FlatHead 6

[Mustang6147]

I have my old hotrod, it is a 41 Plymouth. I am running a newer Flathead 6. I bought it from Jasper in 1995 or so. I havent done any real mods, except electronic ignition, which made a world of difference. The one thing I would like to do, is add A/C for those hot summer days. Where can I find brackets, or a complete kit.

Are these Flatheads as reliable as a slant 6 or a 318??? I have won many long distance awards at car shows, and it has proven to be reliable to me, but many people say dont be surprised if I throw a rod out the side of the block.

[mackster]

I have my old hotrod, it is a 41 Plymouth. I am running a newer Flathead 6. I bought it from Jasper in 1995 or so. I havent done any real mods, except electronic ignition, which made a world of difference. The one thing I would like to do, is add A/C for those hot summer days. Where can I find brackets, or a complete kit.

Are these Flatheads as reliable as a slant 6 or a 318??? I have won many long distance awards at car shows, and it has proven to be reliable to me, but many people say dont be surprised if I throw a rod out the side of the block.

I dont believe the nay-sayers...everyone that has had one always said they are realiable. next time someone said they are not reliable asking how many they had personally. I think if you do the regular maintenance on them you got enough engine for a long time! the AC brackets and stuff will depend on what kind of system you are planning to run. I believe vintage air has a complete kit, just tell em what engine you are running and they should be able to help you out...

[Mustang6147]

I tried vintage air some time ago, and always meet up with them and onother supplier at The Good Guys meet in Columbus. They didnt have anything as of last year or so I am told...

[Jim Yergin]

You might want to check out this thread.

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=10757

Jim Yergin

[Mustang6147]

Thank you so much Jim, that is exactly what I am looking for

[Jim Yergin]

Thank you so much Jim, that is exactly what I am looking for

You are welcome. Glad I could help. Hope it works for you and that you post on the forum about your install.

Jim Yergin

[55 Fargo]

I have my old hotrod, it is a 41 Plymouth. I am running a newer Flathead 6. I bought it from Jasper in 1995 or so. I havent done any real mods, except electronic ignition, which made a world of difference. The one thing I would like to do, is add A/C for those hot summer days. Where can I find brackets, or a complete kit.

Are these Flatheads as reliable as a slant 6 or a 318??? I have won many long distance awards at car shows, and it has proven to be reliable to me, but many people say dont be surprised if I throw a rod out the side of the block.

You mention, the electronic ignition, making a world of difference, care to elaborate on that. I am interested in adding solid state igniton to my engine. Is your system 6 or 12 volt, what is a good electronic igniton kit for a 6 volt system......Thanx Fred

[Mustang6147]

I switched mine over to 12 volts. The flathead has no timing curve. It is set up at top dead center. Tom Langdons Stovebolt in Michigan sells parts for these engines. I bought his complete electronic ignition kit. I also looked at the cam grind info (stock) and put together a timing curve, mocking up some timing marks on the crank. I put in the new distributor, and set it approximatley at 3 degerees advanced, then ran the engine up to 1500rpms, and retimed it there, setting it around 15 degrees, and back down to idle it is at 6 deg advanced. It is smoother, more power through out the rpm range, and before it struggled to get up to 55 MPH. Now it rolls up to 70 no problem. The engine runs cooler, and doesnt sound labored at any rpm.

[55 Fargo]

I switched mine over to 12 volts. The flathead has no timing curve. It is set up at top dead center. Tom Langdons Stovebolt in Michigan sells parts for these engines. I bought his complete electronic ignition kit. I also looked at the cam grind info (stock) and put together a timing curve, mocking up some timing marks on the crank. I put in the new distributor, and set it approximatley at 3 degerees advanced, then ran the engine up to 1500rpms, and retimed it there, setting it around 15 degrees, and back down to idle it is at 6 deg advanced. It is smoother, more power through out the rpm range, and before it struggled to get up to 55 MPH. Now it rolls up to 70 no problem. The engine runs cooler, and doesnt sound labored at any rpm.

Thanx for the info, the results with more power, faster acceleration,runing cooler, are all good in my books......

[Canvalycali]

Thanx for the info, the results with more power, faster acceleration,runing cooler, are all good in my books......

This is definitely on my to do list. Is this the one your talking about....

http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/acartpro/product.asp?productid=126

Thanks

[PatS....]

Are these Flatheads as reliable as a slant 6 or a 318??? I have won many long distance awards at car shows, and it has proven to be reliable to me, but many people say dont be surprised if I throw a rod out the side of the block.

I have had a few as daily drivers as a young un, never had a rod through the block. Actually never had one buy the farm at all.

The peripherals give some problems but not the engine itself.

I think with the extra maintenance yours will get it would be as reliable as any other engine on the road.

Go grab a few more long distance awards and have some fun!!!

[PatS....]

I switched mine over to 12 volts. The flathead has no timing curve. It is set up at top dead center. Tom Langdons Stovebolt in Michigan sells parts for these engines. I bought his complete electronic ignition kit. I also looked at the cam grind info (stock) and put together a timing curve, mocking up some timing marks on the crank. I put in the new distributor, and set it approximatley at 3 degerees advanced, then ran the engine up to 1500rpms, and retimed it there, setting it around 15 degrees, and back down to idle it is at 6 deg advanced. It is smoother, more power through out the rpm range, and before it struggled to get up to 55 MPH. Now it rolls up to 70 no problem. The engine runs cooler, and doesnt sound labored at any rpm.

This should be a sticky at the top of the forum. Solves a whole lot of questions in a few lines.

Well done Mustang!

[steveplym]

Thanx for the info, the results with more power, faster acceleration,runing cooler, are all good in my books......

I did the same thing to my car last year Fred. He is right it would struggle up to 55, after I added the langdon ignition it goes right up to speed with no problems. I advanced it 3 degrees and have been running it there. With the OD I added it makes it even more comfortable to drive. Wish I had done this years ago.

[55 Fargo]

I did the same thing to my car last year Fred. He is right it would struggle up to 55, after I added the langdon ignition it goes right up to speed with no problems. I advanced it 3 degrees and have been running it there. With the OD I added it makes it even more comfortable to drive. Wish I had done this years ago.

Hi Steve, thanx for the reply, hope all is well with you.

Do I have to convert to 12 volt to enjoy the benefits of electronic igntion.

I find I have decent acceleration already, but would like more if possible, how about easier starts and a cooler running engine..........Fred

[Mustang6147]

I havent been on here in the past few days, and see this thread has grown... My opinion is, electronic ignition is an easy upgrade, and well worth the $$. My engine has acted like a whole new engine.

I switched mine over to 12 volts, but I am still running the old 6 volt starter. My thougts are, The starter is only engaged for a few seconds, and when it finally stops working, I will replace it then. I have had mine switched to 12 volts for 6 or so years. Electronic ignition for 3 years.

[55 Fargo]

The 6 volt starter will run fine on the 12 volts, might last for years....

[Mustang6147]

I did the same thing to my car last year Fred. He is right it would struggle up to 55, after I added the langdon ignition it goes right up to speed with no problems. I advanced it 3 degrees and have been running it there. With the OD I added it makes it even more comfortable to drive. Wish I had done this years ago.

WHich OD did you install. I am currently considering this upgrade along with A/C

[jmooner3]

currently 6v pos ground. To make the switch to 12v, does the system need to be switched to neg ground? All bulbs and gauges need addressed too?

[Mustang6147]

Guages only need to be switched if they require a swending unit. AL mechanical guages will work regardless of voltage change. Yes the bulbs require changing but That would be a given. The biggest thing is the headlights and brake lights are so much brighter...