Thread: Modern Flatheads

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I don't know who told you that a flathead engine is an easy build because it isn't. You first have to find a good block and then have it magnaflux to see if the block is cracked.. I'm rebuilding a 53 merc block and believe me it's taken longer and more expensive than I'd first though it would be. I've worked with flatheads since 1958 and I love them and yes you can get a nice 250Hp engine built like thesals says, but it's going to cost you some big $$$$$

I love those old 59AB engines and the ad on EBay with a current bid of $560 looks tempting but on the one hand it is likely to be bid up near the end of the time limit and on the other hand it is definitely a gamble to put out $500-$1000 without pulling the heads to check for cracks. The problem is that many flatheads would run with a crack between a cylinder and a valve pocket with a tell tale of disappearing water. I optimistically bought three blocks and found cracks in all of them. You can build a SBC-350 for under $2000 and get 250 to 275 HP easily while you will have to spend a lot on a flathead (assuming you can find a good block) to even get 200 HP. Time moves on!

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder