How much horsepower did the 1937 Ford Flathead V8 have?
The 1937 Ford Flathead V8 is commonly cited as delivering about 85 horsepower, depending on how horsepower was measured at the time. This article explains the rating, what it meant in the 1930s, and how to interpret the numbers today.
Engine at a glance
The 1937 Ford Flathead V8 was Ford's 239 cubic inch (approximately 3.9-liter) side-valve V8 that powered most Ford passenger cars in that year. It belongs to the early, durable flathead family that helped Ford popularize V8 power in everyday driving.
Power figures and measurement context
In the 1930s, horsepower ratings were typically published as gross horsepower, measured at the engine’s output before considering all ancillary equipment. Modern ratings are generally net horsepower, which accounts for accessories and modern testing conditions. The 1937 Flathead V8 is commonly listed as about 85 horsepower in the gross rating, with torque around 170 lb-ft. The advertised RPM range for peak output falls in the low-to-mid 3,000s, depending on the engine tune and the model it powered.
Core specifications
Here are the core numbers most often cited by historians and restorers for the 1937 Flathead V8.
- Displacement: about 239 cubic inches (3.9 L)
- Horsepower: approximately 85 hp (gross) at around 3,400–3,600 rpm
- Torque: roughly 170 lb-ft
- Engine layout: side-valve (flathead) V8
These values reflect the era’s design and marketing conventions. They provide a basis for understanding how the 1937 V8 compared with its contemporaries and with Ford’s later V8s.
Measuring horsepower then vs now
Motorists in the 1930s saw horsepower advertised as gross output with no accessories, cooling fans, or pumps mounted on the engine. Modern dyno tests report net horsepower, accounting for such equipment and, often, for emissions-related accessories. As a result, the same engine can yield different numbers by today’s standards, even if it runs smoothly in restoration work.
Summary
The commonly cited figure for the 1937 Ford Flathead V8 is about 85 horsepower in the gross rating, with torque around 170 lb-ft. When interpreting these numbers today, it’s important to distinguish gross versus net figures and to consider the condition of a restoration and testing method. Overall, the engine marks a pivotal moment in making V8 power accessible to everyday drivers in the late 1930s.
