Author Topic: Ford Flathead dragster build  (Read 37360 times)

Offline denverflatheader

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #15 on: April 05, 2014, 08:32:38 PM »
Andrew – two more pieces of the puzzle in hand, you have to remove (?) some material from engine block to fit mushroom part of lifters, or maybe already done.  Looking marvelous : )  DF 

Offline andrewb

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #16 on: April 07, 2014, 06:13:25 AM »
I have magnesium bronze bushings to insert into the lifter bore then I will have it back spot face cut to accommodate the larger foot of the lifter. I know that the gains are probably minimal with this style of lifter but it's something I've always wanted to try.

Andrew

Offline denverflatheader

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #17 on: April 08, 2014, 12:32:25 PM »
Andrew - one of three possible outcomes with your mushroom lifter design over stock Ford tappets; negative change, no change or positive improvement (engine dyno would verify exact results from stock tappet to mushroom lifter).  The next best thing is use what’s available, pencil and paper for me : )  I draw cartoon sketches, helps me visualize easier.  Based on my cartoon with stock Ford fh V8 cam, your mushroom lifter idea has obvious advantage over stock tappet.  Plus your lifters have additional merit being lighter and stronger.  I see “much” positive improvement over stock…  DF

Offline andrewb

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #18 on: April 09, 2014, 06:44:43 AM »
That's a great visualizaion DF.

Offline denverflatheader

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #19 on: April 10, 2014, 12:38:56 PM »
my pleasure, enjoyed sketching it out : ) 

Offline andrewb

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #20 on: May 23, 2014, 07:29:48 AM »
My father-in-laws motto is “I don’t what to buy it; I just want to borrow it”. Back in the mid 90’s he borrowed these solid machined billet heads designed by Virgil Hanson. He ran this best time in the injected fuel flathead, something like 8.48@155. When it came time to buy them, he opted to return them instead. Luckily for me Virgil still had them and I decided to buy them.

The chamber design is exactly what I was looking for with the main combustion area moved over the exhaust valve and accommodates a pop-up piston.  Not much left for me to do with them except to find someone who can O-ring them, if it’s even possible.

Anxiously waiting for the Moldex crank, GRP rods, and billet cam blank I ordered to arrive.

Andrew

Offline andrewb

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #21 on: July 17, 2014, 06:40:26 AM »
Woo Hoo! The GRP connecting rods finally showed up. They're like little bars of silver, but probably cost more. Here's a picture of one of the little beauties next to a stock Ford Flathead rod. Now I can get started on ordering the pistons.

Andrew

Offline GlennLever

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #22 on: July 17, 2014, 07:52:41 PM »
Pretty!
Glenn R. Lever
Rochester, New York 14617-2012
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Offline denverflatheader

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #23 on: July 21, 2014, 08:31:54 AM »
Andrew – good choice (grp in Denver).  I know of another vintage engine ran grp rods very successfully.  Met a guy from the northwest last month (WalterPearce), enjoyed visiting with him and his vintage race car.  DF

p.s.  I like the spark plug location on those Hansen's too (moved closer to piston) maybe less timing. 

Offline fedonnitro

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #24 on: July 28, 2014, 03:47:54 PM »
Andrew I look forward to watching your build. I have a soft spot for the flathead stuff. My brother has a 50 Ford pickup with it's original V-8. Before dad died we had talked about doing a flatty in a K-88 style digger. Are those rears the small window Halibrands? Very cool deal!!
Carl

Offline andrewb

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #25 on: July 29, 2014, 06:30:26 AM »
Hi Fedonnitro,

No, not Halibrands but Romeo Palamides wheels. I just started another Flathead project in addition to this dragster. It's a 50's style wood hydroplane boat similar to the one in this picture. Nothing extreme with the engine for it, just a few standard hop ups.

Andrew

Offline GlennLever

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #26 on: July 29, 2014, 07:21:20 AM »
Neat.
Glenn R. Lever
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Offline andrewb

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Best mfg for Chrysler 8-3/4 ring and pinion gears
« Reply #27 on: November 17, 2014, 10:35:43 AM »
As I sit here an wait on my crankshaft and cam (6 months and counting) there's not a lot more I can do on the engine. I decided on pulling parts together for the rear end. I ordered the Mopar Performance Aluminum Case ('742' style). I plan on going with the Mark Williams aluminum spool and axles. I'm going to start out running 3.55 gears and have found 3 manufactures of them: Motive, Nitro, and Yukon. Are any of the makers better than the other. Are there any US made ring and pinion gears. I'm kind of limited with the ratio I'm running.

Thanks,

Andrew

dreracecar

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #28 on: November 17, 2014, 11:13:16 AM »
What needs to be considered is that the gears you are looking at street or race gears, If they are street gears then they need to be softened up a little for impact resistance instead of hard for longevity

Offline andrewb

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Re: Ford Flathead dragster build
« Reply #29 on: November 25, 2014, 11:30:01 AM »
Bored. Slow work week and I'm waiting for parts. Decided to name my future FED.