My '48 pickup has an H 6 cylinder engine which is stuck and in unknown condition. I have an opportunity to purchase a full race '47 G engine in good shape for a reasonable price. Would the G engine fit my motor mounts and transmission? Also, did the H engine have any significant improvements over the G and do their parts interchange very well? Thanks. Jim
Replacing an H engine in a '48 Pickup with a '47 G engine
- Thread starter woodburnranch
- Start date
Hi Jim, and a big welcome to the Ford Six Site! So any of the Ford Flathead Six family from the 226 G or 226 H Series and even the Big Truck 254 Flathead Six M Series should all be able to bolt right up to your motor mounts and trans with using the right Bell Housing. There are some minor interior and exterior parts differences such as all the G Series engine had a front mounted Distributor and stock they were rated at 90 H. P. and 180 Ft. Lbs. of Torque.
The H series had a 95 H. P. Rating and 180 Ft. Lbs. until 1950 when they got a new crankshaft with larger main bearings, plus a newer camshaft (when the Distributor mounting position changed to the side of the block), plus a different Carb, and also got a little higher Compression Ratio. H. P. was still rated at 95 but the Torque then went up to 190 Lbs. I think it was in 1948 with the newer H Series engines they changed the distributor as well as its mounting position to the drivers side of the block. The last couple of years of the H Series had the best improvements made unfortunately little of those improved parts can be used (like probably only the Carb and maybe the 1948 & 49 crankshaft) because those blocks Distributor position compared to a G Series, and in 1950 the Crankshaft main bearing size's are different / Larger. All is not lost thought as you could use a aftermarket camshaft regrind to get the better timing events and raise the compression ratio with some milling of the head or if you could score one of the aftermarket Aluminum heads that are kind of rare now days. That 1947 engine might already have some of or all of these Mods done to it. If you can Post some pictures of both engines main parts will be better able to help you. Best of luck.
The H series had a 95 H. P. Rating and 180 Ft. Lbs. until 1950 when they got a new crankshaft with larger main bearings, plus a newer camshaft (when the Distributor mounting position changed to the side of the block), plus a different Carb, and also got a little higher Compression Ratio. H. P. was still rated at 95 but the Torque then went up to 190 Lbs. I think it was in 1948 with the newer H Series engines they changed the distributor as well as its mounting position to the drivers side of the block. The last couple of years of the H Series had the best improvements made unfortunately little of those improved parts can be used (like probably only the Carb and maybe the 1948 & 49 crankshaft) because those blocks Distributor position compared to a G Series, and in 1950 the Crankshaft main bearing size's are different / Larger. All is not lost thought as you could use a aftermarket camshaft regrind to get the better timing events and raise the compression ratio with some milling of the head or if you could score one of the aftermarket Aluminum heads that are kind of rare now days. That 1947 engine might already have some of or all of these Mods done to it. If you can Post some pictures of both engines main parts will be better able to help you. Best of luck.
Bubba, thanks for the response. One of my main concerns is knowing if the aluminum Knudsen high compression head on the '47 G engine would fit onto my '48 H engine if the '47 G failed. The head represents a substantial part of the engine value. Also do you know of some good parts suppliers and mechanics for these engines
Hi Jim, am not 100% sure that the G Head will fit onto the H Engine both Series Engines use a different Part Number for their Head Gaskets. Only way to know for sure is to lay the two head gaskets on top of each other and see if there is any major difference in their layout, and study the Heads Combustion Chambers and their Bolt hole layout with both of the head gaskets set on the two different heads. I wouldn't think there would be any big difference between them but I don't know without looking at them both carefully. All three of these Series engines seem to use some of the same other gaskets such as the Intake / Exhaust ones.
The Ford 1941 to 1947 Flathead 226 GA Series (Cars) and the G Series (Trucks) used the Ford OEM Part # 1GA-6051 Head Gasket, or a Best Gaskets Part # is GHP 1A79 Head Gasket.
The Ford 1948 to 1951 Flathead 226 H Series used a Ford OEM Part # 7HA-6051.
