Model A Sound

T

thomiv

Junior Member
My model A doesn't sound like a model A should. It doesn't have that ringy tingy sound when it is running that is so familiar to a Model A enthusiast.

I know it has been discussed before. I looked in the archives, but didn't find any reference to it. When the engines are rebuilt is there something that is done that is different? Is it perhaps a different muffler? Something with the valves?

Please share any knowledge you might have on the subject. I want to get my "A" sounding like an "A."

Thank you in advance.

Thom IV
 
Any change all from stock will alter the sound. The most notable sound change for me is camshaft, and exhaust changes. Also if it's timed to fast or slow you won't get that perfect model a put put put
 
I own several mostly stock engine Model A's with identical mufflers on all of them and they all sound somewhat different. The one that make the best sound to me, the "Cotton Picker -- Cotton Picker -- Cotton Picker" sound is the engine that is totally original. It has never been rebuilt, and is now tired out with low but equal compression. You can turn the engine over by hand with the pulley and it idles down to nothing. Is this a good trade off for great sound but no power?
 
They always sound different from inside the car as to how they sound as they drive by.
 
Timimg is really important. If set to far advanced they just don't sound right -Karl
 
I had a 29 roadster pick up that had a pinto engine. Once I put on the original type Model A muffler, it then had the sound I was looking for.
 
the exhaust system makes a big difference. Most repro systems have a restriction at the first bend in the exhaust pipe and holes in the baffles instead of the internal pipe, like Fords original design. . Then, after time, the way the baffles are designed, the lower holes begin to plug with rust and carbon, further restricting the flow. My old, all stock pickup had the Midas muffler when I got it. Once, in a parking lot, an elderly woman stopped by to compliment me on the truck, but she said it did not sound like a Model A. After installing the Aries muffler, the puckety puckety sound with the "right" tone was there. I also have that muffler on my sedan, but since it has a high compression head and a Stipe cam, it has a deeper, more throaty sound, but its still pretty good. I have also heard pinto powered A's with it that sound pretty close, except they are smoother.
 
There are many variables with this.

First off the sound we are so used to is not the original sound. It is that of the common current low cost reproduction muffler.

The Aires muffler is the only one built to the Ford prints and from what I read it has a different sound.

The muffler you have may also have a weld that popped loose or any number internal problems. In addition to other problems you might have with your drive line.
 
Kevin in NJ said:
There are many variables with this.

First off the sound we are so used to is not the original sound. It is that of the common current low cost reproduction muffler.

The Aires muffler is the only one built to the Ford prints and from what I read it has a different sound.

The muffler you have may also have a weld that popped loose or any number internal problems. In addition to other problems you might have with your drive line.
Click to expand...

I was able to look at a "verified original" exhaust pipe & muffler assy. at Hershey with a couple of JSC guys who had spent time researching the exhaust system prints, and now that I have compared the Aries units there is indeed a difference between the two. They are very similar in many areas however I have not verified the internal components between the two so it is very plausible minor deviations were necessary on the repro to aid in production costs which could alter the tone. Standing on the side of the road during a Fine-point mandatory tour listening to the differences between exhaust tones as the different Model A's drive past will open your eyes. ;)
 
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