After Market Flatheads

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Nigel
I have a SUMB which tows my trailer with carrier aboard. It has the same engine and is really good. Pops away (V8 thing!!) nicely and I reckon I get 10mpg from it too.

The site has got me thinking of getting one of these to put in my new truck! Mmmmm, wonder what BHP they are likely to be, 85 or 95? Any ideas?

Nigel,

Well, since you won't be needing the SUMB anymore after you finish the Fordson Sussex 6x4 Universal Carrier transporter, why not have the SUMB donate its engine to the good cause?

Basically, there are two versions of the French military V8 flathead: a 4.0 and 4.2 litre engine. The only major difference is the crankshaft: the 4.2 unit has a longer throw (which can only be measured on the bench with specialised equipment). The 4.2 unit can be recognised in its original form by the compressor on top to drive an air over hydraulic brake system. Apparently, the 4.0 is more common that the 4.2 litre version. The “French Flathead” can be made to look like a wartime Ford V8 by swapping over the cylinder heads, camshaft and distributor.

Some characteristics found in Wheels & Tracks magazine issue no. 71:

Type: V8-cyl., side-valve (L-head), petrol, liquid-cooled
Make, model: Ford/Simca F7CWM/324.04
Displacement: 4184 cc / 255 cu.in
Bore x stroke: 80.97 x 101.6 mm
Power output: 100 bhp at 3,000 rpm
Torque: 26.3 kgm at 1,800 rpm
Compression ratio: 6.7:1
Carburettor: Zenith 32NDIX

Hope this helps,
Hanno