Hi, Can anyone give me some idea of what would be involved in fitting a V8 flathead engine into a standard model A (be it a coupe / roadster or sedan etc.)...would the standard chassis be sufficient to take the V8 or would it need boxing / strengthening.....is the 4 banger transmission the same fitting as the V8 or would this also need upgrading also would you need to alter the rear end....is it simple to upgrade to juice brakes.... Just curious as to me this would make a real nice sleeper as it were. sorry for the dumb questions, but i'm sure there will many of you who have done similar upgrades. Many thanks in advance for any feedback / advice.. cheers keith
You can get almost all the answers by buying Vern Tardel's book : Hot rod your model "A", as it is an instruction manual for just the question(s) you've asked.
You need to get Vern Tardell's book that describes this in great detail. It will show you how to do it.
Probably near close to half ( or, just A LOT) of the build threads here on the HAMB are AV8's. Search for "AV8" and you will find more than you can read in a month.
Made it easy for you Keith: https://www.verntardel.com/products/vern-tardel-hot-rod-your-model-a-book Just click on the link and you're in business.
You don't need Tardel's Book. Just go to the Top of this page and on the left side of the header is a magnifying glass icon. Click on it and put in A-V8 then just start reading. You will be shocked at how much Good info is on here with photos along with every combination out there. I bet there is at least 20 builds going on right now on just that.
Fantastic guy's....many thanks for all the prompt replies.....i just knew this would be the place to get this info...what an amazing website !! cheers keith
I have had my pick on the road 18 years with an unboxed chassis and a stock Model A rear end which bolts strait up to a V8 closed drive gear box. I broke an axle about ten years ago, other than that no problems. It is a strait forward swap. Good luck , & be sure to post pic's.
If you dig around enough, you will likely find some UK AV8 builds too, which may have some specifics that are relevant.
Come to think of it, if you change the title of this thread to FITTING A V8 FLATHEAD INTO A MODEL A (in the UK), you might draw out some of the UK HAMBers to give you some insight, fellowship, and local resources.
no you don't need to box an A chassis if you are using a flathead. they are plenty strong enough for a flattie. you could fit the banger gearbox to the flattie but better to go with the 3spd or change to another gearbox like a volvo 4spd or a T5. The std A rear end wont be the most reliable with a flattie, better to change it to a v8 banjo axle. you can get a bolt on juice brake kit from MT car products http://www.mtcarproducts.com/MODEL-A-KIT.html but if you go to a V8 axle that will have juice brakes on it so you don't need a kit as such, you could just buy front juice brakes.
Thanks "Tin Lizzie", I used a 4" axle with reversed eyes on the springs . the rest is tyre rake. 7.50 x 16 rears & 5.50 x 16 front.
If you go to a V8 banjo it will be wider and the wheels may hang out a little from the fenders. You could have it narrowed ($). You are also going to need to shorten the torque tube ($). If you keep your foot out of it the Model A rear end should not be a problem. Charlie Stephens
Using your Foot isn't the issue that causes broken axles, it's the Tire patch on the ground, the dia. of said Tire and how well it stays connected to the Asphalt.