The Ford Barn

Henry Floored · 06-26-2016, 10:14 AM

You know I have to say I'm a little disheartened to hear all of the defeatist attitudes about the prospect of a new block. I thought this was America, the land of the "can do" attitude.

We don't seem to think like that anymore. We are acting like defeatists. We don't build the tallest buildings anymore. We don't build the nicest bridges anymore. We buy foreign made durable goods like cars at unprecedented rates. As Trump says we don't "win" anymore.

The engine in Chevrolet's Indy Car program was designed and made overseas. We don't have much of a space program anymore. We don't do shit here anymore.

All I see is how tough it would be and no one would buy one. I beg to differ. The Flathead Ford is the ONLY Ford engine that the typical hot rodder would ever consider for their early Ford car. Other than that it's straight over to Chevrolet because Ford never made an OHV V8, did you guys know that?

I believe this could be done and furthermore I believe it could be a reasonably successful venture. There are thousands of Flatheads being built every year.

Here's how it could work. Someone with the ability or access to the ability to design a new block is selected. The nucleus of the project could be held by the Early Ford V8 foundation. We could solicit participation by folks like Ford Performance and Jack Roush.

A design could be locked in then a funding campaign could be launched via the EF V8 club. Would any of you be willing to invest $25- $100 to develop a new block?

Would any of you like to be part of the process? Would you be willing to donate some time, experience or information.

In the end Ford Performance could be the network of distribution. All of the entities involved would be promoted as partners in this project thus some real good advertising exposure.

Something like this would probably never happen unless the proponents of and the enthusiasts for a certain thing actively band together and MAKE it happen.

So I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. Am I delusional? Do I have any valid points? Let's kick this around a little and see where it goes.

JSeery · 06-26-2016, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry Floored

You know I have to say I'm a little disheartened to hear all of the defeatist attitudes about the prospect of a new block. I thought this was America, the land of the "can do" attitude.

You can dream if you wish, but people who know what is involved are trying to pass a little bit of that knowledge along. The flathead block is a very difficult block to cast (probably the most difficult around) and cost would most likely be in the $20k range. That is not realistic no mater how much you wish it was otherwise.

Henry Floored · 06-26-2016, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSeery

You can dream if you wish, but people who know what is involved are trying to pass a little bit of that knowledge along. The flathead block is a very difficult block to cast (probably the most difficult around) and cost would most likely be in the $20k range. That is not realistic no mater how much you wish it was otherwise.

With all due respect I know a little about what it takes to get things done albeit on a smaller scale.

The question is could we count on your support should such a venture begin?

Henry Floored · 06-26-2016, 10:47 AM

If this theoretical block used PTAW you can thank industry for footing the bill on the development of this technology which has been successfully employed in automotive engines.

http://www.plasmacoatings.com/pdf/Wh...04%20Final.pdf

Next?

Henry Floored · 06-26-2016, 10:40 AM

Okay as far as technical details I'll throw a few of my ideas out for your consideration.

Number 1 I'd go with an 8BA design. I'd eliminate the removable valve guide altogether. If cast in aluminum (which is the right thing to do, who would not want to shed over 100 unproductive pounds?) I'd look strongly at "PTAW" for better quality, ease of manufacture, and even lighter weight. This is Plasma Transfer Arc Welding. It is an a amazing technology. It can be involved in moderately high volumes of production. Its cost effective compared to and probably ALOT less problematic as it is to fit a traditional dry sleeve in an aluminum bore.

As a side note a PTAW bore will run cooler since there is no joint between the liner and the cylinder itself.

06-26-2016, 10:14 AM	#1
Henry Floored Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 611	Re: Could Edelbrock cast a flathead block You know I have to say I'm a little disheartened to hear all of the defeatist attitudes about the prospect of a new block. I thought this was America, the land of the "can do" attitude. We don't seem to think like that anymore. We are acting like defeatists. We don't build the tallest buildings anymore. We don't build the nicest bridges anymore. We buy foreign made durable goods like cars at unprecedented rates. As Trump says we don't "win" anymore. The engine in Chevrolet's Indy Car program was designed and made overseas. We don't have much of a space program anymore. We don't do shit here anymore. All I see is how tough it would be and no one would buy one. I beg to differ. The Flathead Ford is the ONLY Ford engine that the typical hot rodder would ever consider for their early Ford car. Other than that it's straight over to Chevrolet because Ford never made an OHV V8, did you guys know that? I believe this could be done and furthermore I believe it could be a reasonably successful venture. There are thousands of Flatheads being built every year. Here's how it could work. Someone with the ability or access to the ability to design a new block is selected. The nucleus of the project could be held by the Early Ford V8 foundation. We could solicit participation by folks like Ford Performance and Jack Roush. A design could be locked in then a funding campaign could be launched via the EF V8 club. Would any of you be willing to invest $25- $100 to develop a new block? Would any of you like to be part of the process? Would you be willing to donate some time, experience or information. In the end Ford Performance could be the network of distribution. All of the entities involved would be promoted as partners in this project thus some real good advertising exposure. Something like this would probably never happen unless the proponents of and the enthusiasts for a certain thing actively band together and MAKE it happen. So I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. Am I delusional? Do I have any valid points? Let's kick this around a little and see where it goes.

06-26-2016, 10:47 AM	#4
Henry Floored Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 611	Re: Could Edelbrock cast a flathead block If this theoretical block used PTAW you can thank industry for footing the bill on the development of this technology which has been successfully employed in automotive engines. http://www.plasmacoatings.com/pdf/Wh...04%20Final.pdf Next? Last edited by Henry Floored; 06-26-2016 at 11:05 AM.

06-26-2016, 10:40 AM	#5
Henry Floored Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 611	Re: Could Edelbrock cast a flathead block Okay as far as technical details I'll throw a few of my ideas out for your consideration. Number 1 I'd go with an 8BA design. I'd eliminate the removable valve guide altogether. If cast in aluminum (which is the right thing to do, who would not want to shed over 100 unproductive pounds?) I'd look strongly at "PTAW" for better quality, ease of manufacture, and even lighter weight. This is Plasma Transfer Arc Welding. It is an a amazing technology. It can be involved in moderately high volumes of production. Its cost effective compared to and probably ALOT less problematic as it is to fit a traditional dry sleeve in an aluminum bore. As a side note a PTAW bore will run cooler since there is no joint between the liner and the cylinder itself.