Super Rare Supercharged Ardun Flathead Ford Making Huge Horsepower!

Ardun overhead valve heads for the Flathead Ford were the old-school hot rodder's original secret weapon. But only between 200 and 250 pairs were originally cast, and these days they are extremely rare to come upon. That's why we were super excited to be able to document a Bonneville land speed racing build Keith and Jeff Dorton of Automotive Specialists (www.automotivespecialists.com) were doing for racer Doug Kenny. Check out this build and all they had to do to make this Ardun make over 700 horsepower on just 10 pounds of boost!
If you'd like to see what more stock style Flathead looks like inside and out, check out this video: • All the Oddities of Fo...
By the way, I borrowed a few clips from the excellent Iron Trap Garage KZbin channel to help you see what more stock Ardun heads look like. Please check out that entire video here: • How Does An Ardun OHV ...
Engine Builder: Automotive Specialists -- www.automotivespecialists.com/

[@watsisbuttndo829]

Those crank counterweights look terrifying. Keith is a flippin genius getting that old iron to stay together at that power point.

[@jamesaucutt8284]

I would actually like to see that engine explode

[@georgegundersen562]

Hell yeah that’s a lot of power for a 100 year old flat head

[@FrankKorzen]

^ 91 max, more like 70, the '53 Merc blocks the biggest, thickest and best. Wayback, '60s, had a '31 Ford four door sedan plus a '50 Ford flathead, rusted froze, purchased from a neighbor as a teen. Two years to rotate the crank, clean it up get it to run on the two barrel Stromberg carb, no name aluminum intake. Gave it away to an interested passerby, around '76, who hauled it away on his trailer, and later built a rod out of it. He painted it Ferrari Fly Yellow, ' big fat tires, and everything ' ~ Deep Purple ' American Graffiti '73 ' Like that, in Toronto.

[@yt650]

All this with three main bearings.

[@kennytree8801]

Took the words out of my mouth

[@minibikemadman]

yup so wilddddd

[@glydin1]

And three two-bolt main bearings.

[@rbotton6272]

remarkabow

[@crazyoilfieldmechanic3195]

Temporary is the word that comes to mind......

[@hdvictoryford5329]

That is insane. Never in the last 60 years saw a Flatty make that kind of power. Those parts that were designed to eliminate the flatties issues show a real talent. And the end result is nothing short of unbelievable. Honestly, I was thinking 360 hp maybe, WOW! 722!!!!!!!! @ 10 psi boost. Makes you re-think the flatties potential.

[@ericjohnson8482]

I'm a volunteer at The Museum of American Speed and there are probably close to 10 sets of Ardun heads there. There are some other really wild OHV conversions there as well. There is even a couple OHC conversion. Fun fact, the first hemi Chrysler made in 51 had the exact bolt pattern and valve angle as the Ardun. Also Ardun heads are right and left specific due to the push rod angle of the flatheads.

[@landonbussieres1125]

Idk why, but I love flathead v8 builds. So unique and interesting.

[@g.o.b.2558]

Flathead Life 💪

[@spankthemonkey3437]

It's not flat head anymore 🤷🤦😆🤣

[@user-er6wb9rf8u]

​@@spankthemonkey343710-4, once the heads are on it, it is no longer a flathead, it's now an OHV. Call it correctly please.

[@plumbs7199]

700 plus hp and climbing on 3 main bearings !

[@RadDadisRad]

I love the way flatheads look. They never get old to look at.

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Agreed

[@Ronsonic]

Talking about the significance of the Ford flathead, it was the first V8 block that could be cast in a single piece. That bit of production engineering was a breakthrough.

[@JohnnyAFG81]

Those Ardun heads are a show stopper!

[@banneddamn]

Where i grew up out in the woods was a little local mechanic shop and my dad was friends with the owner. He was absolutely an OG hot rodder, his nhra membership number was like 38 or 48, and he had the absolute flathead dream garage. Literally all the coolest old flathead speed parts stuff. Multi carb intakes, superchargers just everything you can think of... including at least 3 sets of ardun heads. 😮 my dad took video of it all back in 97, i should upload it some day....

[@jasonhastings5538]

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 Crazy!!!!! 700hp from a flat head!!!!!!!!

[@felipereggio]

Here in Brazil we had the French manufacturer called Sinca, manufacturing the flathead V8 in its models under license. in 1966 they developed a new hemispherical cylinder head, called "Emi-Sul", a 2.4 engine with around 140 hp. They are quite rare here, but a good number of these heads were certainly manufactured. Forgive my bad English, greetings from Brazil.

