1938-42 Flathead Ford Stroker 2 In. Journal Floating Rod Bearings, Std

Floating rod bearings, why are they used ? I have an old Ford flat head V-8 engine that I did some horse trading for over 20 years ago ... it was supposed to have been built by Offenhauser. It has this double floating type bearing on the rods. I have never seen this before and wondered if this might have been some experimental engine. It has 0.030 over pistons (3-3/8" diameter) with a dome and three ring grooves. The rods are 7-1/4" center of wrist pin to center of rod journal ... The block has a 59 casting number and the heads are 24 bolt heads (Offenhauser finned aluminum). The Crank shaft looks as if it has been modified or stroked. I got this engine disassembled in an old wooden box, the cam and valves are still in the block. How can I tell if I have a rare piece or just some shade tree mechanic's nightmare. The distributor is in the front of the cam gear on this engine so I would guess it was a 1948 or older ? I see they are available from Speedway, but is there an advantage to them or would it be better to go with the individual inserts ? With a 7-1/4" rod, and the wrist pin center located 1-1/4" down from the top edge of the piston (not including the dome) has this engine been stroked ? If it has been stroked, how much?

by WTedB

• 13 years ago