Replacement engine

B

bhut

Junior Member
I posted about my engine woes recently, and am now on the hunt for a replacement engine. I have been reading through the older posts looking at opinions and experiences and the one common thing I have noticed is that there doesn't seem to be an A engine specialist within 400 miles of me on the Alabama gulf coast. Perhaps someone will prove that wrong.

I do not want to send my engine off as a core. Based off of what I have discovered so far, it's a gamble as to whether it all would be usable, and I figure it couldn't hurt to hold onto it and tear it down at my leisure. My son's getting old enough and has a mind for the mechanical, so it could be a decent learning experience. Core charges seem pretty reasonable from what I've seen.

I'm trying to decide between a short and a long block, since my pan and covers seem to be in serviceable condition. I have to get a replacement head and would rather go with a new higher compression replacement for better power. I also like to work on stuff, and buying a long block doesn't leave me quite as much to do. Of course, that's not always a bad thing, particularly if the engine has been test run.

I know some people prefer babbitt and others the insert bearings, but all seem to have upgraded valve train components, more aggressive cam profiles, and many have hardened seats. At the end of the day, I am looking for an engine that will cruise respectably (steady 55 would be great), have enough power to climb moderate inclines, and perform reliably for many years of use. I'm not looking for a daily driver, but it would be great to pass the truck on in 20 years and not worry about what I am handing over. Also, while I want quality, I don't need a concours level build.

If you happen to be an engine builder and prefer to talk offline, I'd be happy to discuss. Since I am not providing a core of unknown quality, hopefully it makes estimating easier. I understand value, and I know that is not the same as cheap. Thanks in advance for any and all feedback!
 
ANY engine built by competent rebuilder will do the things you want it to do. Keep in mind that a stock engine will run 55 all day long if built correctly. Any of the other things you mentioned such as inserts, cams, hardened seats are just extras. Many rebuilders will change things out not based only on what is better but rather based on the condition of the block and time to do the work. As an example; if the valve seats are badly worn it is easier to put in hardened seats then to have a valve seat way below the deck. Maybe they will even put in oversized valves while they are at it. Adjustable lifters are FAR easier to install then solid where you have to grind the valve stem to get clearance.

I hope you see what I'm trying to convey. You can get good value and many years out of a "stock" engine and you can spend as much as the worth of the car on the rebuild.
 
bhut - While you don't have a Model A engine builder close in your area; do you have a engine machine shop of any kind in the area?

The reason I ask is in my area there is a machine shop that mostly works on racing and high powered engines, but are not adverse to working on old engines.

If you find one just ask if they would be willing to look at your block. That's what I did, and I found them to overly helpful. But, keep in mind they may turn up their nose too. You may find out your block is serviceable, and then you can decide.

Good luck.
 
Do you belong to a local model a club ? you may be surprised ,a club member will probably able to help you find a rebuilder in your area and in some cases there may be a engine builder maybe right in your club .MARC or MAFCA should be able to tell you where the nearest chapter to where you live are,plus they are a lot of fun being with people with your same interest as you and there is always someone willing to help !!!
 
Catch up with the guy in the Swap section who transports Model A's and parts,he's seems to be on the road all the time and could probley help ypu if you decide to ship it some where.
 
Bhut, ill be following this to see if someone can point you to a builder. I am not in a hurry for a new engine, but I have been looking for a builder in the Alabama area. No luck yet.
 
can anyone tell me what happened to Warrenn Pauls Model A Engine rebuilding
In Springfield Ma. I think they had 100 + engines there when i had mine done.
Think it was abt 650.00 for long block. 1980
 
The Gulf Coast Model A Club is a local MAFCA club with members in south Alabama and northwest Florida. Some have used a guy in Crestview with a small shop who is really into As. I don't have his contact info handy but can get put you in touch with someone who has it if you PM me.
 
CAPE A said:
can anyone tell me what happened to Warrenn Pauls Model A Engine rebuilding
In Springfield Ma. I think they had 100 + engines there when i had mine done.
Think it was abt 650.00 for long block. 1980
Click to expand...

Warren Paul died at least a decade ago and his kids took over, and ran the business into the ground. They have been gone for quite some time now.They were located in Chicopee, Ma.

Judging by what you paid for your rebuild I would say 1980 is correct.

PS Pix
 

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I am going through the exact thing with my A. I have a guy in St. Petersburg, Fl.
You can email me and i will give you his info. I think I am going to have a short block and build the rest as I have done that much of the build a few times. I would diffidently go with a high compression head ( it is my understanding that's all you can get new)
 
All, thanks for the replies. I may see about the Crestview machine shop, but I haven't heard much about consistently good machine shops in the area.
 
If you decide you need something hauled, I cannot recommend this gentleman more highly. Fantastic work,consideration and communication as well as fair pricing.

Bill's Auto Works
(419)929-8048 shop
(216)832-8697 cell
 
I read this with interest... Your approach sounds good re obtaining a different block, especially since you would have to ship yours away - and are not sure it is sound. That way you retain the original, which may be the one from Henry Ford, despite its condition as presently unknown. And you and your son can perhaps have some fun with it in the future.

I am not in the market for an engine, but, were I, would seek a long block/complete/done engine that was run-in properly and pronounced 'Good to Go'. From a builder whom you came to trust by conversations ahead, a history of success and positive recommendations; in short, as you are now proceeding. And of course, done right, it will not be inexpensive. Best of luck.

Regards,

Dyson
 
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Last year I purchased a rebuilt engine antique engine rebuilders and had it shipped to me they are in Illinois I am in New Jersey I would think other rebuilders also ship. I purchased a long block because it was easier to install just uncrate and drop it in.
http://www.antiqueenginerebuilding.com/
 
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