Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Not that worried about the exhaust Ron. Don't have a flow bench but I have done some illustrative flow testing with smoke and dry power introduced into the air flow.

My exhaust mods are more to create a less turbulent environment thereby reducing the chance for creating hot spots in the flow "eddys" that now exist in the end exhaust ports.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

I seem to remember the Motor City Flatheads project was at one time predicting they would run about $12K or somesuch.....

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Yes I think that was their estimate for a complete engine cost. I assume minus the induction system.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

That may be for a complete engine assembly or at least somewhere near complete. Many of the changes made require the use of their proprietary parts.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

For reference, the aluminum 348/409 blocks that are now available from the aftermarket are $5k+. That's also from a manufacturer (World Products / Bill Mitchell Products) that specializes in aluminum engine blocks and heads.

Granted that market would probably have a bit smaller audience at this current time, but original 348/409 blocks are much more scarce and expensive than their Flathead counterparts, which I think would make the demand similar (or perhaps even greater) for a brand new block. An aluminum Flathead block would have to be quite a bit cheaper to garner sales.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Maybe the easy way: Since the French flathead blocks were the last cast and had (supposedly) the latest technology, why not figure out who/where the French castings were made and contact them? Since the French flathead was the last made, there are probably people still alive who remember the process, etc. Also, the tooling may be still around.....or maybe the documentation. Then, after the IP is uncovered, look for an investor who can cover the pile of $$ required to initiate a pour. The machining is the simple part.....now days CNC equipment can make quick work of a casting machining operation. Anyone speak French?

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

why not just repro the ardun set up .

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Oui, oui!! That's all I can remember.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

The french block patterns may not be the way to go. Check this thread on the H.A.M.B :

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...#post-11572493

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

The New RoushYates Aluminum block closely copied from the cast (kinda) Nascar block is $6500-7000 . I certainly can not see how you could design , cast & machine an Aluminum flathead block for even close to that ! But I am all in for 1 new aluminum fully machined , tested useable block @$3000 ! But my offer ends in 3 years !
Cheers
Tony

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

I could see myself spending $2500.00 on a new fully machined block but not much more.
There is just too many good used blocks still available to warrant spending much more. Basically there just is not enough demand to make casting a new "replacement" block a fruitful venture.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Tony, are you referring to the RY45 engine? If so do you know if that is compacted graphite iron like the FR9 NASCAR engine? If that's the case I could see where the cost could be that much.

I wonder if an aluminum block engineered and machined here but cast overseas might be a little more palatable.

I honestly believe that the sleeving process could be eliminated and the PTAW process could be employed more ecomically and with less trouble than designing a sleeved (wet or dry) engine.

In addition the PTAW system would allow for a bigger bore from the get go with a higher quality cylinder surface to boot. It really is an amazing technology that promises to revolutionize engine design and or refurbishing.

Is there ever any chit chat around the Roush garages about the Flathead Ford knowing that Jack is a huge fan of these old cars?

Maybe he'd be the guy to talk to, to get the ball rolling. Or at least to get this pointed in the right direction.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Considering that with the Flathead Ford you're getting the cylinder cases AND the porting and valvetrain area with the block itself I think $2500- $3000 would appeal to a lot of people. Maybe more than we think.

Do you suppose a block such as the one we are talking about could spawn the era of the $6500 Flathead crate engine that can entertain you with 200-225 hp and 275- 300 ft/lbs of torque?

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

That is a very good question. Lets look at what is available currently...
complete rotating assembly (scat) 1800.00, cam lifters valve train 1000.00
oil pump 200.00, so yes I would say you could get a short block less heads and intake/carbs for 6500. provided the block could be produced for 3k :D

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Aren't we now talkng mainly "Hot Rod" engines for cars with upgraded drivelines, brakes, and suspension? The stock stuff is woefully inadequate for engines with this kind of power. I have thought from the start this thread is better suited to the H.A.M.B.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Never heard of a wolf in sheep's clothing?? So what if it hits a little harder and runs a little stronger as long as its appearance is stock. :confused:

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Ok, dumb question time. Isn't one of the first things done to a flathead relieving the block to improve flow and isn't relieving considered the most bang for your buck in terms of performance? How is that going to work with iron cylinders and aluminum deck? Just a logistical question.

Oh, and block ready to assemble? Nothing else? $2500 if I was feeling nostalgic. As far as performance numbers, at this point I would build a stroker 302 for that price and be done with it.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

"aonemarine", The kind of power we're talking here will surely cause problems (I know, I had a '36 3-window with a healthy 276" Merc). I am done with the part of my life where I enjoy fixing pre-49 Ford driveline boo-boos. A standard "traditional" hop up (heads, carbs, and a little cam) makng 125 HP, sure, but not at this power level.

"Diavolo", I believe current thinking is that relieving is of little value on any but the most highly modified engines.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Well guys I built a 265" Flatty for my friend with a Max 1 cam. Careful porting no relief. It is backed by a T5 trans and runs a single 94 carb. It resides in a Model A Coupe with full fenders. It is a gas to ride in or drive.

The thing is the T5 and or the C4 automatic are becoming a popular way to get the most out of our dear Flatheads. It is simply an option that many builders are taking these days and they work well.

Re: New block, a further discussion
 

Someone needs to make a 39 case with T5 gears in it.....That would be the ticket!