Yes I do know of a few parts suppliers left for the Flathead Sixes. As for the mechanic's that really know these engines I personally don't know very many now, besides myself. Most all of the other old time Mechanic's that I used to know of are no longer with us or have quit doing this kind of work long ago. I do know someone in Virginia that does the Ford Flathead V8's so maybe. If you can find someone that's really good with building and tuning High Performance Ford Flathead V8's or the same for the Ford Flathead 4's (like were used in the old Ford Model A's B's or C's) then they could probably also do the work on these Flathead Sixes that is if they wanted too. There is this old Book that I have that are also available used and there also should still be new reprints of the 1952 book by "California Bill - Ford Speed Manual" on Hot Roding the Ford Flathead V8's it also has a few pages on the Hot Roding of the Ford Flathead 4's and the Flathead 6'es too. This is the only book on Hot Rodding the Flathead Six's I have seen, but there were many very knowledgeable old timers I met growing up that knew lots about those Six's. There was also supposed to have been a 1949 first printing of that book too, I don't know much about if its able still available as a reprint, some used copies of the 1952 version are available here. https://www.biblio.com/9781555611057
Much of what was used on the Ford Flathead Four's and V8's can also cross over to use on the Flathead Six however the Combustion Chamber and their Pistons are a bit different on these Sixes and uses a Ricardo design, and is likely why they can stay right with the V8's, there was some trouble between them over this. Ford borrowed this from the 1923 writings of "Sir Harry Ricardo THE HIGH-SPEED INTERNAL - COMBUSTION ENGINE" I also have this in my book collection its very technical but a good read. Best of luck
The Ford 1941 to 1947 Flathead 226 GA Series (Cars) and the G Series (Trucks) used the Ford OEM Part # 1GA-6051 Head Gasket, or a Best Gaskets Part # is GHP 1A79 Head Gasket.
The Ford 1948 to 1951 Flathead 226 H Series used a Ford OEM Part # 7HA-6051.
Yes I do know of a few parts suppliers left for the Flathead Sixes. As for the mechanic's that really know these engines I personally don't know very many now, besides myself. Most all of the other old time Mechanic's that I used to know of are no longer with us or have quit doing this kind of work long ago. I do know someone in Virginia that does the Ford Flathead V8's so maybe. If you can find someone that's really good with building and tuning High Performance Ford Flathead V8's or the same for the Ford Flathead 4's (like were used in the old Ford Model A's B's or C's) then they could probably also do the work on these Flathead Sixes that is if they wanted too. There is this old Book that I have that are also available used and there also should still be new reprints of the 1952 book by "California Bill - Ford Speed Manual" on Hot Roding the Ford Flathead V8's it also has a few pages on the Hot Roding of the Ford Flathead 4's and the Flathead 6'es too. This is the only book on Hot Rodding the Flathead Six's I have seen, but there were many very knowledgeable old timers I met growing up that knew lots about those Six's. There was also supposed to have been a 1949 first printing of that book too, I don't know much about if its able still available as a reprint, some used copies of the 1952 version are available here. https://www.biblio.com/9781555611057
Much of what was used on the Ford Flathead Four's and V8's can also cross over to use on the Flathead Six however the Combustion Chamber and their Pistons are a bit different on these Sixes and uses a Ricardo design, and is likely why they can stay right with the V8's, there was some trouble between them over this. Ford borrowed this from the 1923 writings of "Sir Harry Ricardo THE HIGH-SPEED INTERNAL - COMBUSTION ENGINE" I also have this in my book collection its very technical but a good read. Best of luck
Could you pass on to me the Flathead 6 parts suppliers that you know of? Thanks. Jim
Sure here you go.
This is the major one "Egge Machine Company" in Santa Fe Springs, California, this is a great Company that my Dad and I started using way back in the 1960's when we were restoring the Model A Ford's. They will have listings for most or the engine parts needed to do a complete rebuild on both the H & G series Flathead six's. Here is one link for the G series Parts the all these parts and several others like the Connecting Rod Pin Bushings are also available separately and they do have new Pistons for them too. https://egge.com/product/ford-226-l6-1948/
Here is one link for the H Series 226, all these parts and several others like the Connecting Rod Pin Bushings are also available separately too. They don't seem to have any new Pistons listed for the H series though six's though. https://egge.com/product/ford-226-l6-1941-47/
But they also have a rebuilding service for Oil Pumps, Water Pumps, Fuel Pumps, plus a Camshaft, Lifter, & Crankshaft Regrinding Services too that you can ask about. I will put one link for the 1941 to 1947 226 H Series Flatheads also that shows most of the parts they have available for them.
