Thread: Ford Flathead 8BA

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The aluminum heads should offer a little tighter static compression ratio, so will help some. In my opinion, the best way to wake up a flathead is with a blower. Puff 5 lbs of boost in there and you'll think it's a whole different motor. I might be thinkin' old school GMC 4-71.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

The aluminum heads should offer a little tighter static compression ratio, so will help some. In my opinion, the best way to wake up a flathead is with a blower. Puff 5 lbs of boost in there and you'll think it's a whole different motor. I might be thinkin' old school GMC 4-71.

I wouldn't put a blower of any sort on any Ford V8 flathead without significant bottom end work, as well as a rebore to at least 3-5/16 to straighten the bores, clean up the valve train and block and add a decent set of heads. That 3 main crankshaft is like a rubber band stock, and with a blower - might just stretch it too far. Of course you could go to a 'crossfire' set up too and gain about the same Hp. But before doing any of that, you have to check the block for cracks, primarily at the center two siamesed exhaust valve seats and pockets into the cylinder walls.

As far as running a '97' Stromberg carb - you will be better off with a pair or trio of the easily tunable Holley/Ford '94' carbs unless you spend the bucks/Kroner for a new design '97 from a source like Speedway (and they have had some quality problems, hopefully now corrected)