School me on V8 60's

[51504bat]

Looking at a V8 60 for a potential project but I barely know enough to keep the 8ba in my '39 p/u running so 60's are completely new to me. I searched the forum and came up with some info on water pump issues but not much else. The engine is complete except for a carb from what I can tell. Heads and intake are off. No visible cracks but one cylinder got water in it, possibly from a blown head gasket. It doesn't appear that the damage went through the sleeve. All cylinders are sleeved. There may be a rebuild tag on the bell housing portion of the block but its unreadable. Obviously it will need a complete overhaul. Any specifics to look for or versions to stay away from? The intake is aluminum and a single carb. I believe these used a model 81 carb? Are parts as readily available as a 59 or 8ba? Thanks in advance.

[Charlie Stephens]

Why don't you tell us what the potential project is and that will determine the responses.

Charlie Stephens

[aonemarine]

Pucker up! Its about to get even more expensive. Parts are scarce and costly when you do happen across them. They dont make alot of torque, never will. Make sure this is the path you want to travel before heading off on the journey..

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

Why don't you tell us what the potential project is and that will determine the responses.

Charlie Stephens

Thinking about a single seat speedster type for Trog.

[tubman]

There are two basic versions; the "Tin-Side", with electrically welded sheet metal sides and those with regular cast iron blocks. I believe that the "Tin-Sides" were early, 1937 and perhaps early 1938. I have heard that the "Tin-Side" may have problems with the sheet metal sides deteriorating and leaking. The only "60" I ever had didn't have those problems (but that was in 1961). 1940 Models are a little different, with larger bearing journals. If you are still interested in them, try to find some guys running them in "Midget" racers in vintage meets. Those guys are really into them and know their stuff. Surprisingly, Speedway Motors still has high compression heads and dual carb manifolds for them.

[Mike in AZ]

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check out H&H flatheads....they have parts and prices for you....sounds like it could be a fun project....early Ford in San Dimas had '39 trans for the 60....i think....a few years ago, tho.....have fun....Mike

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by 51504bat

Thinking about a single seat speedster type for Trog.

Is it safe to assume that you are dealing with a cubic inch requirement? I am not familiar with the TROG rules.

Charlie Stephens

[JM 35 Sedan]

Try to find a copy of this book.... "The V8-60 Ford's Little Powerhouse" .... by Richard Willim.

You might find a copy on ebay or you could put a wanted ad here, and maybe someone will have a copy they are willing to sell.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...t=marty+willim

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ht=rich+willim

[62pan]

If you can find Richard Willim's book that would be a big help. The early 37's have the tin sides while the later 37's thru 39's are all cast. All parts should interchange with these models. The 40 is a different model, larger crank bearings, different block, longer crank snout etc. Parts for the 40 are really hard to find. Midget guys loved these. There is also a French version so if you post a photo of what you found that would help.

Your project sounds interesting just beware that a lot of guys are going to try and talk you out of using a V8 60. A lot of negativity shows up when ever they are talked about. I stuck one in a motorcycle based on the 38 Indian Four. Theres a photo on the barn somewhere. Good luck.

[aonemarine]

There is also a facebook group; V8-60 fords little power house
Its worth signing up for

[drolston]

In 1971 I bought a '37 Tudor slant back just for the looks of that model. The V8 60 in it was pretty tired. I replaced it with a used motor that came out of a boat. It still would not pull the hat off your head. Even then parts for an overhaul were too expensive for my budget. With three kids in diapers and a starter job, I couldn't even afford a new fuel pump. My wife had hysterics when she caught me blowing on the gas filler to get fuel to the carb (yes, it works, but your face looks funny for a while). Sadly, the '37 had to go.

I just spent twice the cost of a 300 hp crate engine to get my 59A/B from 95 hp to maybe 170 hp, because I love the look and the sound of a full dress flathead. It can't beat my minivan in a drag race, but the fact that many others appreciate the results, helps. So my advice is: If you love your vision of the completed project, go for it. But the only other people that appreciate a V8 60 are antique midget racers.

[51504bat]

Thanks everyone for the good advice and info. Turns out the project I was interested isn't going to work out so I'll keep looking for some type of speedster project maybe a banger or a 239 flattie, just depends.

[Curt in AZ]

My goto site for old books is abebooks.com, but no luck on the Willim book. But there is a 1936? Ford publication on the V8 60 that might be helpful:

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Boo...%26sortby%3D17.

[flatjack9]

Willim's son is working on a reprint of the book.