Hello, I am looking for wisdom . I bought a french flathead and I am dreaming to put a TH 350 on it. Problem is there are no adapter kits available for obvious reasons. My question to you all is: Can you mill down the engine block to the extent that it may accept early style bell housing? Or anybody has done this before? Any input other than: “ you are on the wrong path” would be highly appreciated.
Why would you mill down an engine block to adapt a transmission? Just build an adapter. The Chevy pattern is online as a blue print. A good machinist can pattern the block. A couple of chunks of aluminum and you get two adapters. One for the block/trans, and one for the crank/flexplate. Do it right and you can drive a Chevy flexplate with a straight-bolt Chevy starter.
www.speedwaymotors.com/Flathead-V8-to-Ford-C4-Auto-Transmission-Conversion-Kit,8947.html?sku=91028906&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=CjwKCAjw5c6LBhBdEiwAP9ejG4Kim57ELCNDEU5yDZoXqaNO1l8wd_6H6Wh-cXKmsAleJ-44Yl-ERhoC3ZUQAvD_BwE I would do the C4 idea too if thinking of an automatic...
The French flathead, if memory serves, does not have the later-style pattern that this kit is for. I believe it has what is close to the earlier style.
Yea, I missed the French part... https://www.flat-o.com/carproducts/flatomatic.htm This one looks like 32-48...
Glad you all figured my issue… Now back to original question if I may. Can it be done? Has anyone done it without destroying the block?
Ford Barn says C4 is great. I have a flat-o-matic converter and beefed up C4 behind my Supercharged 8BA and it's GREAT. Been driving it around for over 10 years now.
Are you outside the US? There may be trans options that are more common in your area. Having access to a good machinist or equipment would be the key to making it work. Good Luck.
Now you are on the right track; why re-invent the wheel when there is a good solution already available.
had a c4 behind my 265 -8ba ... chirped second gear almost every time... tranny buddy tweeked the band pressure... lots of fun...
No matter which kit you choose, any auto trans takes more power(slippage) than a manual trans to push the car down the road!,! At least that is what I have been told—-the hamb “professionals” will either back me up or tell me I am wrong!!
There are always other options. I used a Flatattack (Australia) adaptor to use a Toyota 4 speed auto; (top is overdrive). I love it. The Flatattack kit is excellent. I am using a 3.9 ratio rear gives 2000rpm at 60mph with 195/80 x 15 tires. Possibly 4.0 rear would improve it? Which ever auto you choose think carefully about the combination of engine tune, car weight, gear ratio, tire size etc, and be honest about how it will be driven.
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