Flat 6

[41Joe]

Just curious, but is there anybody here on the Barn that is running a flathead L6 in their car or truck? G or H series?
If so, any mods and how do you like it?

[grizz]

226 in 51 ford car. lots of torque never overheats no mods

[jboren]

The flathead 6 is one of the best kept secrets of the flathead Fords. It has better lower end torque, almost the same horsepower and will out run an 8 until you get close to top end. It does not have the overheating and cracking issues that seem to plague the 8's and they are great running motors. I have 48 F3 with the H model. If you can find one of the more rare 254 M engines then you actually have more overall torque and horsepower than the 239's. The H or the M are the preferred motors over the G. Just a later/better design IMHO.

jb

[sidevalve8ba]

I had one in a '48 Tudor that ran like a top. No issues at all.

[amodel25]

My avatar has a .060" over 226, Nicson 2x1 intake, Knudsen head, 3/4 cam, Pertronix ignition. It has 40,000+ miles since rebuilt and runs very good.

I'm building a .060" over 254 ("M" engine) , Ross forged pistons, Isky 400 Jr. cam, Cyclone head, modified Falcon six header, home built 4 bbl intake, Mallory dual point distributor. I'm putting it in a '49 coupe that I hope to run at Bonneville next year (three years into a 12 month project).

I have a lot of fun with these engines. Speed equipment is available but rare and pricey.

I'd post a picture of the "H" if I could figure out how.

[41Joe]

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I'm only asking because I picked up a H Series and am planning on putting it in my 41 Tudor. It's pretty clean, just needs new rings and the valves lapped in.
Amodel25, what did you do to modify the falcon header? I was looking at that because headers are non-existent. I found a dual Fenton cast iron header on Ebay, but it sold for $800.
Someone also suggested the Dodge 225 slant 6 distributor does not require that much modification to swap. That way I won't have to worry about having the correct carb for the loadomatic.

[amodel25]

The outer ports (1 and 6) are exactly the same distance on the 200 cu in Falcon as the flat 6. The inner two (3 and 4) are within 1/8" each. The 2 and 5 are about 5/8" off each. There is a company in Tennessee (I'll have to look it up) that sells a plasma cut flat 6 flange. I cut off the Falcon flange, heat adjusted the #2 and #5 tubes, used some short sections of 1-1/4" u-bend pipes and welded it up. It turned out pretty nice. Again, if I can figure out how to post pictures I will.

[JSeery]

If you would like me to post some for you email them to me [email protected]

[41Joe]

Originally Posted by amodel25

The outer ports (1 and 6) are exactly the same distance on the 200 cu in Falcon as the flat 6. The inner two (3 and 4) are within 1/8" each. The 2 and 5 are about 5/8" off each. There is a company in Tennessee (I'll have to look it up) that sells a plasma cut flat 6 flange. I cut off the Falcon flange, heat adjusted the #2 and #5 tubes, used some short sections of 1-1/4" u-bend pipes and welded it up. It turned out pretty nice. Again, if I can figure out how to post pictures I will.

I think I know what company you are talking about. Victory Speed Equipment.

[amodel25]

Victory, that's it.

JSeery I'll take some fresh pictures tonight an email tomorrow.

[edhd58]

I have a G series, bored 0.040 over and a total of 0.040 off the deck and head. The milling of the head was at the machine shop recommendation due to surface imperfections. It has loads of low end torque and with a set of 3.54 gears in the rear will run 65 mph no problem. Other than the bore and deck milling, no other mods, its all like Henry had it.

Be glad you have an H, I found some of the internal parts (oil pump for sure) are no longer produced. I had to have a machine shop do some work on my pump to tighten it up.

I am having an overheat problem but it's airflow through the radiator issue I think. If I put a fan in front of it it cools down idling, without the fan it overheats. New radiator, rebuilt water pump, and a modern thermostat (which I am wondering if it may cause a problem)

[41Joe]

That is a nice 6 you got there Edhd58. I think I saw your post about the cooling issue. I am just going to run an electric fan. I know it doesn't look right, but whatever.
Quick question for all you sixers out there. On the exhaust manifold, will the G series fit on the H series?

[DD931]

I have an "H" in my '48 F-1. Low mileage (37K). Runs like a top. Quiet, starts easy, plenty of power. Back in the day, all us kids knew that a six would beat a V8 in a drag race. The torque curves tell you why. Happy camper.

[4t8v8]

I had a '48 6 and a '49 6. Both excellent running motors but I couldn't outrun a V8, drag or top end. I don't recall ever seeing a 6 in a stock car.

[Seth Swoboda]

I have a flathead 6 engine that I have tried to give away for anyone who can use it. Still have it. Can anyone use it?

[41Joe]

If I lived closer, I would take it.

[toby]

I have had my 50 Business Coupe with the 226H since 1978. It has been through many versions from stock to mild custom and now to simulate a stock car. I have an Edmunds dual carb intake and a set of Red's dual exhaust headers with straight thru mufflers installed. I also have a 6 volt positive ground alternator.

[41Joe]

Toby, that is a nice coupe and a nice flatty you got there. I am bummed that Red's Headers are not making those headers anymore. I emailed them and it sounded like they have no intention on making them again.
How does your exhaust sound? Are the straight thru mufflers glass packs or are they gutted mufflers?

[toby]

Straight thru glass packs. They do "cackle" pretty nice. I talked to Red's yesterday and he told me that if they do decide to make some they would be in the $300+ price range. They do not have the staff to make them- very labor intensive.

[scrapiron]

Do those motors use a water distribution tube like Mopar's? Possible overheating problem if so.

