The Ford Barn

Brobrian · 03-23-2014, 11:04 AM

I know, I know, the flywheel discussion is thoroughly covered, but just lend some advice. I've read the threads on lightening the flywheel, and a bit about fitting a V8 clutch. Wow, what a discussion. I'm always impressed by the level of detail and depth of knowledge.
So, I have a rebuilt engine ready for a swap into my 31 PU. The rebuild was done decades ago so I have no idea whether the crank was balanced. Nor do I know how to go about balancing it, and it was mentioned several times in the threads that this is essential if the flywheel is lightened.
Do I have to send the whole engine and flywheel to a model A engine builder (Most seem to be back east)? If so, I'm thinking I'll just pull one engine and put in the other without lightening the flywheel.
Is balancing and aligning the crank and flywheel assembly something a local engine builder would likely be able to do just as well? Or maybe there are special considerations only Model A builders would know. What do you pros think?

J and M Machine · 03-23-2014, 11:09 AM

BroBrian: You have the flywheel and clutch balanced together and it will be a big improvement. If the engine hasn't been balanced and it was done decades ago then the chance of having a good engine rebuild inside might be questionable.

PC/SR · 03-23-2014, 01:06 PM

Balancing is something that can be done locally, is not specific to Model As. Call around, or get references to a good auto machine shop. There are also shops that specialize in cranks. Should not be a problem in your area.

Purdy Swoft · 03-23-2014, 01:50 PM

I bought a model B flywheel at a swap meet for forty dollars. The B flywheel is lighter and makes a noticeable difference in throttle response and acceleration. It also allows for smoother gear shifts without all of the extra weight pushing from the heavier model A flywheel. It takes a load off the main bearings. The B flywheel uses the same clutch as the model A and bolts right up with no modifications. You can probably find a B flywheel for less than what it will cost to lighten and balance the A flywheel. You won't run the risk of a botched up job as we have all heard of. Try Berts in Denver on tuesday 800-321-1931.

Brobrian · 03-23-2014, 04:19 PM

Cool, that's kinda what I was hoping for. Do you also have the HC head along with the lighter model B flywheel? I have a Snyder HC head on the coupe, but it has a stock flywheel.

Purdy Swoft · 03-23-2014, 04:50 PM

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Yes, I run a 5.9 head with the B flywheel and dual updrafts on this one. A model B flywheel will help any model A whether they have other mods or not. I don't believe that there is a single bad side effect when using the B flywheel.

03-23-2014, 11:04 AM	#1
Brobrian Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 315	Flywheel and Balance I know, I know, the flywheel discussion is thoroughly covered, but just lend some advice. I've read the threads on lightening the flywheel, and a bit about fitting a V8 clutch. Wow, what a discussion. I'm always impressed by the level of detail and depth of knowledge. So, I have a rebuilt engine ready for a swap into my 31 PU. The rebuild was done decades ago so I have no idea whether the crank was balanced. Nor do I know how to go about balancing it, and it was mentioned several times in the threads that this is essential if the flywheel is lightened. Do I have to send the whole engine and flywheel to a model A engine builder (Most seem to be back east)? If so, I'm thinking I'll just pull one engine and put in the other without lightening the flywheel. Is balancing and aligning the crank and flywheel assembly something a local engine builder would likely be able to do just as well? Or maybe there are special considerations only Model A builders would know. What do you pros think? __________________ Forty horses is plenty.

03-23-2014, 11:09 AM	#2
J and M Machine Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: 40 Mt.Vickery Rd. Southborough,MA 508-460-0733 Posts: 352	Re: Flywheel and Balance BroBrian: You have the flywheel and clutch balanced together and it will be a big improvement. If the engine hasn't been balanced and it was done decades ago then the chance of having a good engine rebuild inside might be questionable.

03-23-2014, 01:06 PM	#3
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,279	Re: Flywheel and Balance Balancing is something that can be done locally, is not specific to Model As. Call around, or get references to a good auto machine shop. There are also shops that specialize in cranks. Should not be a problem in your area.

03-23-2014, 01:50 PM	#4
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Flywheel and Balance I bought a model B flywheel at a swap meet for forty dollars. The B flywheel is lighter and makes a noticeable difference in throttle response and acceleration. It also allows for smoother gear shifts without all of the extra weight pushing from the heavier model A flywheel. It takes a load off the main bearings. The B flywheel uses the same clutch as the model A and bolts right up with no modifications. You can probably find a B flywheel for less than what it will cost to lighten and balance the A flywheel. You won't run the risk of a botched up job as we have all heard of. Try Berts in Denver on tuesday 800-321-1931.

03-23-2014, 04:19 PM	#5
Brobrian Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 315	Re: Flywheel and Balance Cool, that's kinda what I was hoping for. Do you also have the HC head along with the lighter model B flywheel? I have a Snyder HC head on the coupe, but it has a stock flywheel. __________________ Forty horses is plenty.

03-23-2014, 04:50 PM	#6
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Flywheel and Balance Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yes, I run a 5.9 head with the B flywheel and dual updrafts on this one. A model B flywheel will help any model A whether they have other mods or not. I don't believe that there is a single bad side effect when using the B flywheel.