POLL: The one that really matters

[Larry Brumfield]

Regardless of the brand or manufacturer, how many of you out there would not have a high compression head on your engine even if you got it for free?

Vote with your post, Yes or No

Yes = I'd like to have one.

No = Wouldn't have one even if you gave it to me.

(Now don't be afraid to vote no if that is your preference.)

Thanks

Larry B.

[msmaron]

Originally Posted by Larry Brumfield

How many of you out there would not have a high compression head on your engine even if you got it for free?

Vote with your post, Yes or No

Thanks

Larry B.

i would have it no matter what!

[MN Stumpjumper]

I bought one and I would buy another, as a matter of fact I wouldn't own/drive a model a without one very long. P.S. I want to be 1st , if you are giving one away, Larry!!!

[ursus]

No, but I will keep the original as a spare just in case a future owner might want it or, if we have to start burning wood gas again (don't laugh), I will need the lower compression.

[J Franklin]

I bought one from you and never will go back!

[Charlie Stephens]

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Yes. I am currently running an original Police Head (with the cast in B) but would go for one of yours if I needed one for another car.

Charlie Stephens

[1931 flamingo]

I will probably opt for one in the near future.
Paul in CT

[V4F]

i would definately use it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have a police head now (6-1) , but would be most happy with an aluminum one . yes PLEASE ................. steve

[zzlegend]

Yes

[Herb Concord Ca]

Hi Larry, first good to have you back posting again!
I have 2 model As and both have your 5.9 head on them.
If I were to buy another model A, that's the first thing I would do, change to a high compression head, hopefully one of yours! Then a Volvo overdrive.
Regards,
herb Neumann
Concord CA
31 Slant T/S & 31 pickup

[Jim Baskin III Pa.]

Yes,I'm now running one on my 30 tudor.Will be purchasing one for my wife's tudor when ready.Also will purchase one for my 26 T when ready.I've played both ways and you cannot beat the increased HP with a HC head.

[Ray A from PA]

In the near future I would like to try one or maybe two.

[Bill Lee/Virginia]

I have one on my Speedster and would like another for my other car.
Bill Lee/Virginia Peninsula

[Bruce Adams]

I would LOVE to have one on my car.

[JBR]

I have one of yours that I purchased several years ago. Finally got it on the car. Please don't make me go back. Would like another one. Good to see you back.
Jon

[Kurt in NJ]

Yes, I will test any high compression head sent to me.

[Roadster62]

YES ! It would take some time to count the number of OHV and Flat Heads I've had over the years, you can never have too many. Sadly at this point in my life I only have one Cyclone head that is on Dad's Roadster. I'd like to have a 4Port Riley again, and a BB RAJO for a T.

[Vic in E-TN]

Larry:

Yes!!! I have three of yours on my cars. I bought one from Snyder recently but the engine is not in the recently purchased car yet. I really appreciate the increased performance and would not go back. For the money it is well worth it.

I only had one blown head gasket problem and I think that it was due to removing and reinstalling the ignition cable by loosening the head bolt.

Vic in E-TN

[Bill in Al]

Here's to your good health! Yes I have one of yours and if this is a give-a-way, yes I'll take another.

[SoCal_Alden]

I'm looking forward to the day when my 29CCPU is at the point where I can install a high compression head. currently being held up with transmission and clutch issues

Living on the top a a hill I could really use the extra umph form a little more compression.

thanks Larry!

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Sure thing Larry. Nice to hear from you! I have a Snyder 5.5 on the coupe but run a stock on the roadster. There's a world of difference in pulling power between the two. Some day the roadster will get one too when I get the spare $$$. Barry

[abbie]

Yes, I have one of yours and will buy another as soon as they are available. No complaints, installed as instructed, run air on the car and have about 14,000 miles on your head with no gasket issues. Hope your health is good.
Abbie

[MAG]

Yes, I have one on my TS and could use another on the roadster.

[Rowdy]

Yes, I would have one. who is raffling one off? Rod

[Brad in Germany]

Nope. I don't need one. The G28 engines in my two Model A's work well enough for me.

Fordially,
Brad in Germany

[1930artdeco]

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I have to build my next engine up first. Then I would get one.

Mike

[Jim Parker Toronto]

Yes, and I would run it if I could get one....

[Ray in La Mesa]

Yes, I have two of yours and would like a 7:1 when you get them done.

[jaguar6165]

dont have one but would really like to get one soon.

[Dick Deegan]

Yes - definitely. I currently have the Snyders 5.5.

