30 Model A engine rebuild

R

Rustytinman

Member
Curious considering pulling my Model A motor and hiring someone to
rebuild it for me . Looking to find out about costs . Guess I am looking for
estimates here .Thanks
 
I posted an engine for sale in the swap section. long block with clutch, pressure plate and flywheel installed. Rebuilt but never started. Ready to install.
 
Rusty, What are you planning to do with your car? If you are planning to use it a lot and drive across the country and keep it for decades, then you should consider the Burtz block. If you are going to drive it occasionally then a used motor like Bob is offering, post #3, is just fine.

Also, if you plan to enhance the engine performance with a high compression head and a larger carburetor, and add an overdrive, then consider the Burtz block. If you do the work yourself, he Burtz block is about the same price as a quality rebuild. You will need experience with rebuilding modern engines to work on the Burtz block.
 
Planojc said:
Call Antique Engine Rebuilding 847-674-6716 and they will answer your question.
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That’s what I purchased, was concerned about the shipping but it was shipped in a plywood box ! The box and engine could have been turned over not harming the engine, removed some screws and then the engine placed my engine back in and screwed it down. A well thought out designed shipping container !
 
I know people will recommend a Burtz block, and honestly I want to go to one too when my motor quits, but a few people in my club who work around/have them have had problems with trying to get them built. It's probably a mix of a bad engine builder or a block that's almost there but not quite right. But then again your nearly 100 year old block might not be a good candidate for a rebuild either
 
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Mike1291;2308028]I know people will recommend a Burt's block, and honestly I want to go to one too when my motor quits, but a few people in my club who work around/have them have had problems with trying to get them built. It's probably a mix of a bad engine builder or a block that's almost there but not quite right. But then again your nearly 100 year old block might not be a good candidate for a rebuild either
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I think we need to pay attention to spelling. The new 5 main bearing block is a Burtz block, named for the designer, Terry Burtz. Easy to get that confused with Burt’s Model A Store in Denver. Burt’s (the store) rebuilds old blocks, and as well is a named builder for the Burtz block. So if you play it right, you could likely get a Burtz engine from Bert’s… But if you want the Burtz engine kit to build yourself or have someone else build it, you need to purchase directly from Terry’s partner, Allied Classic Inc.
 
Before the Burtz was ready I had to buy an engine. I reused the usual stuff, like head, intake, carb, water pump, and so on. I had a used crank in my garage, that needed to be turned, counterweighted, and balance. I bought a new IB-330 cam, and opted for the larger valves. My rebuilder said my read engine housing was cracked so that was an add. He always adds the center main oiling tube. Time I got it installed, and everything I had about $5,500 in the project.

I drive my car, so if I had the need today I'd buy the Burtz, and expect my costs to be at least $7,000. One thing about the Burtz with the new crank, and all the goodies is it seems you can hold the accelerator on the floor all day, and the thing will stand up to that.
 
less expensive to buy a done motor.

a few yrs back, a fella on here had his motor redone at Schwalms in PA. Avg cost then was 6k. If youre going to use your car a lot, makes sense. Otherwise, just buy a restored car and get the whole package........

I agree with Gene on the Burtz, if going that route. You at least know what youre getting.
 
JayJay said:
I think we need to pay attention to spelling. The new 5 main bearing block is a Burtz block, named for the designer, Terry Burtz. Easy to get that confused with Burt’s Model A Store in Denver. Burt’s (the store) rebuilds old blocks, and as well is a named builder for the Burtz block. So if you play it right, you could likely get a Burtz engine from Bert’s… But if you want the Burtz engine kit to build yourself or have someone else build it, you need to purchase directly from Terry’s partner, Allied Classic Inc.
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Sorry, I thought I corrected my phone's autocorrect. I didn't even know that Burt's was a thing until now
 
I would highly recommend Ross Lilleker in College Station, Texas. He rebabbited and rebuilt the engine in my '28 roadster engine about 22 years ago and it is still running great. I had him help me with another car about 2 months ago. He will also R&R the engine if need be.
mrmodelt.com 979-218-4083
 
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