rebuilding · FF-0334

Are 1932–1937 Ford Flathead blocks worth sleeving?

Steve sees nothing wrong with sleeving the early engines when it is done correctly, and notes Ford itself sleeved some blocks at the factory. He says it is well worth sleeving an original engine to keep it with its car. The earliest blocks have babbitt main bearings, which are good but expensive to have redone; 1936 was the first year for insert main bearings and is a favorite with hot rodders. For high performance he would start with a 59-style or 8BA block, but says the early ones work fine and should be saved.

Expert

Steve Coppock

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

cylinder sleeves

Applicable scope

1932–1937 Ford Flathead V8, 21-stud