17-bolt flathead

I've only heard of these motors,but have never seen one...any info?or pics?
Thanx
Jannie

 

You're talking about the 136", 60 H.P. econo V-8 that Ford offered from 1937 thru 1940. It wouldn't pull the hat off your head in a passenger car-they all had 4.44 rearend gears just so they could get under way. The most likely place to find one is in a '40s-'50s midget racer. There was a full complement of speed equipment available for them and on nitro they could run with a 100" Offy.

 

Here's a free one from 32flathead in the T n' A picture thread

 

awesome!!I've never seen one.looks kinda cool.any more info from folks out there?
thanx
J

 

Not a good picture, but heres mine.

 

any old brosures or info pics on the upgrades you could get for these motors?

 

Okay, dumb question...

What's the difference between that and a V8 60?

 

Read the entire thread.,

 

interesting little motor......

 

A new, smaller, V8 enters production. Called the V8-60, it gives 70 mph speeds and the best gas mileage of any Ford built before. It is designed for European laws that tax on displacement, as well as British laws that tax on bore size. It is 136 cu in or 2200cc. Important to racing history because it will break the Offy's hold on midget racing. The V8-60 has a gear type oil pump driven off the crank timing gear. The V8-60's heads use 17 studs, not the 21 studs of the larger V8. Made from 1937-1940.

 

I like the little V8-60. It's the only V8 block I can pick up off the floor without a lift.

 

My dad said a model A was faster with the banger in it than a transplanted V8-60. Some guys like em' but they were passed over a lot back in the day.

 

thanx hotroddon.Gonna see if I can't get myself one....somewhere....???

 

Guys stuck with the 4 banger for many reasons.

First,Yes, a good solid hopped up 4 bagner could take a V8 60 and a 221 CI flatty the same.

Second, the amount of speed equip. in the 20s, 30s and 40s and even 50s was very plentiful and they proved themselves as the little power houses they were.

Third, there wasn't much speed equip. availible untill the postwar era,..yes there was some prewar, but the V8 along with the new speed equip. was unproven, however, great strides were being made before we entered WWII in the way of the V8.

 

I think the term you're looking for is: "Wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding"

Flatman

 

The little "60's" are very cool for some of us flathead nuts. I have seen them in all kinds of rigs, from 8N Ford tractors, to midgets, to a 54 Vette, an MG, they were peppy with aftermarket heads and multiple carbs and just look cooler than hell. I see them on the auction site now and then, one just went through last week for around $400 I think. I plan on getting one if the opportunity comes around.

 

It might not be fast, but faster than a stock A. I really like them, of course, I like flatheads period.