Red's Vintage Parts Red's has a few NOS Ford G and H series Flathead Six Parts available and even some Cylinder Sleeves, as well as full overhaul Gasket Sets. this link is for the H series engines https://reds-vintage-parts.com/store/category/24-ford-h-series
Best Gaskets has new Full and individual Gaskets for the G, H, and M, series Ford Flathead Six's this link is for the H series. https://bestgasket.com/vintage-engine-gaskets/
Here is one listing for a new set of Pistons. https://www.ecklers.com/ford-pickup...6-6-cylinder-choose-your-size-48-18087-1.html
This company Arthur Gould Rebuilders has a Fuel Pump and Water Pump Rebuilding Service and also some exchange Pumps. http://arthurgouldrebuilders.parkerspackards.com/mobi/
Van Pelt Sales has some Pistons and other engine rebuild parts in their parts listings, and they also have replacement parts for the Chassis and a rebuilding Service for these old Transmissions, here is the link. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/vanpeltcatalog2023.pdf
Schneider Racing Cams has a Camshaft (and think also for the Lifters) a regrinding service for stock or a more Performance grind. http://schneidercams.com/regrinds.aspx
There are several other Aftermarket companies for Custom made Forged Pistons if you are going to a more Hi Performance build let me know if you need that kind of info. Hope that is of help to you, best of luck on your rebuild. I am also working to set up my shop to restart my business of repairs and rebuilding of engines and other parts of these Classic Cars and Trucks. Edited with some additional info.
This is the major one "Egge Machine Company" in Santa Fe Springs, California, this is a great Company that my Dad and I started using way back in the 1960's when we were restoring the Model A Ford's. They will have listings for most or the engine parts needed to do a complete rebuild on both the H & G series Flathead six's. Here is one link for the G series Parts the all these parts and several others like the Connecting Rod Pin Bushings are also available separately and they do have new Pistons for them too. https://egge.com/product/ford-226-l6-1948/
Here is one link for the H Series 226, all these parts and several others like the Connecting Rod Pin Bushings are also available separately too. They don't seem to have any new Pistons listed for the H series though six's though. https://egge.com/product/ford-226-l6-1941-47/
But they also have a rebuilding service for Oil Pumps, Water Pumps, Fuel Pumps, plus a Camshaft, Lifter, & Crankshaft Regrinding Services too that you can ask about. I will put one link for the 1941 to 1947 226 H Series Flatheads also that shows most of the parts they have available for them.
Red's Vintage Parts Red's has a few NOS Ford G and H series Flathead Six Parts available and even some Cylinder Sleeves, as well as full overhaul Gasket Sets. this link is for the H series engines https://reds-vintage-parts.com/store/category/24-ford-h-series
Best Gaskets has new Full and individual Gaskets for the G, H, and M, series Ford Flathead Six's this link is for the H series. https://bestgasket.com/vintage-engine-gaskets/
Here is one listing for a new set of Pistons. https://www.ecklers.com/ford-pickup...6-6-cylinder-choose-your-size-48-18087-1.html
This company Arthur Gould Rebuilders has a Fuel Pump and Water Pump Rebuilding Service and also some exchange Pumps. http://arthurgouldrebuilders.parkerspackards.com/mobi/
Van Pelt Sales has some Pistons and other engine rebuild parts in their parts listings, and they also have replacement parts for the Chassis and a rebuilding Service for these old Transmissions, here is the link. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/vanpeltcatalog2023.pdf
Schneider Racing Cams has a Camshaft (and think also for the Lifters) a regrinding service for stock or a more Performance grind. http://schneidercams.com/regrinds.aspx
There are several other Aftermarket companies for Custom made Forged Pistons if you are going to a more Hi Performance build let me know if you need that kind of info. Hope that is of help to you, best of luck on your rebuild. I am also working to set up my shop to restart my business of repairs and rebuilding of engines and other parts of these Classic Cars and Trucks. Edited with some additional info.
