Some things will never go out of style. They might age, but they will be loved. That’s the Ford Flathead V8. Sure, there are engines that crank out more power and are more available and more modern and …whatever. You show me a ’32 Ford or a 1940 Ford truck that still has a side-valve engine under the hood, and you will certainly have my attention. Old doesn’t have to mean obsolete…there’s plenty of aftermarket support to keep the flathead going thanks to the hot rodders of years past and put bluntly, not everybody wants a Ford 302 or Chevrolet 350 in their cars. A Flathead is more than enough engine to move a deuce coupe around with some entertainment on the side, and you can’t beat that sound and that look under the hood.

But one thing you can beat is how they start. Not to knock technology that’s getting close to a hundred years old, but advances over the last century means that you aren’t hoping and praying that the starter doesn’t pass out from exhaustion trying to kick the mill over. Powermaster offers two options if your starter sounds like it’s reaching the end of the road. If you’re wanting to maintain an original-style layout, part number 92507 is the one you want. It’s got a gear reduction starter inside of the case and will bolt up to any Flathead that isn’t a French block. If you aren’t so worried about looks and want the benefits of an updated starter, you can choose from part numbers 9507 (natural finish) or 19507 (chrome) if you’re running an original steel flywheel, or 9508/19508 if you have a French block and/or an aluminum flywheel. These starters will handle up to a 15:1 compression ratio and are designed to fight off heat soak.

Nearly a hundred years of V8 Ford power shouldn’t be sidelined because an old starter is kicking the bucket. Check out Powermaster Performance and keep the classic alive!