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Old 08-20-2018, 06:07 PM   #1
chrs1961815
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Default Putting a V8 in a model a

I have been thinking about putting a V8 in my 28 roadster sometime in the future, but I don't know how to go about it and what fits. Has anybody around here done this to a 28 Roadster or similar example? I want the setup that is the easiest to put in.
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Old 08-20-2018, 06:21 PM   #2
J Franklin
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

I have heard of this modification, but all research has shown it just cannot be accomplished.
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Old 08-20-2018, 06:31 PM   #3
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

X2.
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Old 08-20-2018, 06:35 PM   #4
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

I have a couple model A's with small block chevies. They require a recessed firewall. I think a flathead might fit though.
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Old 08-20-2018, 06:36 PM   #5
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Thumbs down Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

Ditto!


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Old 08-20-2018, 06:47 PM   #6
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

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DO SCREW UP A PERFECTLY GOOD MODEL A. Find one that is fiberglass body and put on a frame built for a hot rod
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Old 08-20-2018, 06:47 PM   #7
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

#1 Ask this question on the Flathead Forum
#2 Find the book "Building a Traditional Ford Hot Rod" by Mike Bishop and Vern Tardel.
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Old 08-20-2018, 06:50 PM   #8
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

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Originally Posted by garyjohn View Post
do screw up a perfectly good model a. Find one that is fiberglass body and put on a frame built for a hot rod
ditto
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Old 08-20-2018, 06:57 PM   #9
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

Lot's of info about this on the HAMB site .
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...n-an-a.875648/
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Old 08-20-2018, 07:02 PM   #10
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

Hot rod stuff the hamb is your friend. Jalopyjournal.com
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Old 08-20-2018, 08:23 PM   #11
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

Quote:
Originally Posted by garyjohn View Post
DO SCREW UP A PERFECTLY GOOD MODEL A. Find one that is fiberglass body and put on a frame built for a hot rod
I am still on the fence, don't worry.
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Old 08-20-2018, 08:23 PM   #12
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

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Originally Posted by davehc View Post
Lot's of info about this on the HAMB site .
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...n-an-a.875648/
Thanks.
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Old 08-20-2018, 08:27 PM   #13
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

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Originally Posted by Licensed to kill View Post
I have a couple model A's with small block chevies. They require a recessed firewall. I think a flathead might fit though.
Mid to late 50's small blocks? I have a 55 Chevy as well and some spare engines...
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Old 08-20-2018, 08:44 PM   #14
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

Have you considered modifications to your 4 banger?

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Old 08-20-2018, 09:08 PM   #15
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

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Have you considered modifications to your 4 banger?

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Didn't think about it yet. I never really explored modifying any engine beyond some simple things.
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Old 08-20-2018, 09:34 PM   #16
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

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Didn't think about it yet. I never really explored modifying any engine beyond some simple things.
I saw some pictures of your car on your previous post, https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248779 Definitely a good looking car. Before you jump into the project make a list of everything you are going to have to change and what it is going to cost. Post it here (and on HAMB). Nothing worse than getting half way through and running out of money or giving up because it is too big of a job. While you are thinking about it you might consider selling you car and buying one that already has a V8. Please don't even consider putting a small block Chevy into that car, you will end up with a car that looks like everyone else's car. Hence the expression, a belly button motor.


Attached are a picture of a modified engines (neither of them mine). Just be sure to not try and pump out too much horsepower or reliability will suffer. The speed equipment on both of these engines are probably reproductions you don't have to scrounge for original speed equipment. The flathead is a "Thomas" equipped engine and the overhead is probably a Riley two port by Charlie Yapp of the Secrets of Speed Society (SOSS). The Roof, Cragar and Four Port Riley's are also currently reproduced (and probably a couple of others).



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Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_3382.jpg (67.7 KB, 119 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4031.jpg (59.5 KB, 121 views)

Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 08-21-2018 at 12:26 AM.
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Old 08-20-2018, 09:45 PM   #17
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

I agree with Charlie Stephens. I recently put a Model B engine with a Roof overhead conversion in a '31 Slant Windshield. It required no modifications to the body or chassis. I think the Roof and Riley topped four cylinder engines look better than a V-8 in a Model A. Either of these heads put out plenty of power for road cruising and air conditioning if you so desire.

In the end, when you sell your car, you may find it is worth more if it is not "cut up" to accommodate a V-8. JMO
Good Day!
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File Type: jpg 20180422_163912 (1024x576).jpg (64.6 KB, 90 views)
File Type: jpg 20170726_204507_1501161790049_resized (1024x576).jpg (64.3 KB, 97 views)
File Type: jpg Roof side view cropped.jpg (46.1 KB, 89 views)

Last edited by Dave in MN; 08-22-2018 at 03:08 PM.
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:06 PM   #18
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

certainly brakes and suspension have to be modified to handle a V8 unless it is a V8 60 flathead and there you gain no performance addition.
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:31 PM   #19
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

I have done one with. Flathead v8 59ab I put a 35 transmission and hook it to the stock rear axle and put juice brakes on it off from mid 40s ford I went with cross steering it was easyer to run I had t notch the fire wall for.the fuel pump

It was not that bad of a job cost a lot to do it radiator will cost.the most to get a good one

I would never do it to a nice car
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Old 08-21-2018, 06:34 AM   #20
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Default Re: Putting a V8 in a model a

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I have been thinking about putting a V8 in my 28 roadster sometime in the future, but I don't know how to go about it and what fits. Has anybody around here done this to a 28 Roadster or similar example? I want the setup that is the easiest to put in.


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