Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Hi Fordbarn,

Does anyone know of a good exhaust manifold that’s a rear exit that will fit a 39 ford standard? My current manifold dumps in front of the steering box and I’m looking for something that will be easier to run a dual exhaust.

Thanks,
Chris

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Fenton cast iron headers is all I can think of. I also think one of the parts vendors (Carpenter?) used to make a repop 8BA police manifold,but I don't think they are available anymore. You could look around for one (or maybe even an original?) though.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Thanks, let me look around for the police manifolds.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Bob Drake Have them.

https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.aspx?Item=HR-9431

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

That part is listed for 49 - 59 cars. Would they work on a '39. They will fit the engine, but will they work with the earlier steering box and frame?

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Well the 8BA is a 49-53 Engine.
I have not used one in a 39 but think will be good candidate.
maybe some know better.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Will isn't this interesting!

From Drake's site:

"These manifolds are the single most effective way to increase horsepower through vastly improved exhaust flow, because the key is changing the stock single-exhaust to dual-exhaust."

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

I have a lot to learn. Why to do you scoff at Drakes statement? Doesn't dual exhaust improve delivered horsepower?

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

I have an original "police" exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe flange is definitely bigger but as far as increasing HP by it self is questionable, exhaust gas flow better YES so maybe better throttle response and cooling

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

By the time the exhaust pulse makes it down from the top of the block through those snaky little passages (with the two center cylinders fighting each other), there's not much you can do to help it get better.:(

Duals do sound better, though.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

From what I've read, the intake tract on a flathead is the limiting factor in gaining horsepower, not the exhaust. Dual exhaust sure sounds a lot better, though!

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Dyno tests show minimal hp gains with exhaust modifications on semi-stock engines. The Drake statement is "...the single most effective way to increase horsepower...". That is a false statement. I like headers on a flathead, I like the look, I like the sound, but it is NOT the single most effective way to increase horsepower, not even close.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

According to the old magazines

Dual exhaust 10 hp
Dual carbs 10-15 hp
High Compression heads 10-15 hp

All is bolton ;-)

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

AA Ford needs to buy JWL's book to know why he should spend his money elsewhere on his project.


R

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

What is the single most effective way then?

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Compression ratio. Milling the heads. JWL calms almost no HP gains with his dyno test. Flatheads suffer from low compression not exhaust flow.

I'm a big dual exhaust fan, but got to realistic about the expected results.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Or you should read my post...my question has nothing to do with performance.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

That says it all. When we were kids, we'd go through the J.C. Whitney catalog and add up the horsepower gains advertised for each part. We all knew that if we had enough money, we could make a 175 HP flathead easily.:o

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

I wonder if back in the day the muffler was a restriction so the police manifold would give you 2 mufflers on the car. Police needed to be quiet. Seems like it would be a lot of engineering, must have made a bit of difference.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Cubic inches, which if the heads remain the same, brings added compression ration as well.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

On a stock flathead? Methinks a stock can breathe quite well with a stock exhaust system. Dual exhaust on a stock flathead is for appearance...

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Since its an 8ba go with EAB heads.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

I bet a turbo or super charge would be the SINGLE best way. A modern part not a back in the day part.

Chris

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Is it an 8BA?....does a ‘39 exhaust cross over the front like one?...I bought a left manifold from Drake and a right from Shoebox-Central. But it’s a ‘51 with an 8BA. I agree with the dual exhaust is for looks and sound.....and annoying the neighbors when I leave for work in the morning!!!.....Mark

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Plus the Ford police package included the 255 cu. in. Mercury engine so maybe the factory engineers figured the stock Ford single exhaust was somewhat restrictive.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Chris that would be the single best way however economy may suffer a bit. ;)

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Kube, yes but duals with glasspacks or even straight pipes sound better!!

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

here are one i found on Ebay.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1932-1936-F...-/402056410662

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Thanks! That looks pretty good!

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Not available back in the day?

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Aren't you looking for a rear exit manifold?:confused:

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

C'mon guys! Let's be sure of what we're suggesting that folks should purchase. That eBay unit is a "FRONT" exit manifold for a CROSSOVER pipe! DD

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Belond equal flow headers. 40% power gain. Always wanted a set. ???????????

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Thanks good catch!

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

I have an original Douglas "police" left side manifold used on the '51 and later flatheads. If you can use it, PM me.
Ken

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

I have Red's headers in my 39 standard with Brockman mellowtone mufflers.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Would be interesting if we could see a episode of engine masters do a flathead buildup. Maybe we need to start harassing Freiburger.

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Have a look at the French flathead exhaust manifolds. Exit high up and to the rear. https://www.35pickup.com/FrenchFlathead.html

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

Belond must have had a much better catalog than J.C. Whitney.:D

With a 40% increase?:eek: I would too.!

Re: Rear exit manifolds for flathead 39 Ford
 

That would be interesting! Open it up to all flathead engines used in automobiles from, say 1920 to 1954. OEM blocks, cranks and heads only. Otherwise, anything goes! Use the Engine Masters scoring system to give a level playing field to determine the winner. Maybe go by horsepower per cubic inch.
Next, which would be overall horsepower king? 308 Hudson? 346 Cadillac? 359 Packard straight 8? Or a 448 Lincoln V12?
Let the games begin!