Quote:
Originally Posted by Will N
I don't profess that my opinion is the only true belief, as variety is the spice of life. If more people felt that way, we'd have less strife in this country now. But here goes: I got into Model A's because of the simplicity and purity of the design. While driving it, you can feel the mechanisms working and you become part of the machine, unlike the total isolation from the machine in modern cars. Anything that changes that driving experience makes a Model A less of a Model A. High compression head, B engine, fancy carburetors, etc. for more power? Why not just get a car that has more power to begin with? Buicks or Chryslers of the Model A era have plenty of power. Overdrive for higher speed? You're missing the point of driving an antique car! You're trying to duplicate a modern car's performance. Just go modern then if speed is what you need. Juice brakes for better stopping power? Why not just repair your mechanical brakes correctly? I can skid all four wheels on both my A's with the standard mechanical set up. I understand people who like the conveniences of a modern car wrapped in the look of an antique. But in my opinion, these good folks are poseurs.
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Then there is the "era correct" school of modifications. For instance, Ford dealers sold a down draft made by Stromberg-Bendix in 1931. There were a host of aftermarket heads, including OHV's available during the production era of the Model A. If you include aftermarket accessories available between late 1927 and 1931, then it's a different story. Personally, I find it satisfying to wring out 60 HP at the rear wheels from an engine that puts out 40 HP at the flywheel. I think you have the word poseurs mixed up with with hot rodders.