The Ford Barn - View Single Post - What do I need to do to get a reliable engine?

Synchro909 · 10-29-2019, 11:33 PM

I build my own engines for FAR less than what the workshops cost. For long distance (longest single trip I've done is 15,000 miles while towing), I go all the way for a little more get up and toughness. Whatever you do, don't drill the original Model A crank shaft for oiling the mains. You'll almost certainly have it break on you. Here's what I do

New counter balanced crank
New rods
Inserts all round
Pressure feed the middle main bearing only
Full flow oil filter.
Air filter
Down draught carb (Ex Holden Grey Motor Stromberg but weber is OK)
Opened up inlet manifold
5.5:1 head
Improved cam (about the same timing as an IB 330 but only 0.290" lift).
Lightened flywheel
Very importantly, properly balanced

Those motors are backed up by a Mitchell O/D so when I'm travelling at 50mph, the motor is turning at the rate a standard transmission would have it at 40mph. It does that all day, every day for many thousands of miles

10-29-2019, 11:33 PM	#15
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: What do I need to do to get a reliable engine? I build my own engines for FAR less than what the workshops cost. For long distance (longest single trip I've done is 15,000 miles while towing), I go all the way for a little more get up and toughness. Whatever you do, don't drill the original Model A crank shaft for oiling the mains. You'll almost certainly have it break on you. Here's what I do New counter balanced crank New rods Inserts all round Pressure feed the middle main bearing only Full flow oil filter. Air filter Down draught carb (Ex Holden Grey Motor Stromberg but weber is OK) Opened up inlet manifold 5.5:1 head Improved cam (about the same timing as an IB 330 but only 0.290" lift). Lightened flywheel Very importantly, properly balanced Those motors are backed up by a Mitchell O/D so when I'm travelling at 50mph, the motor is turning at the rate a standard transmission would have it at 40mph. It does that all day, every day for many thousands of miles __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood. Last edited by Synchro909; 12-03-2019 at 04:38 AM.