By Tony Thacker Highly regarded as the ‘go to’ shop for Ford and Lincoln flatheads, H&H Flatheads has re-introduced the rare DIXON sohv heads for the flathead Ford V8. “Hot rodders are always looking for something different and the single overhead exhaust valve DIXON heads are definitely different.” Said Mike Herman, owner of H&H Flatheads. “They have an amazing pedigree having been first successfully run at Muroc Dry Lake in 1938 when on July 3 the Dixon-Richards entry set the top speed of the meet at 120 mph. Fast for its day. “Basically, the DIXON heads relocate the exhaust valve out of the block and into the head reducing overheating and allowing for vastly improved exhaust gas flow. And, of course, they also give you four rather than three exhaust ports for a more contemporary, balanced look.” Cast in Los Angeles from the highest quality tempered A356 aluminum and CNC machined, the DIXON heads are designed to fit the desirable 1938-1953 59A and 8BA 24-stud flatheads. The heads come complete with Isky valve springs, 1.5-inch diameter stainless steel valves, adjustable push rods, lifters, custom head gaskets and a pair of exhaust flanges. It’s everything you need to make the conversion. Besides an ever-widening range of speed equipment, H&H Flatheads also offers full machine shop services for classic engines; everything from hot tanking, acid dipping and pressure sealing through all stages of machining to short or full-block assembly. About H&H Flatheads
A family business now in its third generation, H&H has been rebuilding all early-Ford engines from Model Ts, As, Bs, and V-8s in the same La Cresenta, California, location since first opening its doors in 1972. Mike Herman branched out in 2003 to specialize in flathead Ford V-8s and brought into the fold Navarro Racing Equipment, Sharp Speed & Power Equipment, Austin Speed Equipment, S.Co.T. Blowers, Wilson & Woods 8BA heads and most recently the Dixon sohv cylinder heads. Besides the Ford flathead, H&H also specializes in Ardun conversions, Lincoln V-12 and other vintage engines including Y-Block Ford, Nailhead Buicks and Chrysler Hemis. La Cresenta, CA — Known world wide for its engine rebuilds for customers such as Ray Evernham and Chip Foose, H&H Flatheads has recently introduced a new supercharger assembly featuring the Detroit 6V53. There’s long been a need for a bigger blower,” said Mike Herman, owner of H&H Flatheads. “And the Detroit 6V53 fits the bill for so many applications particularly the Lincoln V12. That is such a long engine it needs a blower longer than the usual 4-71.” The Detroit 6V53 is a traditional Roots-type supercharger, however, it features 2-lobe, straight rotors compared to the 4-71’s 3-lobe, helix rotors. It pumps 209 cubic inches of displacement per revolution (c.i.d./rev) compared to the 4-71’s 280 c.i.d./rev, making it ideal for the Lincoln. And, of course, being 3 inches longer it will comfortably accommodate four Stromberg 97s mounted in-line for a really impressive look. Besides the 6V53 assembly, H&H Flatheads offers a cast 356 aluminum intake for the V12 as well as a machined billet aluminum intake for the carbs. Also available is a twin V-belt pulley system. All of which can be purchased polished or unpolished. “H&H Flatheads is committed to developing new and exciting products.” Continued Mike. “And the 6V53 is just one of the major products we have in development. Don’t forget though, besides the Ford flathead V8 and the Lincoln flathead V12 we also rebuild other classic engines including flathead Lincoln V8s. With a full machine shop, we can pretty much tackle anything.” He concluded. Basic 4-71 - 6V53 comparison: 4-71: 280 c.i.d/rev, 3 lobe 30º helix ball/roller bearing, 10 inches long, 7.5 inches tall. 6V53: 209 c.i.d/rev, 2 lobe straight friction NON ball bearing, 13.1 inches long, 5.75 inches tall.
–Thacker & Friends About H&H Flatheads: Founded in 2003 by Mike Herman, H&H Flatheads is celebrating its 15th anniversary. They specialize in building flathead Ford V8s and Lincoln V12s and the production of Navarro Racing Equipment, Sharp Speed & Power Equipment, Austin Speed Equipment and, most recently, Wilson & Woods 8BA heads and Dixon sohv heads. Besides the Ford flathead, H&H also specializes in Ardun conversions as well as rebuilding other vintage engines including Y-Block Ford, Nailhead Buicks and Chrysler Hemis. |
AuthorRock 'n' Roll/Automotive Journalist, Influencer, Editor and Publisher of Gearhead Magazine, Archives
December 2022
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