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-   -   Putting a V8 in a model a (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=250002)

chrs1961815 08-20-2018 06:07 PM

Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I have been thinking about putting a V8 in my 28 roadster sometime in the future, but I don't know how to go about it and what fits. Has anybody around here done this to a 28 Roadster or similar example? I want the setup that is the easiest to put in.

J Franklin 08-20-2018 06:21 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I have heard of this modification, but all research has shown it just cannot be accomplished.

Vin-tin 08-20-2018 06:31 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

X2.

Licensed to kill 08-20-2018 06:35 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I have a couple model A's with small block chevies. They require a recessed firewall. I think a flathead might fit though.

Bob-A 08-20-2018 06:36 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Ditto!:mad:


Bob-A:D

garyjohn 08-20-2018 06:47 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

DO SCREW UP A PERFECTLY GOOD MODEL A. Find one that is fiberglass body and put on a frame built for a hot rod

PeteVS 08-20-2018 06:47 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

#1 Ask this question on the Flathead Forum
#2 Find the book "Building a Traditional Ford Hot Rod" by Mike Bishop and Vern Tardel.

monto 08-20-2018 06:50 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyjohn (Post 1665671)
do screw up a perfectly good model a. Find one that is fiberglass body and put on a frame built for a hot rod

ditto

davehc 08-20-2018 06:57 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Lot's of info about this on the HAMB site .
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...n-an-a.875648/

oldsman41 08-20-2018 07:02 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Hot rod stuff the hamb is your friend. Jalopyjournal.com

chrs1961815 08-20-2018 08:23 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyjohn (Post 1665671)
DO SCREW UP A PERFECTLY GOOD MODEL A. Find one that is fiberglass body and put on a frame built for a hot rod

I am still on the fence, don't worry.

chrs1961815 08-20-2018 08:23 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by davehc (Post 1665674)
Lot's of info about this on the HAMB site .
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...n-an-a.875648/

Thanks.

chrs1961815 08-20-2018 08:27 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Licensed to kill (Post 1665665)
I have a couple model A's with small block chevies. They require a recessed firewall. I think a flathead might fit though.

Mid to late 50's small blocks? I have a 55 Chevy as well and some spare engines...

Charlie Stephens 08-20-2018 08:44 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Have you considered modifications to your 4 banger?

Charlie Stephens

chrs1961815 08-20-2018 09:08 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens (Post 1665710)
Have you considered modifications to your 4 banger?

Charlie Stephens

Didn't think about it yet. I never really explored modifying any engine beyond some simple things.

Charlie Stephens 08-20-2018 09:34 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

2 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by chrs1961815 (Post 1665714)
Didn't think about it yet. I never really explored modifying any engine beyond some simple things.

I saw some pictures of your car on your previous post, https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248779 Definitely a good looking car. Before you jump into the project make a list of everything you are going to have to change and what it is going to cost. Post it here (and on HAMB). Nothing worse than getting half way through and running out of money or giving up because it is too big of a job. While you are thinking about it you might consider selling you car and buying one that already has a V8. Please don't even consider putting a small block Chevy into that car, you will end up with a car that looks like everyone else's car. Hence the expression, a belly button motor.


Attached are a picture of a modified engines (neither of them mine). Just be sure to not try and pump out too much horsepower or reliability will suffer. The speed equipment on both of these engines are probably reproductions you don't have to scrounge for original speed equipment. The flathead is a "Thomas" equipped engine and the overhead is probably a Riley two port by Charlie Yapp of the Secrets of Speed Society (SOSS). The Roof, Cragar and Four Port Riley's are also currently reproduced (and probably a couple of others).



Charlie Stephens

Dave in MN 08-20-2018 09:45 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

3 Attachment(s)
I agree with Charlie Stephens. I recently put a Model B engine with a Roof overhead conversion in a '31 Slant Windshield. It required no modifications to the body or chassis. I think the Roof and Riley topped four cylinder engines look better than a V-8 in a Model A. Either of these heads put out plenty of power for road cruising and air conditioning if you so desire.

In the end, when you sell your car, you may find it is worth more if it is not "cut up" to accommodate a V-8. JMO
Good Day!

midgetracer 08-20-2018 11:06 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

certainly brakes and suspension have to be modified to handle a V8 unless it is a V8 60 flathead and there you gain no performance addition.

1931flathead 08-20-2018 11:31 PM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

I have done one with. Flathead v8 59ab I put a 35 transmission and hook it to the stock rear axle and put juice brakes on it off from mid 40s ford I went with cross steering it was easyer to run I had t notch the fire wall for.the fuel pump

It was not that bad of a job cost a lot to do it radiator will cost.the most to get a good one

I would never do it to a nice car

woofa.express 08-21-2018 06:34 AM

Re: Putting a V8 in a model a
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrs1961815 (Post 1665660)
I have been thinking about putting a V8 in my 28 roadster sometime in the future, but I don't know how to go about it and what fits. Has anybody around here done this to a 28 Roadster or similar example? I want the setup that is the easiest to put in.



You wantabe had up for murder?


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