Goes 80 now

[Frank Miller]

After spending considerable time with the fuel pump and measuring different things I decided to reset the float to the factory setting which is almost 0.2 inches higher than recommended by a reputable builder. It now runs great. I will be open to not knowing how to properly set up a float. But I did cut two blocks to the desired height and set them on the flat and put a paint stick across them. I cut a divot so the ridge would not be measured. For the record there is no problem with standard gears coupled with the overdrive trans. Thanks for all those that commented and Ken for answering emails and taking calls.

 

[Dennis/Arkansas]

Don't forget the roll cage and seat belts! Dennis/Arkansas

 

[LeroyM]

Cool! I'm glad you got it worked out. I'd say as long as the brakes are in working order and you don't ride the bumper of the person in front of you then you should be fine.

 

[Lawson Cox]

At 80 listen closely and you may hear it singing "Nearer my God to Thee". Just watch out for fools on the road.

 

[Ross in East Texas]

When I was going to college in 1965, I drove this stock 1939 Ford the first two semesters. This was 150 miles from home with 80 miles of 70 MPH Interstate I-40 which I drove with no problems. I am sure glad that I wasn't aware of all these limitations of these old Fords back then!
Truthfully I drove this car 75 routinely on a daily basis. The fastest I ever ran this car was 95 but after rebuilding with 4 ring pistons, 90 was the most I ever got out of it.
I still have this car and am currently doing a frame off. I probably will not be driving it like I did back then though,

 

[55 dude]

80+! holy **** frank you are truly a daredevil! thanks for sharing the tech.

 

[Frank Miller]

To all concerned. I am not looking to drive 80 all the time. I was checking performance and that entails running a motor through the paces. This was so borderline that filling the tank would make the fuel pump perform marginally better and mask the problem. Less than half a tank of gas and it would stumble in the 40-50mph range. I was ready to try a new fuel pump but could find nothing wrong and it looked to be working ok.

I was pretty sure I had a fuel related problem. If I was running out of gas at 70-75 what's not to say I'm running too lean at 60. Another not good scenario. The headline was more of a teaser but it did signify a real problem. Just sharing my experience because that is what keeps them all runnin'.