Ep 13. Flatheads Rule

On this episode of Detroit Muscle season 2, the team at the Motor Trend channel turns its focus to the legendary flathead engine. Flatheads were used by Ford in its cars from the 1930s through the mid-1950s, and were known for their simplicity, durability, and reliability. The Detroit Muscle team believes that these engines still have a lot to offer, even in the modern era, so they set out to prove it by building a hot rod powered by a flathead engine.

The team starts by sourcing a 1940 Ford Deluxe sedan, which they plan to turn into a period-correct hot rod. They strip the car down to its bare bones and begin restoring it, paying particular attention to the chassis and suspension. Once the car is prepped and painted, they set out to install a period-correct flathead engine.

The team sources a 1947 Mercury flathead engine, which they plan to rebuild and install. However, they quickly realize that restoring a classic engine is not as easy as it sounds. The Detroit Muscle team is forced to overcome numerous hurdles, including rusted parts, worn bearings, and a cracked crankshaft, before they can get the engine up and running.

Once the engine is rebuilt, they install it in the car and begin the process of tuning it to deliver the best performance possible. They work with a variety of components, including a custom intake manifold, a set of custom headers, and a new carburetor, to fine-tune the engine's performance.

Throughout the episode, the Detroit Muscle team discusses the history of the flathead engine, and the reasons why it fell out of favor with hot rodders in the 1950s. They also explain the unique challenges of restoring and tuning a classic engine, and how they overcame these challenges to build a high-performance hot rod.

In the end, the team successfully builds a beautiful hot rod powered by a 1947 Mercury flathead engine. They take the car out for a spin, showcasing its power and performance, and proving that there is still a place for flathead engines in the modern hot rod world.

Overall, this episode of Detroit Muscle season 2 is a must-watch for any hot rod enthusiast, engine builder, or car lover who appreciates classic American muscle. Whether you're a fan of hot rods, vintage engines, or just love to watch skilled mechanics at work, this episode is sure to entertain and educate.