What is a 59AB flathead?

Heads marked “59-A” or “59AB” were used on all 90/100 hp (Ford & Mercury) engines from 1946 through 1948. The 59AB heads were sometimes used on earlier blocks in replacement rebuilds.

What is the highest hp flathead V8?

700 horsepower
At an amazing speed of 302.204 m.p.h., a car powered by a supercharged 700 horsepower Ford flathead V8 holds the land speed record for its class at Bonnyville salt flats. The car was developed and driven by Ron Main of Chatsworth, California.

Are flathead v8s reliable?

Steadily improved through 1953, with millions produced, the flathead achieved acceptable reliability. Ford solved most of the flathead’s ills over time, upgrading ignition, redesigning water pumps, refining carburetion and boosting displacement—to 239 cid and on to 255 cid in the ’49-53 Mercury.

How much horsepower did the Ford flathead V8 have?

In 1953, Ford made the final flathead V8. It displaced 3.9 liters and made 110 horsepower. As engineers sought more power, Ford scrapped the design in favor of an overhead-valve engine. Thus the flathead V8’s tenure came to end.

How much does it cost to rebuild a flathead V8?

It will be a stock rebuild. I estimated it to cost about $1500-$1700 for parts and shop labor.

Why do Ford flatheads overheat?

All Flatheads generate more heat because the exhaust gases spend more time exiting the block. The Ford V-8 employs two water pumps for cooling, so you actually have two cooling systems sharing a common reservoir known as the radiator.

How much HP does a flathead V8 have?

The original flathead engine displaced 221 cu in (3.6 L), with 3.0625 by 3.75 in (77.79 by 95.25 mm) bore and stroke. The block was cast as a single piece (monobloc) for durability, and a single-barrel carburetor fed the engine. The 1932 V8-18 with 5.5:1 compression produced 65 hp (48 kW).