Hard Blok in Flathead

[saltracer1]

What do you guys think about completely filling my Flathead block with Hard Blok? Probably never go fast enough to get to the long course, so it would only have to go three miles at most. I would run water through the heads only. I understand the Flatliners did this (I can't get in touch with them) Phil

[38flattie]

Are you running gas or fuel?

Flatheads make heat, so I'd be very leery of this on gas. Is there a problem with the block, or what is your advantage on this?

[saltracer1]

I was thinking you could port the heck out of it if you were not worried about the water jackets. I'm also considering modifying a block like Flatfire or your Cad block to have the exhaust come out the top, as soon as I figure out how to weld cast iron.

[wobblywalrus]

I am not sure about the details of your engine, but anything that keeps the intake air flow cool is a good thing.

[38flattie]

I was thinking you could port the heck out of it if you were not worried about the water jackets. I'm also considering modifying a block like Flatfire or your Cad block to have the exhaust come out the top, as soon as I figure out how to weld cast iron.

Preheat to at least 375 deg., use nickel rod, and cool very, very slowly!

Why not contact Jimmy Stevens? He's a neat guy, and knows how to get HP fropm a flathead.

I'll bet if you asked here on this board, there are some equally talented flathead guys too!

[Milwaukee Midget]

I'd be leery.  Sure, it's only 3 miles, but your flat out for 3 miles.  Additionally, keeping the head cool would help, but everything is happening in the block - cam, tappets, valves, piston, rings.  Plus, you're exiting your exhaust through this same chunk of iron - the block is, in effect, an exhaust manifold.

I've always loved flatheads, but I've never built one, so maybe I'm speaking out of turn.  But it sounds problematic.

2 cents - worth maybe half.

[saltracer1]

One thing I found out this year is that on the short coarse you can take you average from the one to two as you official time and you don't even have to run to the two and a quarter (if you want).  We were having heat issues and ran this way to set a record.

[RichFox]

I have seen several full of aluminum. Seems to work

[Pete1]

Aluminum and concrete have one BIG disadvantage.
They shrink when they harden.
The products that are designed for filling blocks EXPAND when they harden.

[dw230]

Running a filled flathead for only two miles and taking an open record is one thing. If you are in a body class with a 200+ record you may need all 5 miles, just sayin'.

DW

[Dr Goggles]

Running a filled flathead for only two miles and taking an open record is one thing. If you are in a body class with a 200+ record you may need all 5 miles, just sayin'.
DW

yeah, uncanny, the faster you go, the faster things come up .....like the 3 , 4 and 5.....if you're under 400hp you'll be getting familiar with those numbers if you're hoping to run over 200 in a box.

[Phil Veldheer Racing]

Any time I see the word HARD BLOK, I have to look...no experience with a flat head, however a lot with HARD BLOK....Two or three of my racecars (I've been a drag racers for 40+ years) are featured on their website.  http://www.hardblok.com/    and I consider all of the people at HARD BLOK some of my best friends.  I try to spend a lot of time at the HARD BLOK booth at every PRI show, every year.  So I will take no credit for the following idea, just one of the many  ideas that racers have come up with on their own.

Several classes in oval track require the use of a stock block, no GM Racing, no DART blocks etc. but they want the advantage the HARD BLOK GIVES THEM WITH BETTER PISTON RING SEAL....so how about putting in enough sand in one side of your block about half way up on the cylinder (leveled-of course) then adding one inch of HARD BLOK to stiffen that cylinder wall and also have enough cooling...then when dry FLUSH out the sand, etc....got it.......want a couple cooling holes in the hard blok on top of water above and below the HARD BLOK...I think you can figure it out....I have 10 drag race engines all with HARD BLOK and have never had a problem.

Any HARD BLOK questions that any Land Racer has, I would be happy to forward to the correct person.

Phil

[mtkawboy]

Regarding the statement that products like hard block expands, I found this on their web site •Fills the smallest spaces in the water jacket. Does not shrink or pull away from the cylinder walls. Does not expand.