Editing Ford flathead V8 engine (section)

==Hot-rodding applications==
In the early 1950s, many hot-rodders could not afford to purchase and modify even a "cheap" flathead V-8, and a large investment in machine work and [[aftermarket (automotive)|aftermarket]] parts was necessary to bring a Ford flathead V-8 to even the performance levels of most stock OHV V-8s available at the time. Even many inline six-cylinder engines from that period could be modified to produce more reliable and practical power than Ford V-8s, as the Ford flathead V-8 is saddled with many design features that make modifying it for true high-performance use difficult and expensive compared with other V-8s.

As modern OHV V-8s became available and affordable in salvage yards, the Ford flathead V-8 rapidly disappeared from the hot-rodding scene. Hot-rodding in general moved away from the salvage-yard car builds as parts and labor became more expensive and many hot-rod shops priced themselves out of business. The modern OHV V-8 powered vehicles available also contributed to the demise of hot-rodding's original culture (affordable modifications by working-class car owners), as new factory cars became capable of much higher performance than most hot-rods.

Today the flat-head Ford is mainly used in "retro" hot-rod builds by builders more interested in an historic feel and recreating history than performance. Even four-cylinder Ford engines are used to make a retro hot-rod "correct".
[[File:FordFlathead hop-up.JPG|thumb|Ford flathead V-8 with an aftermarket twin plug cylinder head & Stromberg carburettors]]

===Modern performance flatheads===
Ford flatheads are still [[hot rod]]ded today, with a special [[land speed record]] class for flathead engines. The current record holder achieves {{cvt|700|hp|0}} and {{cvt|300|mph}}.<ref>"[http://www.bluebird-electric.net/flatfire.htm Flatfire Racer Sets 300 Miles per Hour Record at Bonneville Salt Flats 2004 Using 1946 Ford Flathead Engine; Ron Main Speed Ace on Land]." ''bluebird-electric.net,'' 7 October 2006.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flatfire.com/Flathead300mph.htm |title=Flathead Engine Breaks 300 mph Barrier |date=14 September 2002 |website=Flatfire Racing Team |publisher=Main Attractions |location=Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah }}</ref> The current land speed record for a Ford flathead V8 stands at 302.462mph.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://scta-bni.org/bonneville-rulebook-recs |title=Bonneville Rulebook Records}}</ref>