[California Charlie]

Without a doubt I would opt to have a high compression head on my car. Are we thinking of cranking up production Larry? Glad to see you are posting once again. CC

[cradlescyth]

Hi
Personaly I'd like to keep my car stock
ED

[Bill Goddard]

Yes!! Would like a 5.9 when available.

[Gerard]

Hi , on July 28 I am getting 65 will ask my wife to buy one for me, but doubtfull I'll get it. As from that date we are on pension pay.

Gerard

[petes 50 merc]

yes i have a set on my 50 merc

[Earle]

Yes. I've had a 5.5:1 for the last two years (approx. 2000 miles) and love those extra few horses. No more long lines of angry folks behind me as I climb those long single-lane hills (depending on how steep the hill is. After all, it's still a Model A).

Wouldn't go back.

[JtownJoe]

Brumfield 5.9 & LOVIN IT!

[Colorado Greg]

I recently purchased my 1st A. I cannot see any reason not to use a HC head, as long as it looks stock. I'll probably look into getting one once I get the ole girl running good as I live at 5300 ft in elevation and could use all the power I can get.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Yup, as soon as I get another running Model A. And I have your address saved too.

[Bruce in southern OH]

Yes, I would like to have one, never driven a car with one, send one for testing, Bruce

[Model A Man]

yes

[Bigphil]

Yes


Bigphil

[Guy Burk]

You bet Larry, two "A"s,

[Art Bjornestad]

Yes

[Ross/Kzoo]

Yes, I have a 5.5 and really don't know what a regular would do. Had the 5.5 since th estart.

[Gary WA]

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Yes

[rollingsculpture]

no= i think for my needs on a AA truck that stock is fine .

[Rod-MI]

Yes, I'd like to have one.

[BCCHOPIT]

YES...
I have 3 now and when you make more I will have 4

[Strever]

Larry if your passing them out i will take one

if you got it for free?

[ford31]

I don't know never drove 1 with

[Gord. B by the bay]

Larry I am for a YES Gord. B by the Bay

[allen]

three a's three h\c heads so yea

[firerod]

Yes, just bought a 5.5:1 since I couldn't get one of yours. Sign me up for a free one.

[kp]

just had my head resurfaced,runs good but having problems with heat,installed manual guage and drive it bout 1/4 to 1/2 mile and it hits 200 degrees and starts climbing higher and puking and steaming,radiator rodded out ,timing ok ,Block seems ok,wish I had one of your HEADS .

[Chris in WNC]

our Town Sedan that is taking us to French Lick has a 5.9 and runs GREAT!

no more stock heads for me, ever!

nice to see you're back stirring the pudding, Larry!

[denis4x4]

I have a B-F Super head that replaced the B-F head and you have one happy customer!

[w.michael]

With all due respect to the opinions of everyone, no thank you. I don't want one.

[Gary WA]

yes

[Glenn C.]

You bet ! I have one now on a car which gives it the extra snap going up hills. Hope to put another one on a different car.

[SteveM]

I wouldn't put one on my engine in it's current state, as I've got some noise that probably indicates loose bearing clearances.

If my engine was in better shape, I'd put one on in a minute!

Steve

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by SteveM

I wouldn't put one on my engine in it's current state, as I've got some noise that probably indicates loose bearing clearances.

If my engine was in better shape, I'd put one on in a minute!

Steve

Tighten them up!! Takes only a hour or two and you need no special tools or equipment.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by larry brumfield

vote with your post, yes or no

yes = i'd like to have one.

No = wouldn't have one even if you gave it to me.

(now don't be afraid to vote no if that is your preference.)

yes

[skip]

NO...With the slight exception of a 'Police Head' for me if it's not Ford stock...I don't want it. So sell the aftermarket heads to somebody else.

skip.

[HDowse]

Yes, I would like a high compression head for my 60-A.

[jrelliott]

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Yes, could use some extra power since at 5500 ft elevation.

[Carb Guy]

I have had one of your 5.9 heads on my car for several years now, and what a difference it makes, it has really got the pep now. Thanks Larry, and glad to have you back on the site.

[Mikeinnj]

And why are we having this poll ???

[Denny/Utah]

Larry,
I have run a 5.9 and a 7.0 for many thousands of miles. If anyone is going to drive their car in anything but parades, hi-compression heads are a must for safety...like getting out of the way...as well as comfort of driving a "real" car.
My shorter answer is is YES!

