Ford Flathead V8
Code: Ford 221
4-Stroke
Confirmed
Key Specifications
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
(United States)
Family
Flathead V8
Displacement
3.6 L (221 ci)
Power Output
63 kW / 84 hp 84.5 hp / 85.7 PS
Torque
180 Nm
132.8 lb-ft / 18.4 kpm
Configuration
V-8 8 Cylinders
Fuel Type
Petrol
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
Unit Converter
Detailed Specifications
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company (United States) |
|---|---|
| Family | Flathead V8 |
| Stroke Type | 4-stroke |
| Configuration | V-8 8 Cylinders |
| Displacement | 3,621.0 cc (221 ci) |
| Bore × Stroke | 77.8 mm × 95.2 mm (3.063 in × 3.748 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 6.3:1 |
| Power Output | 63.0 kW (84.5 hp / 85.7 PS) |
| Torque | 180.0 Nm (132.8 lb-ft / 18.4 kpm) |
| Valvetrain | Flathead |
| Fuel System | Carburetor |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Induction | Naturally Aspirated |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled |
| Oil Capacity | 5.7 L (6 qt) |
| Weight | 225.0 kg (496 lbs) |
| Production Years | 1932 - 1936 |
| Data Quality | Confirmed |
Applications
| Vehicle/Equipment | Manufacturer | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Model 18 | Ford | 1932 - 1934 | First Ford with V8 engine |
| Ford DeLuxe | Ford | 1937 - 1940 | Popular pre-war Ford model |
| Mercury Eight | Mercury | 1939 - 1951 | Hot rod favorite, immortalized in American Graffiti |
Parts Information
| Category | Part Name | Part Number | Specifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | Stromberg 97 Carburetor | 97 | 2-barrel, 97 CFM | Popular hot rod upgrade |
| Ignition | Distributor | 91A-12100 | Helical gear drive | Original Ford part |
| Valvetrain | Flathead Lifters | 81A-6500 | Solid | Requires periodic adjustment |
Repair Specifications
| Category | Specification | Value | Tolerance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Cylinder Pressure | 110 | psi ±10 psi | Minimum 90 psi |
| Valve Clearance | Exhaust Valve | 0.014 | in | Hot adjustment |
| Valve Clearance | Intake Valve | 0.012 | in | Hot adjustment |
Documents
Historical Timeline
1932 - 1932
Revolutionary Introduction
Ford introduces the first affordable V8 engine. Initially 65 hp, it democratizes V8 power.
1949 - 1949
Hot Rod Era
Post-war, surplus military parts and cheap Flatheads fuel the hot rod movement in Southern California.
2024
Hot Rod Heart
The Flathead remains the heart of traditional hot rods, with a passionate community keeping them running.
Notes & Observations
Hot Rod Heart
The Flathead remains the heart of traditional hot rods, with a passionate community keeping them running.
Added: 2026-02-26