I bought a nice solid 1939 Ford Convertible this weekend. It was supposed to be a quick flip. Well, I got impatient when buying (from a known seller) and didn’t test drive it. Got it home and took it for a short ride, zero oil pressure and a rod knock when warm. So, I need to change out the engine. I’ve got a good 327 Chevy and have a lead on a good running 8BA Flathead. Purely in the sense of resale value, should I put the 327 in it or stick with a Flathead? Assuming the cost to do either is the same, actually I think the Flathead will cost more.
If it was me I would pull what's in it and see what it will take to remedy the existing problem. May just be turning the crank, bearings, gaskets, rings and the rods checked for resizing. JMO, Good luck
My favorite car....are you sure it's a rod knock or is it related to ignition??? Is it currently a flathead??? Low oil pressure shouldn't be a problem with FH.
It sounds very metallic, loudest when coasting or holding a steady rpm above idle. It is quiet at idle and while decelerating. You can here it while accelerating but is not as loud as when coasting at a steady rpm. I have had others listen to it and they also feel it’s a rod.
For this car, I think that I would stay with a flatty. If you have changed your mind about a flip, then your options open up.
Over the years, I've had a couple of flathead powered cars and none of them had the performance to satisfiy me. Installing a 327 in the 39 Ford is a no brainer. It will bring more money when you sell it.
I'd pay more for the 327 conversion, only because that's what I would do, but just adapted to the 39 driveline. Easiest fix, is the flathead. Selling price would be close either way; but that's me.
Since you have to pull the engine either way. Take the flathead apart and see whats wrong with it before deciding.
Fix the flathead if you are just flipping the car. Let the next owner decide if he wants to make the overhead swap.
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