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This article covers a thread of research I did on the net that follows the Navarro built Rambler Indy engine, and some other interesting implications of using a Ford flathead V8 in a 100 inch wheelbase Rambler American (58-63). First off, here is an article on getting
600 horsepower on a 199:
American Motors and the Indy 500
Here is an AMC ad featuring the 199 that Navarro built:
American Motors Indy ad
Who is Navarro? Here is the history of Barney Navarro according to Barney Navarro:
Barney Navarro
Here is an article written by Navarro when the '54 Ford OHV V8 engine came out:
'54 Ford OHV V8 Engine Review by Barney Navarro
Navarro's '27 T roadster with a 176 ci flathead Ford:
'27 T Roadster
There was an auction of Navarro Engineering's stuff. This guy got some:
Navarro Auction Goodies
This guy got some other parts, and has pictures of the Indy engine:
Navarro Auction Rambler Parts
Here are the specs on the Indy engine cam:
Navarro Camshaft Specs
A good story about Doane Spencer, his 1932 Ford Roadster hot rod, and hot rodding in general:
Doane Spencer and his 1932 Ford Roadster
Here is a new flathead V8 block design:
New flathead V8 design
Here is a page with some information on the French flatheads, as well as some great pictures of the blocks:
French Flatheads
Some more information and pictures on the French Flatheads:
Yet More French Flatheads
Here is some information on the French flatheads that Halibrand is reselling:
Halibrand Flatheads
These are pretty much new blocks that will take bolt on parts that are designed for the old Ford flathead circa '53. The transmissions that bolt on are from the earlier, '39-'48 series.
There are Edelbrock heads available for these engines:
Edelbrock Heads for Flatheads
Here is a picture of a motorcycle with a Ford flathead in it:
Motorcycle with V8 Flathead
Here is another good site to learn about Ford flathead V8s:
Ford Flathead V8s
So... What do we have here? The heart of hot rodding in many respects, is the Ford flathead V8. Many of the old timers grew up on these (necessarily!). There is a renewed interest as well. There are many after market performance parts for these. A Ford flathead underneath the hood of a 100 inch wheelbase Rambler would look much nicer and at home than a small block Chevy engine. To make things even more happy, you can get a brand new block for $1,500, so you don't have to worry about building on a 60 year piece of cast iron. From what I can tell, if you start with the French block, the bolts are all standard, so everything should bolt right on. Of course, Navarro showed how much you could do with a 199. The problem is, though, that the larger engines, the 199s and up, are too long to fit in the 100 inch wheelbase Americans. Now, I'm taking it on faith that Frank knows what he is talking about when he says that a Ford flathead would fit in the smaller Ramblers without cutting; however, I bet he is correct. As for Ruby, I'll probably just stick with the 196. Maybe Bobo will put a Ford flathead in Ruby someday. Perhaps by then the Motor City Speed Equipment block will be in full production and he will have even more choices. :)
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