Alternative motive power

[Jordan Baker]

I guess what I was trying to say is why spend money on doing something only to spend more money down the road to redo your "custom" fit. That seems more expensive to me vrs going slower and within your means. This is all at the end of the day a hobby, I personally would never go into debt for it. As for us younger guys, I'm still in my 20's. I got my carrier at 22yrs, my car came at 24 yrs and I got a cell phone only 2.75 yrs ago due to work. It's all how you want to spend your money.

[D Ellery]

I hear what your saying Jordan. Mine was a simple decision at the time as I had all the parts to build a drive train and get the carrier rolling. The cost was so low that I have been able to fit out the vehicle for display. In my case if I had gone down the path of originality I would not have been able to drive , display and enjoy the vehicle as I have for the last few years as it would most probably still be in the shed. Apart from the engine she's all carrier. Cheers David.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Jordan Baker

That seems more expensive to me vs going slower and within your means. This is all at the end of the day a hobby, I personally would never go into debt for it. It's all how you want to spend your money.

That would be precisely the reason for fitting a non-standard V8! The Ford Flathead is something of a enthusiast's engine, and finding an economical engine builder outside the American continent who knows their way around one is nearly impossible. As stated above, a Flathead/Sidevalve rebuild can cost upwards of $4000 this side of the equator.

2nd hand GM V8s (or Holdens) can be found reasonably easily and cheaply, and all the adapter work has been thought out long ago by Hotrodders of the past who wanted to fit newer, more powerful OHV V8s into older Ford chassies. Companies like Hurst, Offenhauser, Cragar and Edelbrock all made adapters to make it a simple bolt-in job, and some are still produced new today. They also regularly appear at swap meets. As David has said, it is a very economical way to get your vehicle moving while you get around to rebuilding that Ford V8 the right way. Down the track (pardon the pun!), when you finally do get the Flatty rebuilt, the GM engine and adapters will find a ready re-sale market, meaning you will virtually recoup your outlay.

[Stew Robertson]

The flat head is one of the easiet engines to rebuils the biggest problem is finding good blocks that are not cracked between the valve seats and barrels
Your own home made tools will work for valve removal and for less the a grand you can have all the parts- Oversize piston, crank regind, cam and gaskets your only other cost is clening the block and magna flux
I just finished a 100 hjp merc engine without labour I head 1047.00 in it
Then I had to put the starter on and rebuilding the Generator
I would rather rebuild an old flatty any day compared to a six banger Chuv
Stew

[Marc van Aalderen]

Hi All,

This Carrier was brought to the Netherlands by Dirk Leegwater. It has a Chrysler V8 with automatic TF8 gearbox. Dirk drove it in Canada when he purchased it and he told me it was very fast and turned like a dream.

It was sold after I declined to buy it to a Belgian guy who has since restored it.

P1020048.jpg P1020049.jpg

Cheers,

[D Ellery]

Thanks Marc, Mean looking set up, not much room left for anything else though. Although I suppose the owner was only after a fun machine.

[D Ellery]

What was the last Ford v8 produced that could be bolted to the standard Ford truck gear box found in Carriers without any major modifications.

[Tony Smith]

Efi Mustang 5.0 with a simple adapter: