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Old 09-26-2016, 11:31 AM   #1
41Joe
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Default Flat 6

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?
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Old 09-26-2016, 12:22 PM   #2
grizz
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Default Re: Flat 6

226 in 51 ford car. lots of torque never overheats no mods
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Old 09-26-2016, 12:24 PM   #3
jboren
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Default Re: Flat 6

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.

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Old 09-26-2016, 12:44 PM   #4
sidevalve8ba
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Default Re: Flat 6

I had one in a '48 Tudor that ran like a top. No issues at all.
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Old 09-26-2016, 12:48 PM   #5
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Default Re: Flat 6

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.

Last edited by amodel25; 09-26-2016 at 12:53 PM. Reason: "M" not "G" engine
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:01 PM   #6
41Joe
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Default Re: Flat 6

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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.
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:09 PM   #7
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Default Re: Flat 6

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.
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:14 PM   #8
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Default Re: Flat 6

If you would like me to post some for you email them to me [email protected]
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:27 PM   #9
41Joe
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Default Re: Flat 6

Quote:
Originally Posted by amodel25 View Post
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.
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:33 PM   #10
amodel25
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Default Re: Flat 6

Victory, that's it.

JSeery I'll take some fresh pictures tonight an email tomorrow.
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Old 09-26-2016, 03:47 PM   #11
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Default Re: Flat 6

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)
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Old 09-26-2016, 03:51 PM   #12
41Joe
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Default Re: Flat 6

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?
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Old 09-26-2016, 04:44 PM   #13
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Default Re: Flat 6

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.
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Old 09-26-2016, 07:17 PM   #14
4t8v8
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Default Re: Flat 6

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.
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Old 09-27-2016, 08:56 AM   #15
Seth Swoboda
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Default Re: Flat 6

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?
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Old 09-27-2016, 09:12 AM   #16
41Joe
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Default Re: Flat 6

If I lived closer, I would take it.
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Old 09-27-2016, 09:47 AM   #17
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Default Re: Flat 6

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.
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Old 09-27-2016, 10:05 AM   #18
41Joe
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Default Re: Flat 6

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?
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Old 09-27-2016, 11:54 AM   #19
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Default Re: Flat 6

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.
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Old 09-27-2016, 04:07 PM   #20
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Default Re: Flat 6

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