v8 hbackolding

BobbyG

BobbyG

Senior Member
Hi guys - running a 36 flathead in a model A - Standard 3 spd manual.

I had the distributor ( diving helmet style) rebuilt - brand new Single Stromberg - all new plugs coil/ leads etc etc.

I have a home built exhaust which runs from where the Drivers side joins the pass side from manifolds then I have maybe 3ft pipe before it exits just under the passenger door - this is a temporary system, there are no mufflers so it is a bit noisy.

Anyway the thing I think I am noticing is that the car seems to be holding back and labouring - I can not detect a missfire but in top gear and pulling away from 25mph it just seems to be a bit slow and sounds very lumpy through the exhaust.

I am new to driving this car so I have nothing to compare it to my other car has a SBC in it.

I should mention I am running the model A rear end but with a high speed pinion set - which allows it to cruise nicely at 45mph.

Any tips appreciated

Bob
 
It could be lotsa' things.I had a similar problem...I knew everything was right,or close enough,but still seemed sluggish at higher RPM's.Then I noticed that little 4" chrome air cleaner on top of the carburetor and started wondering how on earth enough air could go through it at 3000 RPM's.I removed the filter and drove it again.Big difference! Since then I've replaced it with two 6" stacked filters.I haven't driven the car since then but I have faith that it'll work. Just a thought......try driving yours without the filter. Good luck,Gene
 
Check to see it the Valleycover/Intake manifold is tightened down / 25lbs. torque. Mine slowly loosened up and I experianced hard starting hot & what you described problems. Also be sure the wires on each side of the under dash Resister are tight, Good Driving:)
 
Right chaps - I took the air filter off - no change there.
Checked inlet manifold bolts and surprisingly a few were quite loose !! Thanks ken.


I am now thinking that maybe this is just how a FH V8 is typically.

Bob
 
High speed ring and pinion in high gear at 25mph might be causing it to work too hard to where it will lug along a bit. Try winding out 2nd gear farther.
I'm almost never in 3rd gear below 35mph.

Zach
 
Who rebuilt the distributor? Do they have a machine to set distributors?? Also slightly sticky valves, try MMO in the gas. G.M.
 
Hi there, Just check all your spark plug leads right from the two caps to each plug and make sure a couple are not crossed up. That would make your V8 run a bit "off". Regards, Kevin.
 
If its luggin from 2nd to 3rd i might venture to say (as already said) you need to run out 2nd gear before shifting. Torque off the start a flathead should have.
 
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