[@locustent]

Simca obtained rights to produce the small flathead engine, known in the U.S. as the V8-60 from Ford of France and included it in certain Simca models. The Emi-Sul was a hemi-head version of this engine. Ironically, it was produced at a time when Simca was owned by Chrysler Corporation. An earlier version of the V8-60 was designed by George Kudasch, the same fellow who Zora Arkus-Duntov hired in 1947 to complete the design of the heads for the "regular sized" flathead V8. The V8-60 Ardun was never produced in quantity. It had its exhaust valve operated by a second, short push rod, operated by a bell crank pivoting on the same rocker shaft as the intake vales, and running across the cylinder head to a second rocker arm, which operated the exhaust valve. The Emi-Sul used pairs of long and short rocker arms to operate the exhaust and intake valves, just like the larger Adrun heads and the Chrysler Corporation hemis.

[@mpetersen6]

The valve actuation systems that use a second short pushrod to operate the valve on the far side of the head always struck me as a recipe for disaster. Especially at higher rpm. Now if the second short push rod was mechanically linked to the bell crank and rocker arm 🤔 Probably too much reciprocating mass.

[@JohnSimpson-mv9qm]

Your English is excellent

[@radtek2]

Loved seeing that Blown Ardun/Flathead Ford can hardly believe the HP/Torque it produced! A buddy and myself built a, what was called "Full Race" flathead back in 1959 with a lot help of an old renown machinist/dirt track racer of the area. It was 286 cu in dual Strombergs, Mallory magspark, Crane cam, Shaved and flycut heads, Fenton Header build. Of course I don't know what the HP was, we figured around 175 or so but told everyone it was 200 lol.😁We in our wildest dreams back then could believe any engine could produce 700+ HP! Let alone a Merc/Ford Flathead. My engine was in a 49 Ford Coupe with 4:11 rear and traction bars....it was a quick little stoplight street racer in those times many years ago. Oh as a side note my buddy went on to become the crew chief of a historic 427 Cobra and Mustang road race team.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

It'd be interesting to see how a Flathead would do with direct injection through the flat head and a small turbo. Not for outright power, but to see how clean one would run with modern engine management, compared to OHV engines.

[@TPVPRO]

Bro 👀, these gentlemen are in a league of their own. Hats off to Keith and Jeff Dorton; they're most likely the last of a true hotrod generation, making them two legends.

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

That's an incredible amount of power on 10lb of boost let alone using a century old block.

[@CoyoteFTW]

Yes it’s very impressive

[@iceman45ification1]

Super cool!! It's been a while since I've heard the name Ardun. I heard some years ago that someone had begun recasting them but never heard anything since. I always thought they were cool but astronomically priced. Great video my friend. 💪🔥

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Thanks very much!

[@Mpcoluv]

I think a guy named Don Orosco made the repo heads.

[@-Mike-69]

Correct me if I'm wrong but we're the OE heads cast in England ? I remember my dad (born in England) telling me about putting these heads on milk delivery trucks. My dad was a mechanic in England. I was born in Canada, and am also a mechanic. Even my son was a mechanic for close to 10 years. He was smart and got out of the trade. Now he's an Iron Worker.

[@ivanhorban340]

Just a work of art, the most beautiful Ardun conversion I have ever seen.

[@gothicpagan.666]

Truly engineering at it's finest

[@bobqzzi]

This is a great project. Love the Dorton's and this channel

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Hey thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@Justin-bz1dp]

@@TheHorsepowerMonster he do you have 502 they

[@manitoublack]

In an answer to the immortal question: "Why?" A: Because I can. Love these stories.

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Exactly! Thanks for watching!

[@skylinefever]

I don't mind that it is mostly photos. Guys who set land speed records often have to keep secrets, so we are fortunate to see anything at all. He shared far more than most people would have. Thanks!

[@ztaples]

Thats modern engine HP in a century old design. Wow

[@anasevi9456]

I love this series on getting big power out of old iron. Cheers mate from straya!

[@reltub20001]

The 239ci flathead was my first engine I rebuilt. Mine was stock except for the cam. This was so cool to see and hear

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Thanks!

[@codychickadee5095]

Those billet caps and reinforcements are a thing of beauty. Was not expecting any kind of power close to that! Wow!

[@juanmangerita]

Very awesome engine and great talent behind the build.

[@LaLaLand.Germany]

YEE HAW, Go Ardun! I don´t mind it one bit that this has modern upgrades. To me it would be straight stupid not to use modern stuff and quality of life things like nice seals. And: I don´t belive how quiet it seems! Please keep us posted.

[@ppjn81]

I really suggest to put two idle rollers for that oil pump belt.

[@Cartier2Shiesty]

shiiitttt 700hp on 10lbs. that’s crisp. i love the reliability of this set up. you could crank double boost out of her and still have wiggle room. whew, i would love to have this

[@dallascowboys1683]

I can remember the very first flathead Ford that I tore down. I couldn’t get the water pumps off. After about 5 minutes of scratching my head, I was like, there’s got to be a bolt inside the water pump passage. I was taught by my father, never go prying on parts until you’ve learned how they come apart. These are the coolest engines to work on. The mid year flathead engine had two piece valve guides with tulip shaped valve stem tips. That was another head scratcher.

[@brenohighland1168]

i remember that

[@John-cg8hb]

That's a damn sexy dyno graph.

[@joecooper7803]

Tom Senter’s ARDUN build was in one of the first handed down car magazines. Wore that one out reading it amazing build and history ! Labor of love for sure ! Nice job thanks for sharing your build

[@johnk5577]

would love to see this setup on the flat head v12

[@seanlyddy2617]

this is the koolest thing i seen on the net in years

[@stlchucko]

O_O That’s monster power from a flathead… even a supercharged Ardun one.

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

I’ve been wanting to see someone build up a flathead and put boost to it awesome thanks for sharing

[@bcbloc02]

I had an issue with a girdle pulling a block out of align after a few runs. Glad to hear I am not the only one to see it!

[@jasonfikes9514]

This was a great video to share, really enjoyed every part of it. Thank you again. ✌️😁

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Thanks very much!

[@cindys1819]

One of my uncles had a Big bore Flathead first Chrome looking ceramic coated Tattersfield Heads. Then he used the ugly Kogal heads with very deep cooling fins. Amazing memories.

[@lostallmymoney2082]

That’s insane!!!

[@Pedroisanickname]

What a beautiful sounding smooth running engine. It's a work of art.❤

[@reubenmosman9466]

For the algorithm . . . and love the channel

[@Oldzenbiker]

Very impressive! The ARDUN heads really make a huge difference!

[@dano4572]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulmac9634]

Just a small point, Speedweek is the most well known event at Bonneville and held in August each year. It was actually held this year, although it was a bit wet. World of Speed is an event held in September at Bonneville, and it was rained out this year for the second year in a row. I only know this because World of Speed is the event I run. Great video as usual, looking forward to progress updates on the Corvette!!!

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

You are correct. I was afraid I would just confuse people if I tried to explain it. Keith had several teams running his engines at Speedweek this year. He said a handful left after the weekend when there was still water on the salt assuming there would never be good racing. The others declined to race on the short course after it was opened up believing that the poor condition of the surface made it either unsafe or too damaging for the cars. Others only wanted to run the long course, which was never opened. Not sure which group Doug Kenny and his team fell into. Anyhow, thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

[@lasskinn474]

do you guys have some differences in classes vs speedweek?

[@rikiwakwak]

Oh my goodness. More plz

[@frfrpr]

Always interesting. Great filming and pretty incredible story. Thanks

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Thanks for the compliment! And thanks for watching!

[@loicdore39]

Nice build !

[@demotors070161]

Awesome!. My first exposure to a flatty was about 1957

[@SR-gt350]

Man, that runs soooooo smooth!

[@alro2434]

All those cranks looked great, the original is scary! Thanks.

[@jasonmurdoch9936]

That's awesome

[@Sir.VicSmasher]

I look forward to your vids the same way I looked forward to watching those Saturday morning engine build shows. Yours are way better too.

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Thanks very much! I enjoy making these vids, it just annoys me I'm so slow getting them out. Thanks again!

[@leehrh263]

Hopefully we'll see this roadster run at world finals next week.

[@oubliette862]

That's awesome.

[@RandallSoong-pp7ih]

Cool man!

[@tomashogg8868]

OMG thats nearly seven times it was intended to handle from the factory. The old flathead is such a peace of inginiering artwork and also it is all the word yo made to this particular engine. Such a marvel...

[@davidholcomb9961]

Amazing and beautiful! I love the sound of the procharger supercharger! Better than a Hellcat!

