Table Of ContentDedication 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
SynopsisIn Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild & Modify veteran author Tony Thacker and Flathead guru of H&H Flatheads, Mike Herman, take you step-by-step through rebuilding a vintage flathead., 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.