The Ford flathead was revolutionary, but why? It wasn't the first automotive V8 — that was either Rolls-Royce's extremely limited-edition 3.5-liter engine from 1905 or, arguably Leon Levavasseur ...

Ford Flathead V8 (1932 To 1953) Today, engine tuning is an integral part of automotive culture. Some engines have even become mythical for their flirtation with the aftermarket.

Taking a flathead block from its stock 3.1875 bore all the way out to this 3.3125 diameter represents a 0.125 overbore—virtually unheard of for most modern, postwar OHV engine types.

Add on other trinkets like a Procharger F1-R Supercharger, a 750 cfm carburetor, modified Chevrolet main seals and vales fitted to run on Ford hardware, and a healthy ten psi of boost pressure ...

The flathead heads on the big-block cover each "V" of the V-8, and the requisite MP112 supercharger sits center stage, topped by a Holley 390-cfm carburetor.

Flathead devotees could order centrifugal superchargers from McCulloch and Italian-made Roots-type blowers from Italmecanicca, later S.Co.T (Supercharger Company of Turin (Torino)).

If you are looking to buy a Ford F-150 truck, should you go with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or the 5.0L V8 engine? We compare the two to help you decide.

For context, the first 3.6-liter Flathead V8 made only 65 hp, with a compression ratio of 5.5:1. Even the last 1953 3.9-liter unit, had a modest compression ratio of 7.2:1 and produced 110 hp.