Small Block Chevy in a Ford

The hot-rodding scene has traditionally been dominated by the small block Chevy (SBC).  Not to be relegated to duty only among old GM models, it is also a popular engine swap in almost every pre-war make.  Some of this is due to the engines ubiquitous nature – millions of these motors exist and due to the massive aftermarket industry supporting them, they are relatively easy and inexpensive to get big power out of.  This is one of the reasons why the Fords of the 1930s that forego their flatheads are almost always seen wearing a Chevrolet bowtie under the bonnet. 

Another reason is the lack of physical space afforded under the hood of your typical 1930s Ford.  The flathead V8 was a compact motor, so it didn’t need as much space – especially fore and aft.  A SBC fits very well within the confines of a blue oval engine bay.  While a small block Ford is typically narrower than its Chevy counterpart, it has a bit of a longer block and therefore takes up a bit more space between the radiator and the firewall.  Water pumps, radiator fans and other accessories mounted to the motor all need to squeeze in there too.  This means there more modifications (and more dollars) are required to fit all of the components necessary for the engine to thrive in its new digs.

 

As this ad from 1936 shows, Ford was quite proud of its compact power plant.  Due to its diminutive dimensions, their passenger cars could offer good power and more passenger space between the wheels compared to other competitors six and eight cylinder inline engines.

So why get rid of the flathead in the first place?    

It’s true that the little V8 was a good performer in its time.  However, with a top-of-line output of about 90ish horsepower, the flathead of the 1930s simply lacks gumption when compared to more modern V8s.  Even fully built naturally aspirated flatheads are only good for around 200 horses.  Furthermore, for the amount of money needed get this sort of output, you could probably have more than double that out of a SBC with enough cash leftover to buy the materials for a new bathroom renovation.  Unfortunately, while there is little that compares to the flathead in terms of character, personality can’t increase your trap speed.            

At the end of the day though, it all depends on your goals.  Sure a typical flathead will have a hard time competing with today’s most modest engines.  However, they can be built at a reasonable price to have enough get up and go that you won’t be embarrassed by every Dodge Neon or Plymouth Sundance. 

Also, flatheads have an undeniable cool factor.  They are immediately distinguishable from their overhead valve cousins, and just drip with nostalgic awesomeness.  However, if you want to go as fast as possible, you would be hard pressed to find a better value than a modified small block Chevy... but I would NEVER do that to an old Ford. 

TTFN