[cannon]

run two lion heads one 7:1 one 5.5:1 a police B, and one of yours: like'm all each one has a different purpose

[kevinmac/toledo]

hi; never had one , but would sure like to try one on my 31 coupe...kevin

[ROCKER77]

YES...as soon as i get a little cash flow i will be upgrading

[James Rogers]

I use one and always tell my customers that the HC head is the cheapest and simplest performance you can get for a Model A. I don't specify or sell any particular brand or CR but let the customer decide that.

[Mike]

yes i would put them on all 4 of my model a's, but right now they all run well . but if i have to take the head off for any reason i will go for a h/c head
mike

[dmaxweb]

yes!

[Dusty]

I do and I just can't see the sin in using something that looks completely stock. No one would ever know unless you tell them......or if they might be following you up a hill.

[Tom Foster]

Yes -- I've had a B-F 5.9 on my coupe for several years, and need another for my '29 roadster which has a 3.55 rear and won't climb hills (well, not like the coupe with the B-F head will).
Put me on the list...
Fearless

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Dusty

I do and I just can't see the sin in using something that looks completely stock. No one would ever know unless you tell them......or if they might be following you up a hill.

I agree, maybe an expert judge that could tell a Brumfield from stock, I cannot. (I have not seen the other brands out there, but then again maybe I did and they look stock too)

[Kirby1374]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

I agree, maybe an expert judge that could tell a Brumfield from stock, I cannot. (I have not seen the other brands out there, but then again maybe I did and they look stock too)

with all this talk about the brumfield head....how can you tell if you have one? I bought an A motor from an estate that appears that it runs. I have yet to fire it up. The head does not have all the markings that my other engine had but my old engine looked to have had an 50 year old aftermarket stick replacement type.
In short what do I look for to tell the difference?
Thanks all

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Kirby1374

In short what do I look for to tell the difference?
Thanks all

From the outside I can't. It has no markings just like the stock heads. What is different is the inside shape of the combustion chamber.


Brumfield Head







Stock Head

[JimK1930A]

I have a Brumfield 5.9 to 1 head on my coupe and love it!
I am currently saving my extra cash to buy one for my 29 Tudor.

[RJ]

Yes , sign me up.

[kenparker]

Yes, I would not be without one.

[Terry, NJ]

They scare me! I'm all hung up on bearing loads! I like the idea of the higher compression, but how and the rod and mains gonna hold up? Have they modified the recipe of the babbit since 1928 to accomodate the higher bearing loads? Yeah, I guess I'd take one, but I'd keep the old one.
Terry

[Ron/IA]

Larry - Yes, I would even if it was given to me (wishful thinking), But, you know what that means; I'll have to rebuild the "getting tired" engine too. I wonder, would someone give me that too?

[Andy Passmore]

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No, Put one on my 29 pickup, drove it 10 miles and took it off. Sold it to a friend and he loves it.

[AL in NY]

Have your 5.9 head now and wouldn't go back to standard. Would love to get one of your 6.5 heads when they become available.......

[4banger]

I have a Brumfield on my 28 tudor and I would NEVER go back to a stock head. Never Ever thanks Larry

[tuneman]

Yes!! I have one of yours now . When i start the resto on my roadster i'll be ordering one for that engine!!

[d.j. moordigian]

Larry, Yes, I would !

[middletown]

Yes, my current power plant is not up to task but when I rebuild it it will have a HC head.

Thanks and have a great day,

Joe

[Freddie (Memphis)]

When I have Jippy's engine rebuilt, I plan to install a high-compression head. When that time comes, I'll review the results others are having with all available brands and manufacturers, seek the advice of my rebuild shop as well as other Forum members, and make an informed choice at that time.

If it looks original, who will know? ... except for those getting progressively smaller in Jippy's mirrors?

[John LaVoy]

The Model A Times has one of each and we are trying to evaluate them all!

[Dave in MN]

Can I vote twice? With a conflicting vote?

No on my stock '28 CCPU driven @ 45 MPH.
Yes on my '29 Phaeton (Touring car) driven often on the freeways.

Dave in MN

[Ed Saniewski]

I have two of them and would absolutely get a third if I could. They make such a great difference when climbing the hills in New Jersey. What is the wait time Larry?

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

They scare me! I'm all hung up on bearing loads! I like the idea of the higher compression, but how and the rod and mains gonna hold up? Have they modified the recipe of the babbit since 1928 to accomodate the higher bearing loads? Yeah, I guess I'd take one, but I'd keep the old one.
Terry

People run 6.1 all day and night with babbit! Any head, if you don't have the timing set correctly, will do damage to any bearings, babbit or insert.

If anyone is one of those people that starts the car sets the timing lever all the way down because "I was told to" then stay away from a high compression head as you will destroy the bearings!

[Don S]

Love the Brumfield 5.9 that I have, couldn't tour without it. Lots of mountains here with long hills,no problem.

[Tom from Drippin']

Yes...Got 2. Couldn't drive the hill country without one.

[Bruce]

Yes X 2.
Have a nice collection of good heads. How best to store them? Anybody got a decent rack designed that will keep them relatively flat?

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Bruce, you could bolt them together face to face if you are sure they are flat.

[Earle]

Terry,

I had (have) the same moderate concern about bearing loads. My roadster had newly-babbitted rods installed during a rebuild about 25 years and 6500 miles ago. About 2000 miles ago, I had a Snyder 5.5 head put on. The increase in power and performance was noticeable. 'Loved it! Then, a couple of months ago I began to hear a tapping/knocking sound. All four rod babbits had failed and chunks were found in the oil pan.

Even after examination by a very experienced, excellent Model A mechanic/re-builder, it is not certain what caused the failure. He suspects a bad pour and workmanship on the babbit job, but also points out the increased loads that are imposed on the bearings by high-compression heads. The higher the compression, of course, the higher the loading. If my rod babbits were bad to begin with, my H/C head only served to accelerate the failure that was going to happen anyway after who knows how many more miles.

I have to believe, though, that H/C heads will reduce bearing life but maybe not enough that the average 'A' owner will ever drive enough miles to notice. I have to balance this with stories of the many H/C heads out there that the owners claim many happy thousands of miles with!

I took a gamble (also due to homework and success stories) and had the babbitted rods replaced by the new forged insert rods from Antique Engine Rebuilding. The mechanic also strongly recommended driving a lot less with the spark fully advanced to reduce bearing loading. AND - NO LUGGING!

The inserts are runnung great and the engine is happy again. I'll still stick with the H/C head and just be way more careful when driving. - But, I wouldn't go above a 5.5:1 head! That's just paranoid ole me... These failures are VERY expensive!!

Earle

[Keith True]

I have one car with a Brumfield head on it,although I have put them on others.I can NOT advance the spark any further down than maybe 1/4 the travel.Even at full throttle sailing down the road it will start to jump,buck,and pound.I monkeyed around with it quite a bit and found it is not a problem.It runs fine,good idle,good top end,runs cooler,better fuel mileage,and it runs,not lugs up hills.I have a low mile roadster that has always been real zippy.I just took it to lunch,(I have not driven it in a year or so)and thought,boy,I need to do something,this thing is doggy.Then I went around a corner and straight up a hill,and it ran up it like it always does.That is when I realized the car was fine,but the little pickup with the Brumfield head had spoiled me.I just found I have had an older Brumfield head for years.Heads are so plentiful that when they show up in a batch of junk I might buy,I just lean them in a shed with a dozen others.I mostly give them away.I went to pick one out a couple of weeks ago for somebody and saw one with a BF cast into it.A local woman had me clean out all her dead husbands extra Model A parts after she sold the car and it was in there.I just thought it was an extra head he had hot tanked and resurfaced.I never even gave it a look then.I did treat it a little extra carefully because it was clean and was bolted to the thin piece of plywood.I have installed one Snyder head,I had the head off a customers pickup because of a rotted head gasket and he said how about installing a high compression head instead of paying $65.to mill it and wait 3-4 days.He must have hit it just right because we had one in 3 days.I was a little leery of the job because the truck was never left outside,and I can't tie up my garage waiting for parts.I know he ran the truck for a year or so until he died,then the truck went to his son.All I ever heard was that the truck ran great,but still not quite as good as mine.

[mickeyb]

I install a hc head on my roadster.Wow what a difference, I got out and looked to see if i had the wrong car

[Terry, NJ]

I'm paranoid too! You made my point exactly! Did the higher bearing loads cause the failure or were they going to fail anyway? If anyone has a "Machinery's Handbook" there was an excellent part in there, pertaining to bearing metals and variations of alloys. That why I mentioned it in my last post about had the recipe (formula) changed any since Henry's day to accomodate the heavier loading. I don't know how much attention this has been given since 1928, but it is a consideration if only for the improved gasoline. Henry kept his compression low for a reason.
Terry

Originally Posted by Earle

Terry,

I had (have) the same moderate concern about bearing loads. My roadster had newly-babbitted rods installed during a rebuild about 25 years and 6500 miles ago. About 2000 miles ago, I had a Snyder 5.5 head put on. The increase in power and performance was noticeable. 'Loved it! Then, a couple of months ago I began to hear a tapping/knocking sound. All four rod babbits had failed and chunks were found in the oil pan.

