For reduced valvetrain noise and reduced overall size, put the entire valvetrain in the block.
Does anyone make a flathead flat four? BMW made a flathead flat twin. If I could get a good working example of any truck engine ever, it would have to be the 1938 White flathead flat twelve. Seven main bearings, 465 wet-sleeved cubic inches. It came on a subframe that included the [optional five-speed] transmission, radiator and
dashboard.
