The aluminum Flathead blocks

[Old Redneck]

Do they still produce the aluminum block for the flathead. I was told that they could produce up to 300 HP? I never hear about them anymore or know anyone that has one. That would be nice in my 33 coupe? I also that they were pricey

[Fe26]

The last I heard the prototype aluminium engine was being road tested. I suppose after evaluation, someone has to make big decision whether or not these new engines will go into production.

[rotorwrench]

It likely boils down to funding for the project and how many can be sold to realize a profit and that's only after it has proved to be reliable and of good quality. Ford made quite a few changes to their own blocks from 1932 to 1953 to keep warranty claims & production costs down and improve the product moderately. Compared to the average OHV block, the L-head design is a lot more complicated to reproduce. There are still surplus Simca SUMB engines out there for sale that complicate things even further.

[V8 Bob]

I talked with Mark Kirby last year at Indy GGs. He drove the prototype that he's run many thousands of miles, and now has a blower for additional durability testing. He was optimistic and hopeful the engine could be available this year.

[flatjack9]

There is an aluminum block being made for the Ardun engine.

[JM 35 Sedan]

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There was also a FOMOCO aluminum Flathead block. This was on display at the Ford Headquarters building in Dearborn, MI in 2007 for the 75th anniversary celebration of the '32 Ford and the Flathead V8 engine.







Here's Mark Kirby at the same show with his aluminum flathead block. He was there with Shadow Rod's at that time. This project started when Mark owned Motor City Flathead's. I hope he does get this engine in production some day.