Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

I just bought a "touring" motor from one of the major rebuilders: B cam, 6/1 cylinder head, and V-8 clutch and flywheel. I would like to know what people recommend for fuel and exhaust systems for good performance. The Weber setup looks to be a good carb setup but is not vintage in appearance and requires a fuel pump. Some vendors have a dual Model A or B carb updraft manifold which looks vintage and, of course, does not need a fuel pump, but I wonder how well it works and buying the manifold plus two carbs would be expensive. Then, there are American 2-barrel carbs, like the Stromberg 97, which can be bought new now days and uses the same manifold as the Weber. Then, there's the choice of exhaust manifold. The stock Model A manifold looks to be pretty good, but I see some of the vendors have headers, both steel tube and cast iron. Last, I see that a company called "Aries" offers various mufflers which appear vintage Model A, including a high performance muffler for motors putting out 80 or more horsepower. I don't know how much power my motor will put out, but I imagine it will be at least 60. Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll send you the chapter of my book on building a mild performance engine, it may help you decide?

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

The Aries muffler is great. But unless you have a Very High performance or OHV Conversion engine their High Performance muffler will lose horses. The A engine actually need back pressure to operate correctly. I know this from experience.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Here's the source for Jim's book, which I just ordered: https://www.autobooks-aerobooks.com/..._5be4bdb9a453f

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Thanks, Jim. I just e-mailed you and also ordered your book, which looks like just what the doctor ordered!

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Stromberg 97 can be bought new: Speedway, Summit, etc., but does not use the same manifold as the Weber.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Not sure what your plans are for needed speed but typically straight stock has plenty of power to push the A fast enough for most people. The only reason I'd see to add power is if you're climbing hills often with competing modern traffic. Then it could be important. If you have 60 HP already that's a lot considering original was about 40 I think! First issue with ANY model A is brakes. Stock brakes work great and will stop the car very well IF they are well maintained. Juice brakes are not necessary but maintenance of brakes of any kind to original specs IS. By your OP you probably are well versed in the Model A and probably already know all this but doesn't hurt to be reminded. :)

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Hi Eagle - Thanks for the reminders. Rest assured, I am on the case regarding brakes. I have on order a hydraulic drum brake conversion (Lincoln drums). You're right, the Model A stock brakes are very good "if" they are properly adjusted, but that's the catch -- so, I decided to go with hydraulic brakes with self-centering and self-energizing shoes. 1935 Ford wheels, too, for more rubber on the road. My goal is to stay up with 60 mph traffic (and stop with it) and pull the 36% Mitchell overdrive, which my engine builder says my new motor will pull on a flat road. Right now, I want to fit the right intake and exhaust setup. The Weber seems like the simplest way to go, but somehow a Weber (European) doesn't look right on a Model A, i.e., doesn't give me that old time feeling to my eye.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Y-block, The best source for my book is through me at my e-mail address posted above. It is called 4-bangers and me. Unfortunately Paul bought one from Autobooks, at a higher price.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Paul, I have Jim's book.....thanks Jim.
The first photo was taken when I first got my roadster. It had a Stromberg 94 and a "farmer fix" using the back of a gauge to avoid kinking the fuel line.
The second photo shows the round air cleaner that I made 'cuz I too did not like the Weber "look". There was about a quarter of an inch clearance with the side panel so I slipped the spring over the hose just in case. Better safe than sorry.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

There is an adapter for the Weber to use any Stromberg aircleaner

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

LOL. I figure that if the A runs and I can get ice cream with the grand kids I am way ahead of the game.

Everything else is just fluff with out the peanut butter

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

What headers are those and from whom did you buy them, Denis? They look great! Thanks. Bj

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Also, I don't think I recognize the carb and intake. So, also, what are they? Thanks.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Intake and carb is a Weber 32-36. Have this set up on both my A's Bought the Weber kit and header from Bert's Model A in Littleton CO.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Attachment 379681

This is my Weber Carburetor setup.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Ronnie,

Nice setup. Is there a reason why the air cleaners are two different sizes?

David Serrano

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

David so the hood will close.

Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power
 

Ronnie - Do you find the two carbies work well? I have been told that two carbs are excessive on a Model A. Where did you get the manifold and headers? Thanks. Bj