingly of the improvement in the driving experience with the T5. With all those gears to choose from, along with the synchronizers on EVERY gear, it'll pull like crazy while keeping the REVS right there in that happy torque band. Ken, you already know how much more smile a Mustang or a Camaro close-ratio gear box with the well-spaced gears would put on your face. Listen-up guys, all this from a Ford Barner that knows well what he's talking about.

Coop

.

...

[Ol' Ron]

Sounds quite expensive fpr a street engine. However the 296 was a very common displacement back in the day, I have one as a spare. For street the cam is a little much. The late T-5 has an inexpensive adapter , so this will keep the cost down.After yoi blow the rear, replace it with a ford 8", with 3.73 gears and a posi.
Good luck
Gramps

[theriddler56]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

More stroke More poke. Yes it’s well worth it. That cam may be a turd in a small engine I’m guessing it’s a single plane cam.

Tony,
What cam would you recommend? You stated I would be unhappy with this one.

Stephen

[cadillac512]

Originally Posted by theriddler56

Tony,
What cam would you recommend? You stated I would be unhappy with this one.

Stephen

I'm going to go WAY out on a limb and predict Tony will recommend the Kiwi L100. (likely a very nice choice too!)


Terry

[theriddler56]

Gramps,
Why don’t you think the rear will last/work?

[Ol' Ron]

The first problem is the T-5 doesn't adapt to the torque tube, and the axles won't like the 296. However it can be done$$$$$$!
Gramps

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

The first problem is the T-5 doesn't adapt to the torque tube, and the axles won't like the 296. However it can be done$$$$$$!
Gramps

I understand that I may be tempting fate, but my rear took a summer's worth of abuse and so far my banjo rear has held up to my 292 ci motor. I do not baby it.

It was rebuilt with NOS axles, good bearings, etc. and the hubs have been lapped to the tapers to perfection.

The skinny bias ply tires help I believe since they'll spin before they'll grip.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by theriddler56

Tony,
What cam would you recommend? You stated I would be unhappy with this one.

Stephen

Well I am slightly biased but for many reasons along with so many happy customers I would absolutely put a KiWi-L100 in that build.

[KiWinUS]

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Originally Posted by cadillac512

I'm going to go WAY out on a limb and predict Tony will recommend the Kiwi L100. (likely a very nice choice too!)


Terry

That’s Terry. Great call. 😁

[tubman]

It will probably be alright with a light car, skinny tires, and a large dose of maturity.

When I was a kid, Ford transmissions lasted an average of two or three months. The last one has gone 38 years.

[theriddler56]

Tony,
I understand you are biased, BUT give me a reason why. Is yours better idle, low end, more power at top end. What are the specs between yours and the ones shown on the cam card.

Stephen

[theriddler56]

Gramps,
I have modified the bells to accept Granada 28 spline axles, machined diff for side gears. I have two options for open driveline either use the ring and pinion and open Drive parts from a p/u or purchase a conversion for a 10 spline ring & pinion setup.

Stephen

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by theriddler56

Tony,
I understand you are biased, BUT give me a reason why. Is yours better idle, low end, more power at top end. What are the specs between yours and the ones shown on the cam card.

Stephen

L100 loppey hot rod idle. The following is based on feedback from some of the over 300 purchasers in 19 countries. Great idle pulls hard from down low to 5000+ very forgiving in wide range of vehicles from light to heavy. Street car to race cars. Good gas mileage. Fun to drive.
Ol’Ron had one in a 4200lb ambulance and bragged on how it ran.
A big difference in your cam and most of your “Name Brand” cams is they are “single” pattern cams where the intake lobe is the same as the exhaust lobe. The L100 is a “Dual” pattern cam. Intake lobe different to exhaust lobe. The number I have shipped speaks for itself. Cheers. Tony

[Ol' Ron]

yes, for many reasons the L-100 would be a better choice . Now lets look at the T-5 into a stock banjo rear axle. Converting the Banjo to open drive isn't too expensive f after market axles is a bige improvement , So you've accomplished the installation quite well. I would go to a junk yard and buy a rear axle from a jeep Gran Cherokee spicer 44 with 3.73 gears and a Posi, for less money than the axles. Money does solve most problems and most of the projects we build usually work. In my case I worked on a limited budget And be completive with others that had more funds. I'll admit the money usually won, But Iwas there having fun.
Gramps
PS
stay tuned for the "Best intake for street and strip"

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by theriddler56

Gramps,
I have modified the bells to accept Granada 28 spline axles, machined diff for side gears. I have two options for open driveline either use the ring and pinion and open Drive parts from a p/u or purchase a conversion for a 10 spline ring & pinion setup.

Stephen

Hi Stephen
Your rear axle upgrades will survive a lot of abuse when you decide to use the power of your flathead. In all my Hot Rods and my very fast record setting Land Speed Race Car I use exactly the same parts your going to use the 28 spline axles and modified side gears and the carrier modified to accept the drop in gears. There still is one weak link left in the conversion it has to do with the ring gear wanting to climb off the pinion under hard use that being side stepping the clutch or at times banging gears. Skinny rear tires will help eliminate this ring gear and pinion issue.
So to help in all my builds I simply add a ring gear snubber this snubber holds the pinon from climbing the pinion under extreme use. My roadster is my daily driver in the good weather powered by a very healthy supercharged ARDUN I'm always beating on the car the six spline Halibrand with the ring gear snubber has survived a lot of abuse. My race car has the same modification the ring gear snubber keeps the ring gear from climbing at well over 200 MPH with 230 axle gear ratio.
Ronnieroadster

[Ol' Ron]

Ron, do you use the tapered axles on the Bville car? Yes, we uses a bronz pinion snubber on all our race cars, however we used 3/4 ton axles.
G

[theriddler56]

Pete,
I am using a crab with Petronix. Are you suggesting using a MSD for the capacitor discharge or are you suggesting something entirely different?

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Ron, do you use the tapered axles on the Bville car? Yes, we uses a bronz pinion snubber on all our race cars, however we used 3/4 ton axles.
G

Hi Ron
No for the Bonneville race car I use Ford 28 spline style drop in axles Currie custom makes them to the length I need. For my Deuce roadster and my wife's Deuce five window I use stock Ford 28 spline axles. I even use the bearing / backing plate axle housing ends from the eight inch rear and also the drop in side gears. To fit the Ford eight inch axle housing ends into the cut off banjo axle housings I use my big Southbend lath to machine the banjo housings so the Ford ends slip fit into the banjo tubes. Some back yard Hotrod engineering.
Ronnieroadster

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by theriddler56

Pete,
I am using a crab with Petronix. Are you suggesting using a MSD for the capacitor discharge or are you suggesting something entirely different?

Pertronix makes a capacitive discharge box called Second strike its light years ahead of the MSD. The Pertronix second strike continues all the way to red line. The MSD falls off around 3 thousand RPM. Another bonus of the Pertronix is its amp draw per 1000 RPM is a lot less then the MSD.
Ronnieroadster

[Pete]

Originally Posted by theriddler56

Pete,
I am using a crab with Petronix. Are you suggesting using a MSD for the capacitor discharge or are you suggesting something entirely different?

You should use whatever works for you that gives you the performance you need.
We use mags on all of our engines except 4 bangers where we use Jacobs computer type with a RotoFaze distributor.