Could it be?

[Jack '29 Sport Coupe]

For the last couple of weeks I have noticed that my car has been somewhat sluggish and that it felt like something was holding it back once I got into overdrive. Yesterday, I decided to take a long drive to assess this problem and to see if there was something I could do to correct the situation. Before I started out, I gave it a good inspection which included everything under the hood as well as a "walk around" and found the tires were low----all of them. The tires had between 20 and 25 pounds. I normally carry 35 pounds. I have never noticed any "drag" from low pressure tires on my modern cars----but we all know how SPECIAL our "girls" are! Anyway, the drive was delightful with temps in the 71 range and the thermometer ******* 145 with a slight breeze-----not enough to make the canvas flap on the Sport Coupe. The Coupe climbed up to 70 in no time flat, so the drag problem seems to be resolved. I quickly dropped back down to my preferred 45-55 range and enjoyed the rest of the drive. I was just wondering if anyone else has noticed a dramatic change due to tire pressure? Please don't beat up on me for being so neglectful in the first place----I've already done that to myself.

Jack

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Jack, it is indeed very possible. While I know it seems like a broken record at times, but is it possible your camshaft likely contributed to this too? Often times, reground/worn camshafts cause the engine's torque to be less than ideal, --which is the very thing that is needed when there is additional drag. One other thing, 145° water temps is kinda low for making efficient horsepower out of the engine. I am of the opinion your engine might do well to have a thermostat installed to bring the temps up a little.

.

 

[Jack '29 Sport Coupe]

Thanks, Brent, for your input. The car seems to have regained all of its pep with the tire inflation. I couldn't ask for more performance. The 145 temp is what it normally runs with temps in the 60's and 70's. It normally runs about 185 in the summer in the
July Florida heat. I do have a 160 degree thermostat which I haven't installed as of yet. Thanks again for your comments. I'm taking a 100 mile round trip jaunt to Melbourne in an hour or so, just to see if I need to make any further "tweaks."

Jack