I was just looking in a book I have..."The Complete Book of Engine Swaping" by Peterson. In the engine weight chart, it shows a Flathead V8 to be 100lbs less in weight than a SBC. Could this be correct? I know the Flathead V8 doesn't have the rockers and such an OHV motor does, and maybe even a lighter intake manifold. But, it sure seems like there would more iron in the block. Anyone know for sure?? Thanks, Gene.
Depends on what SBC it is. Some had hulking inlet manifolds and the iron heads are heavy. Also the flathead is a smaller displacement .
If you look at the weighs of many engines , it will surprise you! Check the weight of the SBC against an FE Ford! Then reduce the weigh of the FE some fifty pounds by adding an aluminum intake! The FE “ looks” twice as big as the SBC! Bones
Check the difference between BBC and Oldsmobile, both 454/455 cube range. Olds is I believe around 100 bs. lighter. Protracted to the extremes, the Chev can be made more powerful, just sayin' I remember being amazed the Chevy 6 heavier than a 283.
Yup, a whole lot of relevance. Does weight matter, to most, probably not. Does size matter, (not that silly), to some yes. Me, I want it all, at least 2 out of three aint bad!
I just rebuilt a OT engine with an aluminum block for small money to put in my OT car. We have it made today with the OT offerings although the electrical is more. Anyhow, horsepower and weight are a concern but usually fitment and economy wins. A nailhead Buick dressed up looks better than a small block chevy but guess what is prevalent on cruise night?
I know my Oldsmobile 394s are heavy as hell, but the 430 MEL was the biggest engine and transmission combo I've ever personally seen in a common passenger car. We pulled one out of a 59 Lincoln and from the tail shaft of the trans to the snout of the water pump, we could juuuuuussssssttttt get the tailgate shut on a long bed pickup. The bolt pattern was too big for my engine stand too. That thing was an absolute monster.
Likely 235, We had a 250 up here too, I was 14, and V8 minded at the time, pardon the lack of clarity.
No one has mentioned a MEL block lol. Not sure on weight but it sags my 1500lb engine stand. When it’s got all the goodies. edit. I see that MEL was mentioned. Not sure how I missed that
Speaking of Cadillacs, that chart show the V-16 as weighing 1,300 pounds! That's a lot of cylinders, but still, can that be right?
Ford Flathead 525 lbs 59 Corvette with aluminum intake 535. They can weigh as much as 575 (400" motor) all iron.
A Crosley is real light. I remember a picture of Powell Crosley with one in his arms. Saw one at the swap meet and tried lifting it. Even I could do it.
SBC and a flathead both with iron heads are around 525 lbs. The difference is how much HP and rpm's you get from either.
the tin ones are really light. They were originally an airplane motor. If I could get my hands on one I would build a drag bike out of it. Just because i can.
The Jalopy Journal