Even after examination by a very experienced, excellent Model A mechanic/re-builder, it is not certain what caused the failure. He suspects a bad pour and workmanship on the babbit job, but also points out the increased loads that are imposed on the bearings by high-compression heads. The higher the compression, of course, the higher the loading. If my rod babbits were bad to begin with, my H/C head only served to accelerate the failure that was going to happen anyway after who knows how many more miles.

I have to believe, though, that H/C heads will reduce bearing life but maybe not enough that the average 'A' owner will ever drive enough miles to notice. I have to balance this with stories of the many H/C heads out there that the owners claim many happy thousands of miles with!

I took a gamble (also due to homework and success stories) and had the babbitted rods replaced by the new forged insert rods from Antique Engine Rebuilding. The mechanic also strongly recommended driving a lot less with the spark fully advanced to reduce bearing loading. AND - NO LUGGING!

The inserts are runnung great and the engine is happy again. I'll still stick with the H/C head and just be way more careful when driving. - But, I wouldn't go above a 5.5:1 head! That's just paranoid ole me... These failures are VERY expensive!!

Earle

[Larry Brumfield]

Terry,

Henry kept the compression low so the Model A would run on ANY available fuel out there without having a ping or knock problem. Of course if one does not control the timing correctly (and other causes), such as on a steep hill for example, the Model A will knock with the best of 'em to this day. Detonation (ping and knock) can break pistons and ruin babbitt bearings.

For the most part, the available fuel was was low octane somewhwere in the 40 to 60 range. If today's gasoline had been available at the time of the Model A's manufacture, Ford would have lost sales with a compression ratio of only 4.22 to 1.


Larry B.

[30Tudor]

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Larry - where were you last summer when I tried to call you, email you and fax you to order a H/C head? Respectfully, not answering/returning calls or posting something on the website link I found doesn't inspire a lot of confidence - despite the fact that I now see you have overwhelming support from your customers. I now have the Snyder's head and it's a great improvement?

[Larry Brumfield]

"Larry - where were you last summer ....?"

Occupied .... with complex machine work! ... the mainstay of my life, not Model A's. Respectfully, when the phone does not answer, nor e-mails and faxes, it's a pretty good indication that a business is not in operation, don't you think? I'd go somewhere else too.

Enjoy your Snyder head.


Larry B.

[T.W.Dustin]

Yes = it is on my "to do" list

[30Tudor]

Larry - Despite my frustration trying to track you down last summer, I sure do appreciate your contributions to this site. Your contributions have been very helpful and informative to me.

[John in SATX]

Yes

[Ray in La Mesa]

I have two of your 5.9:1 heads, am waiting for the 7:1 to come out.

[Seth Swoboda]

Yes.

Larry I have one of your heads on my 31 Vicky and I love it! I would not own a Model A with out having one of your high compression heads. I have driven Model A's with out them and there is no comparison in power. Bore it .125 over and stick on a Brumfield Head, you will not be dissapointed!

[Dan Baron]

I have one on my four door and love it. I like the fact that I'm not a hazard on the road. Because I can keep up with traffic. I'll be looking for one for my coupe, if I decide to keep it. Thanks....

[davidmerrell]

Yes,Larry,Iwould definetly install one of your heads,especially if it was free-DAVID MERRELL

[Spider]

Hi Larry, I'm definitely a yes and currently looking at what's out there.

[Bick in New Zealand]

I am a fan of high comp heads and would not be without one.

[anut]

does any one out there have an embosed MODEL A head i have one on one of my cars only one i have seen

[Keith True]

I have one with MODEL A cast into it in big block letters.Years ago somebody showed me a picture of it in an old catalog,I don't remember if it was Monkey Wards,Sears,Western Auto,Whitney,it was one of the old outfits that sold gypsy parts.You don't need a scale to tell the difference.Pick it up with one hand,and pick up a stock head with the other,and I bet there is a 5 pound difference between them.The thickness of the casting between the water passage and the outside edge is very thin on the aftermarket head.You can also see,without measuring a difference in the shape of the combustion chambers.They have lumps,bumps,and bulges that vary from one chamber to the next.I think it is a nice conversation piece,and if it works like it should for you,that makes it even better.

