Kit Convert's Ford To V-8 Power

Kit Convert's Ford To V-8 Power ENGINES Engines 31-1-39 We had tremendous response to your original article from readers all over North America who want more power in their Ford N-Series tractors," says Don Knasel, who developed a kit that makes it a snap to install V-8 flathead engines in place of the original 4-cylinder. Don came up with the do-it-yourself kit after converting 26 Ford 8N tractors himself. "Most anybody capable of changing oil or spark plugs can switch engines with the kit in about 8 to 10 hours," says Knasel. "It can be used to convert any N-Series Ford tractor." Knasel calls his kit the Awesome Henry V-8 Ford Conversion Kit in honor of Henry Ford. He figures Ford would appreciate its simplicity and ease. Each kit is handcrafted and bears its own metal nameplate and registration number. The kit itself costs $995 and contains all the hardware needed to connect the V-8 engine and clutch assembly to the 8N transmission and frame. "Just disassemble and remove the stock 4-banger, bolt in the conversion kit and slide the flathead V-8 into place," says Knasel. "No special tools are needed. The conversion kit uses the clutch, pressure plate and flywheel found on the flathead V-8. We haven't even had to adjust the clutch; they just slide in." What isn't included in the kit is a smaller 4 3/4 gal. fuel tank available for $145. It's needed to make room for the carburetor on the flathead. Also needed is a new header type manifold that drops out of both sides. With brackets and bolts, it adds another $225 to the cost. A tank conversion needed to change the 8N radiator to a V-8 adds another $95. "A lot of guys will use their own tanks or manifolds, so we don't include them in the conversion kit," notes Knasel. Before retiring from the collision and used car business, Knasel and his son Dave had collected around 100 mostly N-Series tractors. He is now down to 25 that he is keeping for his collection and another 10-12 he may convert to flatheads. "It's a question of do you want to overhaul a 4-cylinder that may be a little tired or replace it with a V-8," says Knasel, "Nothing sounds better than those little flatheads." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Don Knasel, 11777 Tawawa-Maplewood Rd, Maplewood, Ohio 45340 (ph 937 497-9447; don@awesomehenry.com; www.awe somehenry.com).

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