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Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify

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Product Code: SA379
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Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify

Your Price:
$34.95
Currently out of stock

Get your hot rod back on the road by rebuilding its Ford Flathead engine using this comprehensive guide that features expert advice and detailed step-by-step sequences.

In Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify, veteran author Tony Thacker and flathead guru of H&H Flatheads, Mike Herman, take you through rebuilding a flathead. One of the most important steps is to actually find a good, usable core; many have been sitting for a very long time and the engine design is prone to cracking. Running changes are also an important consideration when selecting a core and include the cooling system, ignition, and transmission mount.

After you have selected a core, Thacker and Herman take you through the entire process of a rebuild, including teardown, parts inspection, machine shop processes, replacement part selection, reassembly, start up, and break-in.

Although not the first V-8 engine ever produced, Henry Ford's side-valve V-8, launched in 1932, certainly qualified as the first mass-produced V-8 sold to the public. Because of Henry Ford's stubbornness, the first versions were less than ideal. The technology was in its infancy, and cost-cutting measures limited the output and reliability of the early models. Over time, however, the “Flattie” became the go-to powerplant for a whole generation of new hobbyists who were called “hot rodders.” The engine maintained its position in the hobby well into the 1950s, even when more modern overhead-valve designs started coming out of Detroit. It's hard to overstate the impact that this simple little engine had on a whole generation of enthusiasts. Even today, people choose a flathead for period-correct builds over far more powerful options. The style and sound of a modified flathead is an iconic part of American history.

Also covered is a unique performance build completed at the H&H shop for legendary race car team manager and all-around enthusiast Ray Evernham. It all adds up to a must-have book with more than 500 color photos and insider tips on building what could be called the most iconic engine ever built: the Ford flathead V-8.

Dedication 

Foreword by Ray Evernham 

About the Authors 

Introduction 

 

Chapter 1: A Brief History of the Ford Flathead V-8 

Growing Pains 

Surviving the Great Depression 

Building Up to the End 

 

Chapter 2: Engine ID, Equipment and Tools 

What Is the Goal? 

Selecting a Candidate 

Identification Research 

Cleanup 

Special Tools 

Basic Tools 

 

Chapter 3: Disassembly 

Fuel Pump, Starter and Accessories 

Intake Manifold, Water Pump and Timing Cover 

Cylinder Heads 

Oil Filter, Pan and Pump 

Bearing Caps 

Rods and Pistons 

Valve Assembly 

Bellhousing and Clutch Assembly 

 

Chapter 4: Cleaning 

Block Cleaning 

Hot Tanking 

Rust Removal 

Cylinder Head Cleaning 

Crankshaft Cleaning 

Sludge Trap Plugs Removal 

 

Chapter 5: Inspection 

Crack Detection 

Magnafluxing 

Pressure Testing 

Head Inspection 

Crank Inspection

Rod Inspection 

Sonic Testing 

 

Chapter 6: Machine Shop 

Blueprinting and Balancing 

Balancing and Honing the Rods 

Balancing the Pistons 

Balancing the Crank 

Crack Repair 

Cylinder Boring 

Align Boring 

Sleeving 

Honing 

Decking 

Power Slot Relieving 

Pressure Sealing

Valveseat Installation 

Valveseat Grinding 

Cylinder Heads 

 

Chapter 7: Selecting Parts 

Source List 

 

Chapter 8: Final Assembly 

Oil Gallery Plug 

Camshaft 

Oil Pump Gear 

Fuel Pump Pushrod Bushing 

Valvetrain 

Oil Deflectors 

Crankcase Breather Tube 

Rear Oil Slinger 

Crankshaft 

Pistons 

Camshaft Gears 

Oil Pump 

Crankshaft 

Water Pump 

Oil Pan 

Pulleys 

Flywheel 

Head and Head Gasket 

Finishing 

 

Chapter 9: Start-Up 

Run-In Procedure 

Fire-Up in the Car 

 

Chapter 10: Building a Performance Flathead 

Block 

Rotating Assembly 

Porting the Block 

Porting the Intake Manifold 

Valves 

Block Honing 

Assembly 

Oil Pan 

Heads 

 

Appendix 

Cylinder Numbers and Firing Orders 

Torque Sequence 

Serial Numbers 

 

Source Guide 

Get your hot rod back on the road by rebuilding its Ford Flathead engine using this comprehensive guide that features expert advice and detailed step-by-step sequences.

In Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify, veteran author Tony Thacker and flathead guru of H&H Flatheads, Mike Herman, take you through rebuilding a flathead. One of the most important steps is to actually find a good, usable core; many have been sitting for a very long time and the engine design is prone to cracking. Running changes are also an important consideration when selecting a core and include the cooling system, ignition, and transmission mount.

After you have selected a core, Thacker and Herman take you through the entire process of a rebuild, including teardown, parts inspection, machine shop processes, replacement part selection, reassembly, start up, and break-in.

Although not the first V-8 engine ever produced, Henry Ford's side-valve V-8, launched in 1932, certainly qualified as the first mass-produced V-8 sold to the public. Because of Henry Ford's stubbornness, the first versions were less than ideal. The technology was in its infancy, and cost-cutting measures limited the output and reliability of the early models. Over time, however, the “Flattie” became the go-to powerplant for a whole generation of new hobbyists who were called “hot rodders.” The engine maintained its position in the hobby well into the 1950s, even when more modern overhead-valve designs started coming out of Detroit. It's hard to overstate the impact that this simple little engine had on a whole generation of enthusiasts. Even today, people choose a flathead for period-correct builds over far more powerful options. The style and sound of a modified flathead is an iconic part of American history.

Also covered is a unique performance build completed at the H&H shop for legendary race car team manager and all-around enthusiast Ray Evernham. It all adds up to a must-have book with more than 500 color photos and insider tips on building what could be called the most iconic engine ever built: the Ford flathead V-8.

Pages : 144
Size : 8.5 X 11 (inches)
Format : Paperback / softback
Illustrations : 577 color photos
Publisher : CarTech
ISBN : 9781613252871
Product Code : SA379

Dedication 

Foreword by Ray Evernham 

About the Authors 

Introduction 

 

Chapter 1: A Brief History of the Ford Flathead V-8 

Growing Pains 

Surviving the Great Depression 

Building Up to the End 

 

Chapter 2: Engine ID, Equipment and Tools 

What Is the Goal? 

Selecting a Candidate 

Identification Research 

Cleanup 

Special Tools 

Basic Tools 

 

Chapter 3: Disassembly 

Fuel Pump, Starter and Accessories 

Intake Manifold, Water Pump and Timing Cover 

Cylinder Heads 

Oil Filter, Pan and Pump 

Bearing Caps 

Rods and Pistons 

Valve Assembly 

Bellhousing and Clutch Assembly 

 

Chapter 4: Cleaning 

Block Cleaning 

Hot Tanking 

Rust Removal 

Cylinder Head Cleaning 

Crankshaft Cleaning 

Sludge Trap Plugs Removal 

 

Chapter 5: Inspection 

Crack Detection 

Magnafluxing 

Pressure Testing 

Head Inspection 

Crank Inspection

Rod Inspection 

Sonic Testing 

 

Chapter 6: Machine Shop 

Blueprinting and Balancing 

Balancing and Honing the Rods 

Balancing the Pistons 

Balancing the Crank 

Crack Repair 

Cylinder Boring 

Align Boring 

Sleeving 

Honing 

Decking 

Power Slot Relieving 

Pressure Sealing

Valveseat Installation 

Valveseat Grinding 

Cylinder Heads 

 

Chapter 7: Selecting Parts 

Source List 

 

Chapter 8: Final Assembly 

Oil Gallery Plug 

Camshaft 

Oil Pump Gear 

Fuel Pump Pushrod Bushing 

Valvetrain 

Oil Deflectors 

Crankcase Breather Tube 

Rear Oil Slinger 

Crankshaft 

Pistons 

Camshaft Gears 

Oil Pump 

Crankshaft 

Water Pump 

Oil Pan 

Pulleys 

Flywheel 

Head and Head Gasket 

Finishing 

 

Chapter 9: Start-Up 

Run-In Procedure 

Fire-Up in the Car 

 

Chapter 10: Building a Performance Flathead 

Block 

Rotating Assembly 

Porting the Block 

Porting the Intake Manifold 

Valves 

Block Honing 

Assembly 

Oil Pan 

Heads 

 

Appendix 

Cylinder Numbers and Firing Orders 

Torque Sequence 

Serial Numbers 

 

Source Guide 

Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify

$34.95

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