Alternative motive power

[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.