The Ford Barn

Grayble 123 · 08-18-2024, 09:56 AM

After much trial and error over the past year with my 51 clutch chatter I have thrown in the towel and found a 74 C4 had it rebuilt. Now I’m having trouble deciding on an adapter for my flathead. I have been on a waiting list fork over six months with Flatomatic. Gene has had health issues and problems sourcing torque converters. My question is Speedway has an adapter kit and everything I can purchase. How is it compared to Flatomatic? Or should I just be patient? I would like the opinion of you experts. This is my first Flathead.

Ronnieroadster · 08-18-2024, 01:57 PM

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Having built and worked on a number of C-4 to flathead conversions its my opinion each conversion will work fine IF the time is taken to be sure on a couple of important details.

Its important to be sure the adapter you use is actually on the crankshaft centerline using a dial indicator to verify that detail would be important.. Also the flywheel is at times called a flex plate for a reason. The remanufactured toque converter you get with either conversion will have some run out. When I work on this type of conversion I verify and correct as needed that the converter has as little run out from the pump end to the pilot end. These two details when checked and corrected when needed will assure the complete conversion will work perfectly.
Ronnieroadster

08-18-2024, 09:56 AM	#1
Grayble 123 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Maryville,Tn Posts: 26	1951 coupe flathead to C4 adapter After much trial and error over the past year with my 51 clutch chatter I have thrown in the towel and found a 74 C4 had it rebuilt. Now I’m having trouble deciding on an adapter for my flathead. I have been on a waiting list fork over six months with Flatomatic. Gene has had health issues and problems sourcing torque converters. My question is Speedway has an adapter kit and everything I can purchase. How is it compared to Flatomatic? Or should I just be patient? I would like the opinion of you experts. This is my first Flathead.

08-18-2024, 01:57 PM	#2
Ronnieroadster Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East Coast in CT Posts: 1,697	Re: 1951 coupe flathead to C4 adapter Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Having built and worked on a number of C-4 to flathead conversions its my opinion each conversion will work fine IF the time is taken to be sure on a couple of important details. Its important to be sure the adapter you use is actually on the crankshaft centerline using a dial indicator to verify that detail would be important.. Also the flywheel is at times called a flex plate for a reason. The remanufactured toque converter you get with either conversion will have some run out. When I work on this type of conversion I verify and correct as needed that the converter has as little run out from the pump end to the pilot end. These two details when checked and corrected when needed will assure the complete conversion will work perfectly. Ronnieroadster __________________ I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead, Focus and Finish "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 First Ford flathead roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH reset the record in 2024 to 211.830 running to mile four. Top speed 2024 mile five 220.672 exit speed 221.587