[JSeery]

Photos Posted for amodel25 (sorry about taking so long, busy day!)

[41Joe]

Amodel25, that is one fine looking 6. I am jealous of your finned aluminum head. Nice headers. Any pictures of the header modification?

[JSeery]

Amodel25 will have to provide a description of the photos.

[amodel25]

The center and right pictures on the top row and the center picture on the bottom row are the 226 that is the original engine in my avatar. I rebuilt it in 1999 and it has 40,000+ miles on it. The exhaust on this one is a split original manifold

The rest of the pictures are the 254 that I am planning for Bonneville. I have not started it yet but soon.

Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures during modification of the header. I started with a Classic Inlines header for a 60's Falcon or Mustang 200 cu. in. I cut the flange off flush, heat adjusted the port spacing as described earlier. The 200 outlet is at a 30 degree or so from vertical facing down. The flat 6 outlet is vertical. I cut six 30 degree radius sections from some 1-1/4" mandrel bend tubing and pieced them in between the revised header and an exhaust/intake flanges from Victory Speed Equipment. We welded it up solid and I spent a few hours with a Dremel smoothing everything out. I built a single 4 bbl. intake manifold off the same flanges. The flanges are plasma cut in the same pattern as the intake/exhaust gaskets.

Sorry for the quality of the pictures. They were done in a closed garage, after dark, with a telephone.

[41Joe]

Amodel25,
What are you running for a distributor?

[amodel25]

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On the 226 I am running the stock distributor with a Pertronix kit. It is still full vacuum advance (Load-a-matic) but runs great even with two carbs. All the experts say it should not work but it has for years, good acceleration, 20 mpg on the highway. They all said if it works, leave it alone.

On the 254 I used a Mallory dual point off a 230/250 Chevy six. The mounting hub is the same diameter and I spliced the Flat 6 lower shaft.

[edhd58]

Seth. I pmd you

[Pete/Ct.]

Bought an original 50 F1 with a flathead six, runs like a watch, still driving it. Used to run a stock car in the 70s with flathead six, small track, gave the v8s a run for their money.

[CarlG]

"Back in the day", my Dad bought a new '52 Ford with a V8 engine. It never worked up to his satisfaction, ran hot, and whatever else. Several years later for a second car, he found and bought a '50 with the flathead 6. I had just received my license, and drove that '50 6cyl like there was no tomorrow. When my Dad would compare the '52 V8 with that '50 6cyl, he would take the 6cyl any day. My friends often thought that that '50 had a hopped up V8 in it until I popped the hood to show them.

[flatford8]

amodel25...NICE !!!!.....Do a video when you fire it up.....you earned bragging rights....keep us posted when you make it to Bonneville.....Mark

[Ingram 33vicky]

Have a factory rebuilt (.020-.020 rods mains and bore) G series engine in my 36 woody. Firewall stamping indicated a 6-cyl. when new so I went that route in my restoration. Runs like a top and with a Columbia will cruise at 60-65 with no problems.
Can anyone on this site tell how many 46 woodys were factory installed 6-cyl?
Am planning on having the car at Bakersfield V-8 meet in October.
Paul

[Ingram 33vicky]

Misprint, I have a 1946 woodie, NOT a 36
Paul

[V8ER]

I saw that car at Bakersfield. It's a great car with a great story.

[Ingram 33vicky]

Had a great time at the Western V8 meet in Bakersfield. Managed to get through the judging with only 24 points deducted. Will work those areas over and show the car at the 2017 meet in Salem Oregon. Only a short hop from home so will drive to the meet.

Thanks to all who stopped by in Bakersfield and who encouraged me to build the car.
Paul

[Vintage Copper 47]

Originally Posted by amodel25

My avatar has a .060" over 226, Nicson 2x1 intake, Knudsen head, 3/4 cam, Pertronix ignition. It has 40,000+ miles since rebuilt and runs very good.

I'm building a .060" over 254 ("M" engine) , Ross forged pistons, Isky 400 Jr. cam, Cyclone head, modified Falcon six header, home built 4 bbl intake, Mallory dual point distributor. I'm putting it in a '49 coupe that I hope to run at Bonneville next year (three years into a 12 month project).

I have a lot of fun with these engines. Speed equipment is available but rare and pricey.

I'd post a picture of the "H" if I could figure out how.

AMODEL25;
Where can I get a Nicson 2x1 intake & a header for my SIX?

[amodel25]

Originally Posted by Vintage Copper 47

AMODEL25;
Where can I get a Nicson 2x1 intake & a header for my SIX?

I found the intake at Pate Swap Meet in 1992. I built the header as described. Unless Red's starts making them again, nobody is making them commercially.


Finally got the car to Bonneville this year. First run was 94 mph on my Rookie license run. Second run was officially 107 mph but I was actually doing about 112 or so when a cylinder leaned out and melted a hole in my Cyclone Aluminum Head . Have not figured out what caused it but I'll be back next year.

[Vintage Copper 47]

Originally Posted by jboren

The flathead 6 is one of the best kept secrets of the flathead Fords. It has better lower end torque, almost the same horsepower and will out run an 8 until you get close to top end. It does not have the overheating and cracking issues that seem to plague the 8's and they are great running motors. I have 48 F3 with the H model. If you can find one of the more rare 254 M engines then you actually have more overall torque and horsepower than the 239's. The H or the M are the preferred motors over the G. Just a later/better design IMHO.

jb

JB.. what modifications are necessary to put a 254 into a 47 ford sedan? I have the G model 226 in now.