Need some advice

[Vanspeed]

Hi guys, I have been on the hunt for a good flathead and I have two possible candidates. I have a 35 pickup, sadly the flathead was too far gone for me, water had got in to the motor and seized it up real bad. I have the opportunity to buy a '37 21 stud and a '40 24 stud. Here is my dilemma.

The 37 was told to me to be a running take out ( guy turned the car into a street rod) and is complete. The 40 is on a stand and I can hear it run, had an old ford rebuild tag on it, 60 over pistons and 10 under crank I believe. Also complete.

The price is a difference of 250.00, what would you guys do? Both are too far away to go and see unless I am buying it. I just want to make the right choice and I am on the fence on this one. Everybody is telling me to buy the '40. I just want to know what you guys recommend. Which engine would be best for the old pickup?

The 37



The 40

[Pete]

I would let both of them go.
Look for a 46-53. Less headaches down the road.

[flatheadmurre]

If you know the oilpressure and can get him to do a compressiontest its less of a gamble....
If it runs good with little smoke and blowby id go for the 40 based on that you know more about it.
You cant verify what youve been told about the other engine.

[flathead 53]

go with the 40/41 far better engine, other then a 1949/53 better yet.

[Scott H in Wheaton]

I vote for the '40, as that is what I have in my '36 pickup.

image.jpg

[Vanspeed]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Good advice so far, keep it coming. The gentleman with the 40 told me he wants me to see it run before the sale.

[Charlie Stephens]

I would go with the '37. Put a couple of block off plates (Ford or home made) and then bolt all of your '35 stuff on it. Be sure you check for domed pistons versus flat top when you install the heads. Of course as the others have noted the newer stuff is better.

Charlie Stephens

[35fordtn]

Just as Charlie said, I would go with the 37 engine with block off plates. Then you can use the earlier heads and retain some look of originality. I have a 37 engine in my 33 and wouldn't hesitate to go anywhere in it.

[Vanspeed]

I am leaning towards the 37. Now I am kicking myself in the butt for selling the 37 engine that came in it because it had the 35 heads, intake and generator/fan. Also had the block off plates.

[Ol' Ron]

This is a difficult choice to make by a person not familiar with these engines. Rebuilding either engine is not only expensive, but finding someone familiar with the floating bearings associated with both engines is rare in this time frame. a 49-53 would be the easiest and cheapest rebuild. Why do I say rebuild, Both these engines are used, and you have to look long term. Either way $$$$$$

[Scott H in Wheaton]

I say stick with a running used engine for a few reasons

1) its already put together and running, so you get it installed and running in your truck much much sooner.

2) If it doesn't work out, you can always shop for a better running engine while you still have this one running in your truck

3) you can buy 3 or 4 running engines for the cost of rebuilding just one

4) a fresh rebuilt engine deserves a nice clean shiny coat of paint...and I don't think that would match the character I believe you are striving for in your project

also, keep in mind you are not building a hot rod that will blow the doors off anything from the 1960's and newer. You want to DRIVE it. The 'cool' factor is just having it on the road, not trying to do burnouts and set land speed records. You won't notice any significant difference between the power of one old engine vs the other, just as long as it runs.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Just based on my experience, I would go with the 40 engine. However, if you are looking more to stay original, go for the 21 stud but I do like the compression check idea and I also like how the 40 engine owner seems to want to make you happy by hearing it run.

Both engines are used, so longevity until the next rebuild is a factor, especially if you intend to do more than just around town driving.

In the short term it gets you on the road quicker and buys you time to perhaps find another engine that is a fresh/fresher rebuild. There are no guarantees in life - you take a chance either way, used or rebuilt as we have seen and heard here on this forum many times before.

Good luck and keep us posted ....

[Vanspeed]

I never said I was not familiar with these engines, I have owned several. This truck is just going to be used around the house, maybe some occasional road driving. I am not building a show truck, just fixing what needs to be fixed and that's it. Paint will never happen while I own it because I like what time/weather does to old fords. You have given me plenty of good advice, I will let you know what happens.

[Vanspeed]

I pulled the trigger on the 37, and got in touch with the guy who bought my old engine. He said he is willing to give me back my 35 heads, block off plates and intake for the 37 stuff. Very happy about that!