LUVTruck.com

i'm putting a flathead v8 in my 78 LUV i need info on wat i need to do

I think you'll be a pioneer, never heard of a flathead in a LUV. Take a look at the information section of the main site here for the V8 swap article for some ideas on how a small block chevy goes in. You'll have a lot of adapting to do, but that should give you some ideas of things to consider. The gallery is another good place to dig through for ideas on how things might fit. You might also get some measurments of the motor see just how hard it might be. Been a while since I've looked at a flathead, but you might have to think about cutting back the firewall or other areas depending on size.

Nothing is going to tell you as much as getting the motor sitting in the engine bay of the LUV though. Hang it in there and see what it asks you to do to make it fit and work.

Why a flathead?

Just curious, those things look very cool, imo. I too think you're going to be pretty much on your own with that conversion though....

If/when you get it done, please post pics...

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Resident lurker

hey not many runnin around doit is my opinion but i think it would be just the same as the reg. v8 conversion. but im just going to drop in the 350/350 combo much easier to get help/advise on but whatever floats your boat.

Well this is interesting. We got SBC conversions, BBC conversions, but I have never seen/heard of a Flathead V8 conversion in a LUV. Definetly do it!!! I assume its a Ford Flathead, never heard of any other flatheads.. but I could be wrong..

Them old flat heads were fairly big engines. I'm pretty sure.. (its been awhile since I have seen a Flathead it will fit. If guys can stff BBC's in LUV's a Flathead will fit. Basically they're the same as ohv engines, except the valve train which has no pushrods or rocker arms - the valve stem/lifter/cam are in direct contact. Gear on the rear of the cam runs the oil pump. Kinda neat actually.

Depending on the Flathead engine, if it runs rough, lots of miles, tear it down get the block hot tanked and crack checked. Flatheads were known for cracking blocks. If for some reason you need to bore the cylinders out, I understand you can bore 1/8th" out of each cylinder. Yep, 1/8th of an inch.

If your looking for performance out of the ol' flathead, there is some opitions. Intakes, headers, anything to help make the beast breath better gives you pretty good return on horsepower per dollar.

Your gonna have to fab up some motor mounts and all those good things, but most of that is similar to a SBC swap. Just things like firewalls, and motor mounts, that kind of stuff that will be different. Like 800xl said, check out the V8 swap article, its a good read.

I've seen V6s of a few styles, SBCs, Dodge V8s, pictures of BBCs and a couple different Ford V8s, but never heard of a flathead LUV. Definitely do it. We won't be able to give you specific how-to info, but you'll get a lot of support and advice around here. I'm not a Ford fan, but I can appreciate anything done to personalize a LUV.

Just gets me thinking, what is next to go in a LUV? Caddy V16? Steam power? Maybe I'll strike it rich and build the CAT V8 diesel LUV I've been dreaming about.

IIRC a Ford Flathead is very similar sizewise to a SBC. I think it's a great idea....Dare to be different I always say . What I'm wondering is what you intend to do with it when you're done? I noticed you were in Ca. also and being a 78 and all, you'll have smog issues if you intend to actually drive it afterwards.

Definitely post some pics if you go through with it

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Cement Shoes available here....One size fits all!

"Rum And Pepsi's Got Your Whole Perception Of Me Sketchy.....Cause When I Stage Dive, People Are Scared To Catch Me"

I was thinking along the same lines. Specifically the steam...
Maybe a Wankel, solar (think solar panel tonneau cover )
Right now I just want to get my sbc luv together

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Resident lurker

Well....I have the answer for ya right here.
Once my red long bed is on the road, the next clean 2wd LUV i get w a title is getting the drive train from my 1974 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL
I can't seem to get a title to the car, so may as well join the crowd and build me a monster.....this car has a HUGE V8 in it w double over head cams, I don't even know what cubic inch V8 it is, but it runs great and it's HUGE

Hi
What yr flathead do you have??some of the early ones would go out to 3 7/16", most would go to 33/8". I can give you a name of someone who builds flatheads.( there not cheap) lots of luck

I think that would look fantastic, but be carefull about cooling. I have experienced cooling problems in the past with regular V-8 swaps and from what I have read and heard, Flatheads will run hot if you don't have a cooling system set up right. I.E, large enough radiator and proper cooant flow. The LUV will limit you on radiator size unless you plan to really re-work the front end. Anyone else have any comments or recommendations? Still think it would look awesome though.
HHmmmmmm. Maybe putting the radiator in the bed with some electric fans and even an oil cooler too?

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I've never been wrong! Once I thought I was, but I was mistaken.
Rick
Loranger, La
1980 Stepside LUV (Again)

Yes indeed....takes a MIGHTY big radiator too keep a flat-head cool enough.I've had a few of those engines yrs ago from flathead V8 fords to 6 in a 55 plymouth and one in a Kaiser as well.They all had radiators that looked like they belonged in big ol dump-trucks

Also i myself put a flathead V8 ford in a 70 International Scout 4x4 back in the 80's...BIG mistake, had to use radiator froma 53 ford 2 ton truck , which was too tall for the engine compartment in the scout,had to cut a hole in the hood and radiator cap sat ABOVE the hood.the thing ran hot ALL the time.Those ol flatheads were not known for having good reliable waterpumps. Performance wise....yeah if you find the "3 duece" setup for one,then you might have it going on specially in something as light as a LUV.but still NOTHING compared to the newer small blocks.compression on those ol things was only like 8:1 maybe 9:1 tops....and then if you live in a cold climate, they don't like to crank right up 1st thing in the morning.

They were a neat ol motor and alright for thier time but I personally wouldn't give a dime for a truckload of those engines, compared to whats out there today.......I have a 1.8 sittin right here in 80 4x4 and i would happily line it up w any stocker flathead v8 out there.

Just MY opinion.Good luck, however it ends up, but that is a dinasaur and you don't just walk in any parts house and get what you need for it right off the shelf.

go with the reg v8 too much work and hard to find parts. good idea though

go with the flathead! alot of work to do a custom mod = less of that mod you will see, which makes it more unique!

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Buick Inline 8 Cylinder all the way, baby...

..... talk about diggin up old bones

THAT would NEVER fit in a LUV (well maybe if you mid-enigned it)LOL

whenever I hear the word flathead I'm always reminded of the scene in American Grafitti where Milner says to the guy in the car: "Wheres you flathead" to which the guy replies: "ahhhh ya mutha"... "Ya mutha"... "hey theres a very wicked 55 Chevy lookin' for you." Milner: "Yeah, I knooow."

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1978 LUV Truck 2WD
450 "Small Block" Chevy
3.70 Ford 9
28x10 Goodyears

American Grafitti is the best ever!!!!

The part that gets me about Graffiti is when the carload of girls pulls up next to Milner and the girls say "Hey, you got a bitchin car". And he says "Yeah, I know". I have been to hundreds of car shows in my day and have never heard anyone have that response to a compliment

Milner is my idol. I wanna be just like him when I grow up.

I met him at a car show in 2000 and he signed the glovebox door of my 36 Chevy coupe. It says...


To Mario

"We'll take 'em all"

Paul LeMat "John Milner"


I'm very proud of it as I'm sure you can tell

Sorry to hijack the thread Thank you drive thru

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Cement Shoes available here....One size fits all!

"Rum And Pepsi's Got Your Whole Perception Of Me Sketchy.....Cause When I Stage Dive, People Are Scared To Catch Me"

That's usually my response when someone says i have a nice truck "Yeah, i know", like no big deal LOL