Max Compression Ratio
 

Is there an accepted or practical maximum compression ratio for Model As beyond which will result in exceeding design limits of internal engine components and cooling/lubrication systems ?

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

It seems I remember the limit for a flathead is about 8.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

I don't know the answer, but I would think it would depend on babbitt vs inserts, counter weighted crank vs stock, lightened flywheel vs stock, cam grind (especially overlap), valve size, port work, intake and exhaust systems...probably other factors.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Reducing the combustion chamber in size above about 8 to 1 begins to limit how well it can breathe,the chamber is too small. Nothing is really new in model a speed,just about everything available today existed 80 years ago..High compression heads,OHV heads,cams,you name it..all of it ran on dynamically balanced crankshafts with babbit bearings.Like anything else you have to do it correctly,stacking compression on top of a unknown lower end will buy you trouble,be it babbit or inserts,build from the bottom up,it will last.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

The PRACTICAL limit is usually determined by the octane of the gas you run.
The design limit of the parts and the cooling system are way beyond what they can be stressed by raising the compression alone. I have run 10 to 1 in street model B flathead engines. 14 to 1 flathead model B on alcohol.

It was common for overhead valve conversion model B race engines in the old days to run 15 to 1 on alcohol. That was with babbit bearings.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

WOW, learn something every day.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Is there anyone out there running a 7:1 or higher compression flathead for general touring? If so, what is your experience re babbitt life?

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

I run 7-1 flathead for general driving and hill climbs on babbitt. No problems. The rod and main bearing journals are very wide for the engine size and have a lot of surface area. Lack of pressure oil is the limiting factor of the Model A, not babbitt. Conventional wisdom has it to not exceed 4000 rpm on the stock splash system (though some have). But for regular driving you do not need anywhere near 4K anyway.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Mines been running fine, I think it’s close to 7-1, the compression gauge says 120 lbs.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Good answers by Railcar, Pete and PC/SR! My new head is 7:1 but has a raised area between the intake valve and the cylinder, to make higher ratios more viable. I ran a 7.5:1 Cyclone on the street for many years, on dipper-babbitt, no problems. My current Bonneville engine is still on full pressure babbitt mains, turbo-charged, 7.5:1 Cook OHV, on racing gas or alcohol, 6,000 RPM. Last run in '13, at 167 MPH. I would recommend 7:1 for most street use.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Having raced Sprint Cars for 10 years in the 80's, my understanding of alcohol fuel is that it is very easy on the bottom end of an engine. Here's how it was explained to me and seems to be true.



Gasoline burns quickly and makes a big explosion at the top of the cylinder causing big shock loads to the pistons, rods, bearings and crankshaft. All the work and the heat is produced at the top of the cylinder and the combustion gas expands very rapidly, pushes down on the piston, then the explosion is over.



Alcohol burns very slowly in comparison and has a much less powerful explosion at the top of the cylinder when it starts to burn. The advantage comes from the slow burn. Rather than the big bang at the top of the cylinder it burns and expands the gasses all the way down the cylinder making a long powerful push on the piston instead of a jolt and thereby dramatically increases the total force applied to the piston and reduces the shock loading on all the related parts. By burning more slowly, it allows much more compression and more total timing advance than gasoline without causing pre-ignition or detonation. 14 or 15 to 1 compression and 38 to 40 degrees of timing was common in Sprint Car engines at the time.



There are a number of disadvantages too for street use.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

To muddy up the waters a bit, does anyone remember the diesel fuel conversion for a Model-A engine? As I recall, it was like 16:1 CR on cast bearings. It sure wasn't the compression ratio that was the downfall.

And, FWIW, several of the mid-50s build OHV conversions were 10:1 weren't they Jim? I had a single stock Gemsa that was at least that. As stated above, it is Volumetric Efficiency that is/was the issue with high compression flat heads. F-heads and OHV have no issue with higher compression.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Yep, there are disadvantages in alcohol for any use. There are also some advantages.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

...

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

and to answer part of your question,raising compression raises efficiency.the engine will run cooler than stock

yep patrick l,alcohol has been helping ugly women for years

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Brent, can you tell us more about this Diesel conversion? When was it made? How many made? Did it work at all? Thanks!

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

I found an article about it in old SOSS magazines..college kids set up an A with 18 to 1 compression and a scroll type fuel injection pump and nozzles as part of an engineering program. As I recall from reading the article the engine performed well. The square inch contact area of A main bearings exceeds a chevrolet 6 cylinder main bearing contact area.I understand why builders push inserts,they are fool proof,line bore and install,no risky tinning and peening,no temperature issues,perfect for business,reduce the comebacks.But the stories that babbit doesnt hold up or isn't as robust as inserts is just plain wrong.On a low rpm engine there is even an argument between counter balancing and dynamically balanced cranks as well.A decent harmonic balancer with a dynamic crank and a balanced rotating group should yield effective results at a fraction of the counterbalance costs.

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Rail, what would you recommend for a harmonic balancer?

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

Im searching for one right now..

Re: Max Compression Ratio
 

The one that will do the most good is the heaviest you can find and adapt.
This may work best but it is not always the best solution for people that do not want to modify the frame.
Most ones that are big enough to do some good require trimming the front crossmember.
The amount trimmed does not weaken the crossmember and done properly will hardly be noticable.

I have been using the stock 8 inch diameter one from a big block Chev. Easy to modify.

Once you have one installed and drive around for a half hour or so and then feel it, if it is warm it is working. If it is cold, you probably don't need one.