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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 32 Model B vs V8

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Posted By Discussion Topic: 32 Model B vs V8 -- page: 1 2 3     parrish 07-01-2011 @ 8:04 AM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 349 Joined: Oct 2009 On an origianl 32, roughly what is the market value differential of a model B versus the V8? And how difficult would the V8 swap be? Different front cross member needed? I realize that the Model B is just fine as is, just wondering and educating myself...Thanks! This message was edited by parrish on 7-1-11 @ 8:12 AM deluxe40 07-01-2011 @ 10:22 AM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 413 Joined: Oct 2009 In the very wild guess department, I would say that an original '32 V8 might be worth 30 to 50 percent more than a Model B in the same body style and condition. Mechanically, the change can be made without extreme difficulty and has been done many times. Besides the engine, transmission and radiator, there are differences in the firewall, fuel line and linkage, hub caps, dash controls and emblems, to name a few. The difficulties are: 1) the frame/VIN numbers are different, with the V8 starting with "18" and the Model B with "B". So the car will never be an original V8. 2) finding a usable '32 V8 engine is quite difficult with usable cores in the $5K range (several years ago - now, who knows?). Bottom line, in my opinion, is that it is not worth doing. An original Model B is as rare and interesting as a Model 18 (V8) these days and both are more interesting than a mixture of parts. Plus, it's a lot of work and you still don't wind up with a car that you can drive on modern city freeways easily and safely. supereal 07-01-2011 @ 10:33 AM reply profile send p.m. Senior Posts: 6819 Joined: Oct 2009 If you look at a good price guide, it appears that, on average. the 4 cylinder model is about 10% less valuable than the V8 counterpart. You didn't mention the model of your car, or I missed it, and the disparity varies as the rarety rises. That said, it is doubtful that conversion to an eight cylinder would be done for the difference, even with a correct '32 V8. There are two prospective markets: to a buyer who knows that your car is valuable "as is", and a rodder, who wouldn't care about the engine or running gear. 37RAGTOPMAN 07-01-2011 @ 10:51 AM reply profile send p.m. Senior Posts: 1969 Joined: Oct 2009 I have driven original B Motors in a MODEL A, They run great, better up hills then most V8'S have more torque, a GOOD RUNNING B or C engine with counter weighted cranshaft has no problem on the open road, what I find in the 32"s is the lack of room, compared to 33 and up cars, A friend of mine had a 32 ROADSTER, and it to me was cramped, and I am only 5'10 tall installing a flathead V8 is not that hard but it all depends how much you want to spend,just like anthing else in life, if it is a running car leave it alone and enjoy it as is, if it is a basket case it might be worth doing the way you want,BUT DO NOT PLAN ON MAKING ANY MONEY ON IT, What body style are we talking about ?? has a lot to do with it, my 3 cents 37RAGTOPMAN, SEE YOU ALL IN SARATOGA,!!! ford38v8 07-01-2011 @ 11:09 AM reply profile send p.m. Senior Posts: 2780 Joined: Oct 2009 Parrish, I agree with deluxe40 on value, if we're talking about two identically correct original cars. Super and I have long enjoyed our disagreement regarding the Value Guides. The '32 V8 block today is almost extinct, whereas the B block is much more available. That said though, the drivability of the Model B is greater than the V8, as remember, the 4banger had evolved, while the V8 was barely more than a prototype engine, actually having fewer horsepower than the B. Alan CharlieStephens 07-01-2011 @ 12:47 PM reply profile send p.m. Senior Posts: 894 Joined: Oct 2009 Deluxe40, Other than the bolt on engine snubber and a few holes that are not used depending upon he engine (they are included on all firewalls) what is the difference in the firewall? Also you need to include the anti chatter rods (engine stabilizer rods), engine splash pans, and throttle linkage. The firewall pad will have holes to install the engine snubber bolts which I assume (?) would not be punched on a V8 firewall pad. A good approach as the value impact might be to pick up a copy of "The Old Cars Price Guide" and compare the body style/condition you have with a 4 and an 8. I remember checking this question years ago and the V8 engine would increase the value of my roadster by $4000. I figured it would cost $5000 to make the change. Charlie Stephens This message was edited by CharlieStephens on 7-1-11 @ 1:11 PM deluxe40 07-01-2011 @ 6:19 PM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 413 Joined: Oct 2009 Charlie, On the firewall, I was thinking of the B snubber and the bolt that holds it on. In the old days that was always a giveaway on a conversion. You are right, I forgot the chatter rods and the splash pans. I checked www.nadaguides.com just now and they discount '32 values by 20% for the B version. They give low, medium and high values. For a coupe (no difference between 3W and 5W!) they say 17K, 25K & 36K; for a roadster, 26K, 42K & 57K. I think they are low for high end cars. I know of a nice original roadster for sale. It would probably not be a Dearborn at meets I've judged in the past 20 years, but the owner wants $85K. Dearborn cars approaching 1000 points are rumored to sell for well over $100K. parrish 07-01-2011 @ 7:31 PM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 349 Joined: Oct 2009 The model is a standard coupe (5W) and I am not the current owner, but it might become available. It is all original and 95% complete. Engine does not turn which prompted my question of engine replacement options. My 2009 Old Cars guide shows a non-running car as a '5' which lists a 32 B at $7,200. That seems quite low. Owner is comtemplating 30K which seems quite high. My former boss, Tom Monaghan always said he wanted to die broke. This car might be his calling! Thanks for all the input. 35ford 07-02-2011 @ 7:35 AM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 63 Joined: Oct 2009 I have done the change over and the list of changes required - somewhere. Please advise if you would like a copy sent to you. I think there are about 18 tiems. 35ford parrish 07-02-2011 @ 8:42 AM reply profile send p.m. Member Posts: 349 Joined: Oct 2009 Yes, please. I tried a PM, but you have it disabled... Thanks!

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