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What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life? Just installed a new stock/rebuilt engine in my A from a reputable builder. I asked him if it was OK to drive it 45 to 50 mph, or if that would hurt engine life. He suggested that it would likely last much longer if I typically kept it around 40mph or less. I'm inclined to believe him as he has decades of Model A & T experience, pours his own babbits, etc., but I'm curious what the group's experience is on this. I will probably drive the car 1,000 to 2,000 miles per year, so even 30,000 miles will take a long time. If I get 20 years out of this engine that should be plenty.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life I Bought my roadster in2002, drove it between 40-45 mph, I had 50,000 miles on the engine when it started loss of power on hills, so i put in a rebuilt one in 2018.
not sure of the miles on the car when i bought it, but it had a re-built engine when i bought it., so i got 16 years out of that engine. sounds to me like you'll get your 20 years..have fun and enjoy!! |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life I agree with your builder. If the engine is built like it’s 1929, drive like it’s 1929. If you wanna drive like it’s 2020, buy a car that was built after 1955.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life I don't drive above 45. I guess I'm not in a hurry when I go for a cruise. the car likes that speed and is very smooth.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life There are those that say they drive their Model A 60+mph "all day long". I say let them! My '30 Town Sedan is happy at 45mph and so am I. I know it will go faster but doesn't want to and shows it because she doesn't run as smoothly and quietly when we approach 55mph.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life What Ruth says. These cars were not built for todays speeds, they are 40-45 mph vehicles. In 1930 only 6.8% of roads were 'improved'. My family went in the auto business in 1918 and salesmen taking a client in a Model A at 60 mph on a paved road for short period was a sales gimmick.
But, that said, with todays oils and clean roads these engines will last a long time. Mine was last rebuilt in 1961. |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life when I am in the A I’m not in a hurry to get anywhere so I routinely travel at 35-40.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Good Morning...I have been messing with Model A's since 1963, on and off. My experience is that a stock engine in a half way decent car, can be driven at 40 miles an hour for as long as necessary...but no faster...this assumes a 3.78 rear end. Also, keep in mind that the oil should be changed every 500 miles and all 31 or so zurk fittings need to be lubed at the same time...if the car has a 3.54 or 3.27 rear end then the speed can be a bit more. Ernie in Arizona
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life 40 is pleanty for me. I want to enjoy the scenery and be confident I can avoid any road issues. I stay off 4 lane roads and 65 MPH traffic as much as possible..
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Welcome to Ford Barn. If you want to drive 45 or over you might consider a Mitchel overdrive. I have a Mitchel OD in my 31 coupe and use it also in slower speeds. GREAT OD for climbing hills in low or second over. Enjoy your A at your comfortable speeds.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Quote:
That is why it's a smart idea, to keep a 60's muscle car or a 2020 Mustang GT in the garage too so that you can get out and run hard every now and then:):) |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life I guess I'm the odd one out. Every stock car around here runs 50 no problem. When mine was stock, it ran 50 no problem for many many years.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Same here . I have run mine at 50 MPH for many years with no problem . Momentum is needed to climb the steep hills without needing to down shift . I don't like running at creeping speed and running the risk of getting hit in the back .
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life I used to travel to shows on the i/state and state roads 50-55 at least, 1000 mi+ between oil changes, etc. No problems, not sure when or if engine was rebuilt, but acted that way. The "new" to me 40 is a pleasure at 65+ on the highway now.
Paul in CT |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life No more than 40 for me. I do not need to look at the speedometer to tell when I am over 40 mph. Get more life out of the car.............
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life The first engine I broke it in slow and easy, rarely over 50, lasted 3000 miles before the rear main crumbled----the engine I have now I knew it would do 67 on the third day of driving, from then on I have driven it trying to break it--- all day at 65, lugged it starting in 3 rd gear, practiced high speed downshifting, ran it on dyno at 3200 rpm, held it in first, second foot to floor to see max speed in each gear
In talking to past owners of model A that drove them to college, they drove as fast as they could to go home to visit girlfriends--over 50 passing every car they could even though they also said they had to put oil in every 100 miles ( used oil) I was reading in a 1925 Belkin hardware catalog, gears for model T to make car go 55---- people have always gone as fast as they could |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life 1 Attachment(s)
I have always been of the opinion that a Model A was designed to run all day long at 45mph with the engine turning over at 2000 rpms (with a 378 ring & pinion). With an overdrive you can travel at a higher speed with the engine still turning over at a lower rate.
