french flathead
 

There is some french flathead engines (nos) for sale on eBay. has anyone had any experience with this nos engine? I would hate to buy it and then have to spend money to rebuild it.

Re: french flathead
 

There are several for sale. Some are NOS. Bare block which I have built a couple. Both has severe core shift. There are also engines that are complete and rebuilt with papers. I don’t know anything about them. Kiwi Rex in Modesto has some factory rebuilt ones contact him.

Re: french flathead
 

Do you have Kiwi contact #

Re: french flathead
 

My ph is 209 484 9244 Im located in Modesto

Re: french flathead
 

I have a couple of NOS French blocks available as well for anyone interested. Since I have personally built an engine using a NOS French block I can guide anyone who ends up buying one of my available blocks. If interested please send me PM here on the Barn
Ronnieroadster

Re: french flathead
 

Ronnieroadster is your man - he has been there and done that thing!

Re: french flathead
 

thanks guys. I am thinking about buying one of the nos engines, I hope it is not wasted money. I like that it apparently has an 8ba front configuration. I am going to put it in a 37 Phaeton.

Re: french flathead
 

Unless Im mistaken I dont believe anyone is selling a complete NOS engine , but there are alot of NOS blocks in different stages of machining available , the complete engines like I have ,were rebuilt mainly via Simca and come with dyno run in sheets saying how many minutes at various RPMs they were run, they are totally complete but set up for military application, , 24v starter and gen,and governered carbs, but they do run great,

Re: french flathead
 

I have four of those engines. Very easy to convert them for use in a Ford as all US parts will fit. All the threads are Imperial. The big lump on the left upper bell housing is only used for the gouvernor on the french lorries and can be removed and holes closed with threaded bungs. So far one of my engines has survived a Weiand blower with 11 psi - all this on the std pistons and rods and with modified original camshaft for more lift.

Re: french flathead
 

Thank you for that information. It helps a lot.

Re: french flathead
 

I got the nos engine today. It looks good. I have not run a compression test yet. The problem is it has a 24 volt starter. Not sure if a standard starter will fit. Anyone had experience with that? I guess the distributor will work with 12 volt neg ground?

Re: french flathead
 

You can use the flathead starter but be aware that the old type 6V starter, especially when used with 12 volts, will push the ring gear off the flywheel as it attacs from the "wrong" side. (It happened to me so it is possible) Better use a geared starter like the Powermaster, this will engage from the engine side into the ringgear - thus pushing the ring gear against the rib of the french flywheel. Usually you cannot use the french pan as it will not fit between wishbone, axle etc. But the pan of the US flathead fits the french block as well so no problem there.

Re: french flathead
 

thank you for that information

Re: french flathead
 

I forgot to add: you can use the french dizzy but be aware that the coil will give a weak spark due to 24 volts needed. But you can use a 12volt coil instead outside of the (waterproof) case. Or you shorten a chevy dizzy and use the driving gear and lower end of the french contraption - I did this on two engines - very easy and works very good.

Re: french flathead
 

I assume by dizzy you mean distributor?

Re: french flathead
 

Yes, a dizzy is a distributor.

Re: french flathead
 

Exoilfld, can you post some photos? I’m super intrigued. Is the whole engine nos? Or did they build an engine with a nos French block? I see a couple still on eBay.

Re: french flathead
 

I have used these French motors. I have always sourced a "conversion kit".
This consists of a matching 59A style oil pan, starter and flywheel.
The front breather needs to be welded shut on the pan.
There are many other subtle changes that either have to or can be made.
I have documented the conversion of a French motor into a 59A "clone" in a series of videos. I will post a link to the playlist.


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...9fM2GrRai3tTUc

Mart.

Re: french flathead
 

I will post a reply if I can ever figure out how to do that.

Re: french flathead
 

To answer your question busmania, yes it is a complete engine. looks to be in good condition. I wish it did not have a 24 volt starter, that is why I have not done a compression test yet. I really like that it has a 8ba front and a 59a rear. should fit nicely in my 37 phaeton--if I ever get to the point of putting it ii in.