I'm thinking to get the parts to blow my flathead (1946 ford). I don't want to go for a (expensive) period correct one like italmeccanica (or only if I find one cheap... What type of blower will fit a flathead for street use, but driven like on a strip??? What other engine part do I need to change??? Thanx
Get onto mooneyham or BDS and look for something like a 4-71. A web search could find a bit. Try these guys, http://www.dyersblowers.com/1694.html
Lots on options and opinions. It will come down to how much do you know about fabrication, engine building, etc.. I've ran SCoT setups and am building both a 3-71 and a 4-71 setup . . . with very different approaches to all three. The SCoT is the most traditional and WAY expensive (early 50's style), the GMC most like early Bonneville (like Navarros's 3-71 setup) and later stuff from Joe Abbin is the most modern (serpentine belts, 4 barrel carb, newer Weiand blower, etc). Some guys will buy a complete turnkey system -- some like to build things themselves. If you've never ran a blower or a blown flathead, I suggest buying a complete package deal - from one vendor who will support you, give advise, help you select a cam, ignition, carbs, etc.. Here are two places to checkout: 1) GMC Kits or New SCoT Repops (big money on the later!) http://www.flatheads-forever.com/home/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,58/ 2) I'd also definitely contact Joe Abbin -- his complete kit is probably the least expensive way to go. I'd highly recommend his book if you're new to building a blown flathead . . . lots of good info. Roadrunner Engineering — Supercharger kits, and Joe Abbin's book "Blown Flathead", which is loaded with information on both normally-aspirated and blown flatheads: P.O. Box 53296 Albuquerque, NM 87153 (505) 296-7678 [email protected]
3-71 and 4-71 both fit and are just as traditional or period correct as the Italmeccanica/SCoT piece. But bare minimum you know you're going to need: Blower, Manifold, and the drive. (snout and pulleys) I would think a center main support and pistons would be next on the list... and a cam. But I've heard of people just bolting the blower on being underdriven with no real mods to the engine and running fine. Like all things hot rod it's going to vary widely depending on how good a fabricator and scrounge you are. You're at a definite advantage asking the question here though - blown flatheads are popping up all over.
A few years back I did a B&M deal on a stroker, ran and sounded like a SBC. Never had a single issue with the unit. I always believed the carb was too small but never got a chance to follow up on it. It had run so good they left it as it was delivered. Not certain today if these blowers are manufactured anymore, easy enough to find out though. At the time this blower was built it was one of a batch of about 5 or 6 being produced. That one in the photo was supposed to be on one of Garlit's cars. We just got hold of it first! Thanks, Gary in N.Y. P.S. I have a "shot" below of the finished product. I had very little to do with the car, only the engine.
B&S hit it - it's hard to beat Joe Abbin's kit. While he favors the serpentine drive, he also has multi-V-belts & gilmer drives. His kit will probably bolt on close to 100hp with the 6psi boost option... Give him a call - he loves to talk flatheads & blowers!
Here's one for ya. Let us know what you decide and how it goes. Dave http://www.magnacharger.com/sc-flatheadford.htm
For the moment I'm just shopping for info and advice, will buy all I need during the summer and have it built during next winter... But will keep you update of all my choice... Will also post in a couple of weeks the first pick of my projct arriving in UK... EvilChevy
SCOT blowers will throw all 3 of the fan type belts off everytime you stand in it, you might get 3 runs out of them. My Model A coupe had a 276 inch motor with 1 on it back in the early 60's with 2 strombergs on it. Ran pretty good but didnt weigh much
It all depends on what type of drive and belts you use. The original SCoT ran the wide flathead belts --- which is what you're describing. My setup ran two modern V-Belts -- and I newer threw the belts, though it was definitely hard on them. I wouldn't recommend v-belts . . . other than they were traditionally used on these units and other early drive systems. Going to a modern serpentine or a gilmer would sure be a heck of a bunch better!
I've got about 14,500 miles and 5 years on my Roadrunner unit with serpentine belt. Not one problem so far.
I saw a nice homemade set up with one of those small Ford blowers from a T-Bird or Mustang. The guy machined down an aluminum flathead intake, added a mounting plate, and bolted it down. He also fabbed up a dual carb intake plenham and mounted it to the back (they feed into the rear) The existing snout reaches nicely to where your generator belt is and it's narrow to fit between the heads... Low buck if you have the time/resources/necessary machinery to fab it up. Flatman
Joe Abbin recommends the serpentine, but understands that folks want V-belts & Glimers. He's quick to tell you that the serpentine is stronger & has less slippage than a 4-belt V-belt setup, but will sell you a V-belt setup if that's what you want. I'm seriously considering one of his units w/a Gilmer setup.
In 1962 I ran the only thing available. You would have to check 25 belts with the same part number to get 3 that were the closest in length.
It's still the same way. I just got 2 belts that were way different lengths. It took a little to get 2 that were close enough. But, they don't slip for me.
Wade RO34 ,cheap to get hold of, you can still get most of the bits, easy to rebuild, get the angled inlet cut off and mount your carbs on a flat plate and if you squint a bit they look like a bit like an old s.c.o.t. Had a guy in my workshop last week who took one away to mock up on a flathead with some 94,s.
The choices are all relative to your budget and the look you want to achieve. We offer thje 471 kit complete with all drives,pulleys etc as well as the SCOT with all drives, pulleys etc. We will have the 471 kit available with V belts soon, currently running Gilmer belt system. We set them up for 5 to 6 lbs boost. All the mentioned blower set ups work well, Magnusun,Abin, H & H SCOT & 471. Any questions on the blowers, you are all welcome to give us a call tech or otherwise. You don't have to buy for info, more than glad to help. Thanks Max Sr.
Ya I've had a first hand look at their set up and its very cool, and Max is glad to help when ya need him.--TV
Some friends and I stopped by madmax's shop and got the 10 cent tour (as Mike called it ) during Deuce Week . We were impressed with the knowledge and friendlyness of both Mike and Max Sr. The new Scott blowers were awesome and their 4-71 kits were quite impressive too. They have so much COOL STUFF available and were genuine gearheads. And to Max Sr and Mike - thanks again for taking the time out of your scedule to show us your operation - a definate time warp Dave
Thanx for all the info. Will get in contact when I will be ready to buy, unfortunatly I have some other stuff to do before hitting the road, but the next step will be a blower. Will keep updated
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