My first "hot" car was a '50 Mercury with a 239 L-head. I had it punched out to 292 c.i. sleeved the pistons, added an Isky cam, valve job, Hurst "Mystery" shifter, truck clutch, etc. Those flat heads were great off the line, but I regularly had my lunch eaten by a 1948 Buick wagon with a straight 8. I owned him until the 1/8th mark, and then his top end took over.Thanks Dennis. I had just assumed it was a flathead V8. If it's not the next owner should install one.