[@markstopkey4085]

That is just so cool!

[@hazimreitz]

What a thing of beauty this is!!! Gosh!!! the sound it makes is damn smooth :D

[@jimmy_olds]

Incredible!

[@jamesprice3423]

That was nice, thanks. I'm just starting to get into high performance flatheads. I've had many 239s but, with the usual minor mods. I enjoy all your videos. Keep up the good work and, finish that 'vette!

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Thanks!

[@glennbooker3928]

Excellent thank you!

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

really cool build.....

[@JFar-jf6qq]

Badass! Again fellas!

[@kennethporst4359]

YESS this has been my vision since I was a child 😮🤓🎉🎉🎉

[@billjacobs8035]

Thank you so very much!

[@clutch5sp989]

CONGRATS on the tee shirt design. Badge text in front and graphic on the back. You are the only person who gets it right.....cept the black in color. If they were white tee's, I'd buy a few.

[@Sleeperdude]

Very cool thanks for sharing

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Thanks!

[@brianbob7514]

Super amazing

[@zoomzoom3909]

Cool as hell

[@simonlane1277]

I run a blown Ardun in my street roadster here in England. I was so excited to see 332hp on the dyno - until I saw this vid !!! BTW the rockers are likely to be from Don Ferguson who makes the repro sets.

[@ummduhgmail]

Very cool

[@ronbernier7707]

Amazing engine,and sooo cool

[@barryhuddlestun3098]

Beautiful build. Look at that torque and Horsepower Curve... Slope...

[@jamescook3297]

Excellent

[@brandonsearle990]

Very interesting

[@russupholster8221]

Very interesting, not the same old worn out SBC /BBC videos! Thank you!

[@davkilldav211]

Thats an insane motor/head combo ive ever seen on a flathead. Crazy power lolol

[@maya00795]

Hell yeah........ Thanks buddy........ Greetings from india 🇮🇳🤘🏻🤠🤠🤩

[@xozindustries7451]

I didn’t realize those heads were available before chrysler Hemi heads, good build hope to see it out on the salt soon

[@CrazyPetez]

So cool. I just ❤ it.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

Pretty neat

[@Thomas63r2]

Genius solution to three main bearings, and good call on limiting rpm. What was the static compression ratio? - I'm not sure that was mentioned.

[@mphill1491]

Pretty cool on a stock block

[@maya00795]

Hell yeah...... Greetings from india 🇮🇳🤘🏻🤘🏻🤠🤠🤩... thank you buddy 🤘🏻

[@stolenaccount1424]

@12:37 Look at those wrenches swaying on the wall 5 feet from that revving flathead. It must be sucking a high volume of air out of the room.

[@jacobpasco8623]

the dyno. videos are back yes

[@Gunny426HemiPlymouth]

Amazing power for what it is. 10 pounds of boost on a nearly 100 year old crank. Making 720 horse and only 70 less torque. Also not a lot of RPM either. 260 lift? Stock vws had more than that I think 😂 keep up the great work

[@reubenmosman9466]

So very, very cool . . . Hand making a fist with thumb extended.

[@brentbrent4608]

700 + horsepower is truly amazing hi Reynold Flathead that's crazy

[@dustinandtarynwolfe5540]

Turbo flathead? That's something g I can't say I've seen before. I don't usually pay attention to this channel but you have my attention

[@timoneal9654]

WOW!!! Very nice. I heard a story that the Duntov brothers sold quite a few of the heads/kit to NYC to be affixed on their flathead, under-powered Ford garbage trucks. Seeing how they added around 50 HP I can see how this likely made all the difference in the world to a vehicle hauling a heavy load. Perhaps this was after Ford turned them down so they could liquidate their inventory. I wonder how many city mechanics made off with these heads later when they were decommissioned.

[@alpeach9480]

Amazing.!!!

[@highwaymen1237]

I have seen a few sets on hot rods that show up for Speed Week and some cars running for records on the salt.

[@WilliamTSmith-bv9tb]

LOVE FLATHEADS! GREW UP 2 BLOCKS AWAY FROM BARNEY NAVARRO’S SPEED SHOP IN GLENDALE CA.! GREAT HOT RODDER!

[@david929190]

That's way more power than I thought could be pulled from that engine at only 10lbs!

[@6226superhurricane]

i definitely wasn't expecting those figures, almost double what i thought they would likely be.

[@dougconway8165]

NICE !!