I have a 23% Ryan overdrive in my Victoria, I also have a tachometer. Attached is a study I did at various speeds. Tom Endy |
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Before I installed an O/D, I used to sit the car on 42mph, never more. Both the car and I were happy at that and I did many thousands of miles that way. Since the O/D went in, I drive at 50mph which is slightly lower revs than before and the car is even happier so I am too. We can even talk to each other now as we go. Things are much quieter even though we are going faster.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Back in the 1950’s I bought a ’28 roadster from the granddaughter of the original owner for $100. It was stock except for 1932 wheels. I drove this car hard for a couple of years and one day I decided to see how fast it would go. It got up to about 65 and threw a rod through the oil pan, damaging the block. Rebuilt Model A short blocks were selling at Sears for $35 without exchange so I scrounged up the money and went there. This was my lucky day. Sears was selling out all their Model A stuff and short blocks were $5. They had three and the manager wanted me to take them all, but I only bought one. He gave me a free after-market carburetor and distributor to boot.
On the next Saturday two friends and I pulled the engine using a 2x4 and rope. We transferred everything from the old engine to the Sears one and reinstalled the engine in the same day. I never used the other parts that Sears gave me. I drove the car for another year or so without any problems and then sold it to a younger guy. He had a Riley head that he was going to use on it and had cut down {instead of removing), all four fenders. The next time I went to see him he had joined the Navy. A sad ending for this car, I never found out what happened to it after that. I got another ’28 roadster in 1989, rebuilt the engine some years ago and still have it. I never drive it over 45 MPH. Robert |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Sometimes a rebuild is not needed. Sometimes all that is needed is a fresh head gasket.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Just purchased a 29 Tudor & have never drove or rode in a model A !
What a experience, steers ok stops good runs great. Got up to 55 twice On a long empty road and it would go faster. I wouldn’t do that again after Telling a guy that has a model A about doing that & he said if ya hit a big Enough hole in the road ya might have to choose if ya going with the frame Or the body! What gets me is how many cars will pull out in front or me in Just the 2 months I been driving it! 40 to 45 max for me. |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Everything working right, 35 to 40 MPH, car loves it. On up to 45 MPH, car doesn’t mind but starting to breath heavy. Over 45 MPH, you can feel it starting to work. Over 50 MPH, we are both to old!
Enjoy |
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So how many documented cases are there of a body separating from the frame after hitting a pothole? Does anyone have pictures? |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life I chickened out at 80 with mine,she'll do 62 right comfortable,A engine (modified) mitchell OD..
Id like to see that too,a body being violently removed from the frame I'd say its impossible if all the mount bolts were used. |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Me? 45, sometimes 50 with standard tranny and no OD.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Oh I don’t think that would happen but it was enough to slow me
Down, and with no seat belts & a tank of gas in my lap I’ll hold Down the rear |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Listen to your car. Mine runs easy at 45 to just under 50. Over 50 its starting to feel a bit frantic. Getting close to 60, she's in adrenalin mode. Why not stay in the sweet spot? Ive got lots of country roads all to myself, and I drive my A for enjoyment.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life I'm with 'eagle' on all counts!
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life 1 Attachment(s)
Been cruising at 50 to 60 MPH with Model "A" and Model "B" engines on highways with babbitt bearings, 3.78 differential and no overdrive since 1962. No engine failures yet. Slow speeds are unsafe in modern traffic!
The only engine failure I personally experienced was with a freshly rebuilt Model "A" engine. Investigation revealed that the re-builder tied the oil pump into place with a piece of clothesline. The clothesline disintegrated and clogged the oil pump screen. Since then, I never trust an engine re-builder, so I take apart every rebuilt engine. None have been without faults, thankfully minor ones. |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life 1 Attachment(s)
Been driving 50 to 60 MPH with Model "A" and Model "B" engines on highways with babbitt bearings, 3.78 differential and no overdrive since 1962. No engine failures yet. Slow speeds are unsafe in modern traffic!
The only engine failure I personally experienced was with a freshly rebuilt Model "A" engine. Investigation revealed that the re-builder tied the oil pump into place with a piece of clothesline. The clothesline disintegrated and clogged the oil pump screen. Since then, I never trust an engine re-builder, so I take apart every rebuilt engine. None have been without faults, thankfully minor ones. |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life My just purchased engine has insert bearings and a counterbalanced crank. This is my 6th Model A (all the others were sold, damnit). All the stock ones I drove at 50 or so. This one will go 70 or more and the vibration is low. It is a 1930 Fordor and has an overdrive. I plan to drive it on back roads at 55 or so. What does the group have to say about this?
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life 45-50 mph top no mountains here
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Quote:
And if ya say anything the supposed engine rebuilders get mad... |
Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life I have a 1930 Tudor and it is happy at 45-52 all day long. It will run up to 60 fairly easy, but you can tell it is unhappy spinning that fast. I plan to add an overdrive, but I plan to rebuild the brakes with new cast iron drums first. You need to be able to stop before you think about going fast.
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life Quote:
The sweet spot folks describe on here is important to understand,its natures way of telling you your exceeding the limits of harmonic and torsional vibration that occurs with a stock model a crankshaft,the late Herm Kohnke maintained a model a crankshaft will flex at the center bearing .001 when vibrating hard ( picture a tuning fork) pay heed to that uncomfortable feeling you get,you'll save your main bearings.. |
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