Need to change engine.

Ron Barber

Ron Barber

Member
I need to replace engine in my 31 what is the best way buy a rebuilt out right or exchange? Or have my old one replaced? I just looking for some comments or thoughts from members who have been in my shoes.
 
If your current engine has the same number as on the title and is rebuildable then I would look into that option. If the engine number doesn't matter then I would use the old engine as an exchange to save some storage and a few bucks.

Dean
 
Why do you need to swap out your engine? The first thing I would do is study the options and deceide what you want the Model A for and then build or have built the engine to meet your goals. I like to drive mine and appreciate the 80 year old feel and engineering. So a 5.9 head and a touring grind cam keep it looking original and it gives it a little more punch out on tthe road. Also balance is important to me so I watch the ,machinist bbalance everything until I am satisfied. Your car, do it your way. JMHO Jack
 
Caution! As one officer of the law once told me. If the motor number does not match the title, then you cant prove it belongs to you.

If I have a choice, I would have my existing block rebuilt, unless it is cracked beyond rebuilding.
 
Ron, There are several reputable engine rebuilders on the East coast. A couple that advertise with me in the Model A Times are Schwalm's in Strasburg, PA and Antique Engine in Skokie, IL. We have a Schwalm's engine in the sedan we use on our long trips, but we have an Antique Engine in the sedan Scotty is taking on his around the country tour. Both are excellent sources. You should probably talk with them, Ora is at Schwalms 717-687-6976 or Richard at Antique Engine847-674-6716. They are both great guys and will give you quality advice on your options on a rebuild. Tell them hello for me when you talk to them!
 
Re: changing the engine I have found it cheaper to have
my engine rebuilt locally. Freight is a deal killer.

Just as a side note in California the only thing registered by engine number
are motorcycles. Every thing else is by frame number, a real challenge on a Model "A".:cool:

JB
 
kenparker said:
Caution! As one officer of the law once told me. If the motor number does not match the title, then you cant prove it belongs to you.

If I have a choice, I would have my existing block rebuilt, unless it is cracked beyond rebuilding.
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If the motor number matches the title take it to you local DMV and ask then what to do when you change engines. They used to just record the change in number to the new engine number but now they will probably put a identification plate on your door jam. Be sure they see the original motor in the car before you remove it.

Charlie Stephens
 
The biggest thing IMHO you gain with an exchange is "down-time". Here it is the first of June and if you down the vehicle and wait 4-6 weeks for yours to be rebuilt, you are missing most of the driving season. Ron, check your PM.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
The biggest thing IMHO you gain with an exchange is "down-time". Here it is the first of June and if you down the vehicle and wait 4-6 weeks for yours to be rebuilt, you are missing most of the driving season. Ron, check your PM.
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This time of year I would also agree that buying an engine outright would save time and allow more driving.
 
Jerry in Shasta said:
Re: changing the engine I have found it cheaper to have
my engine rebuilt locally. Freight is a deal killer.

Just as a side note in California the only thing registered by engine number
are motorcycles. Every thing else is by frame number, a real challenge on a Model "A".:cool:

JB
Click to expand...
If your title matches the engine number that is all you need in California.
 
Jerry in Shasta said:
Re: changing the engine I have found it cheaper to have
my engine rebuilt locally. Freight is a deal killer.

Just as a side note in California the only thing registered by engine number
are motorcycles. Every thing else is by frame number, a real challenge on a Model "A".:cool:

JB
Click to expand...

For some reason Chevrolet went by engine numbers up untill 1954. My 54 goes by engine number as well as my sons 54 and my buddys 41 and 50. Never could understand the thinking there when you change the motor out.
 
zzlegend said:
For some reason Chevrolet went by engine numbers up untill 1954. My 54 goes by engine number as well as my sons 54 and my buddys 41 and 50. Never could understand the thinking there when you change the motor out.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. That depends on the state the vehicle lived in.

I have Chevrolets going back to 1930, and all of them have plates with serial numbers, all of which are different than the engine number.

Mine are a mix of Pennsylvania and Maryland Titles, but all of them referenced the vehicle SERIAL number, not the engine number.

Some states used the engine number as vehicle ID for years after serial plates became the norm ( but before the VIN system was implemented ).


Early Fords are another story.
 
Jeff ,In Illinois if you buy an antique car with an out of state title,it will be inspected. The woman that inspects for central Illinois(maybe the whole state) knows very well wher the frame numbers are on a model A.She demanded a friend of mine raise the body because she did not like the engine #,even though it matched the out of state title that he wanted to transfer.

They apparently want to force you into a bonded title,so they make more money

John
 
Back in the day, nobody cared. Think about it, how many thefts were there in the 50's and earlier?
People were decent and took responsibility for their actions. People left their doors unlocked. All different today and that is why it is hard to imagine a different time and place....
That is why nobody gave a hoot about serial/engine numbers matching etc.
 
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