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KT

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Hi all, I am new this site and new to the restoration of A’s, as a full time job, but not new to restorations.
I am a machinist and have been making hard to get/obsolete parts for cars for 30 years, as well as just job shop parts. I have not rebuilt motors (do not have the equipment), but have assembled them. I am doing one now that had a knocking in it, center main was gone.
I was reading about the high compression heads on one tread, but would like more info if someone could direct me to it. I drive my A (Panel Delivery Van) everyday and have been trying to bring up the speed without putting a modern engine in it. Have the 5.5 head, two barrel carb, headers, Mitchell trans with the Mitchell OD gear splitter, but still only get 45 mph. I have not taken the banjo apart and believe it has 4:11’s. Any help we be welcomed.

As a side note, I am having made glass (hope that is not a 4 letter word) bodies for the 1931 Panel Delivery Van, and will be sell bodies and turnkey PDV’s. I just love PDV’s, practical, and is great advertising for my many business. Everyone stops and looks. I can going into a store, and when I come out there is always a crowd of people walking around the PDV.
Rick
 
My 31 coupe has a Snyders 5.5 head. It will hit 55 on a nice level stretch of road and can do 45-50 at will. Other than the head the motor is bone stock.
 
I can see the rearend slowing things down a bit with those gears, but not with that speed equipment. Have you checked the timing? If the points are closed that will cut your power down as well. And welcome to the club.

Mike
 
Mike, I reset the timing 3 times, made sure with my spark lever I could hit the sweet spot and go to ether side. I guess I need to open the banjo and see what is really in there.

I am rebuilding the motor now.
 
You don't need to open the banjo to find the rearend ratio. Just hand crank the engine in third gear (direct drive) with ONE rear wheel off the ground and when the rear wheel makes 2 complete turns check how many times you have turned the crankshaft.
 
We drive our 1929 Town Sedan in the 55-60 MPH range with set up you describe so you must either be too retarded or the 4:11 gears.

Send me the information about your glass bodies. We are always looking for items for articles in the Model A Times.
 
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Even with 4.11 rearend with overdrive you should be able to get to 60 MPH. Does the engine run hot? Retarded timing will make the engine and exhaust manifold run hot. Does it run even (no sticking valves)? How is the fuel flow?

Also, you need a good blue spark at least 1/4" long and mmy stock points and slant pole coil gives a good blue 1/2" spark.

Is the exhaust restricted? (mouse nest or?)
 
Tom, this is a new body off restoration. Engine only has 800 miles, new everything. I have the engine apart now, because I lost the center main bushing, but no damage.
 
First I would put a GPS System in to check the true speed. You may be going faster than you think.
 
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With the Mitchell OD, you want 4.11's in the rear. That will give a final drive ration of about 3.09:1 I run a Columbia rear end with 4.11 R&P and the final ratio is 2.96, about perfect in my mind. I can cruise easily around 62-64 MPH.
 
Jim, when I have it in OD, I cannot get more 2200 rpms, I am told I should have about 3500 rpms. I will check with a GPS.
 
Is the cam gear in proper time? Some books show a wrong picture.

bef1d125.jpg


This is how it should look. Notice the crank tooth is the one straight up from the RIGHT SIDE of the keyway, not on the left side as some books show.
 
Yup, it is. I just got off the phone with H&H Antique. I am sending to them.
H&H thinks my spedo is off. With my set-up I should be pushing 65-70.

After I get the motor back, I will GPS a run and let everyone know.

Thanks.
 
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