[Larry Brumfield]

Hello Keith

I noticed in your post above (#102) that you stated that you cannot advance your spark lever more than 1/4 the travel with your Brumfield Head or it will "jump, buck and pound." This is not normal with the B-F 5.9.

If all your control mechanisms are correct you should be able to advance the lever anywhere from at least 1/2 to 3/4 (3/4 on most Model A's) if needed for proper advancement at higher speed.

With the Brumfield Heads the fuel mixture burns faster than with a stock head so not as much total advancement is required for the same speed and load. If the Brumfield Heads had been standard equipment when the Model A was new, Ford would have designed the quadrant (travel area) and the dist. advance/retard movement area with less distance for total advancement.

Something, ranging from your initial timing setting (maybe a little too advanced) to the controls (spark rod length / steering column connections, etc.), must be slightly out of whack. The control parts are usually an area in need of restoring or adjustment on most Model A's.


Larry B.

[JunkOSC]

Larry, I am new to the hobby and not sure of all the advantages as of yet. At this point I will say No... I need to get my head around the maintenance aspect for right now, and then I might make/take the venture. I will keep you in mind.

Thank you!!!
Tim

[Keith True]

Larry,I can actually advance it a little more when running flat out,but not too much.I found that if I retard it any more it runs a little hotter at an idle.I have moved things around and found the best spot for this particular truck.It is .060 over,with a B cam,a B profile dist.cam,stock ignition,and I don't know if I have the 5.5 or the 5.9 head from you.I bought a couple of blems,and I can't tell the blem from the drivers seat.With the stock head I would start the truck at full retard,then pull it down a couple clicks.Taking off and around town,or under 45 I run the lever halfway down.Then,when flat out I pull it all the way down.It felt right and worked right.All my cars are very sensitive to the spark advance and GAV controls.With your head I only touch the GAV to make sure it has not vibrated out any or to use the choke.The car takes to the throttle instantly,when cold,and I can drive it out of the garage to warm up instead of sitting in it for two minutes inside waiting for it to be able to move without spitting and stalling.I also realize I have it a little advanced in the static timing,but very little,and the car seems to behave the best there.NO kickback on starting,even when very hot,and when warm it starts on one lift of a piston.If I come to a stop with my other cars I have to retard the spark,if not they kick and roll a little at idle.I really think most people don't notice it.In the car with your head on it,once it starts I can pull it down a little,maybe between 10 and 11,and leave it there until I am wide open.Then I only pull it down a little more.The exhaust smells cleaner,the car runs smoother,more power,it is hard to lug it because it just takes off when you step on the pedal,I just like it.And,one other thing I forgot,my pistons protrude a little more than they should.The block has been decked too many times.I don't remember how much,it has been probably 25 years since I measured it.It can't be too much though,I check clearance when changing heads and it has never been an issue.

[Larry Brumfield]

"I also realize I have it a little advanced in the static timing, but very little ....."

Keith, not trying to irritate you but do you think maybe the static timing is a little more advanced than you realize? A total spark lever movement that is only 1/4 the distance equals a total advance of only 10 degrees! Not near enough. The total quadrant (and dist. movement) equals 40 degrees advancement and 1/4 of this equals 10.

Also, the timing can be advanced pretty far and not kick back against the starter. Look at the Model B. It has a static timing position of 19 degrees BTDC and they start just fine. That is the same as pulling the lever down nearly 1/2 on the Model A and cranking her up.

But not to worry ..... if it runs good for you then that's all that matters. Leave it alone and enjoy it!


Larry B

[Keith True]

That could very well be the case.I like to set them so they start well,with no kicking when hot,so I do tend to turn the rotor a little more than according to hoyle.I have never checked to see just what the advance really is.If I turn this one back much it tends to heat up a little.Not overheat,just warmer than usual.As it is I can retard it to the full travel of the lever and walk away for an hour.If I retard it just a little I might want to stick around to keep an eye on it.Every car I have likes the timing set just a little different.I have a low mile 30 roadster that once I set it by the book,I turn the rotor about 1/8 inch more ahead.I have a 31 sedan that I have to set as it is supposed to be.If the spark lever is down halfway it lets you know as soon as you try to start it.That is a worn engine too,that windmills after I shut it off.I did try pulling the lever down halfway on the truck with the head on it today,at about 50 MPH,it felt like it wanted to slow down,or at least just flatten out.just a couple clicks up and she ran away.I don't actually hear a ping,but that's most likely because it is an open truck and a lot of sounds get lost.It is easy to read it though,it starts to labor and you can feel a roughness set in throughout the whole vehicle.

[Michael in Sedona]

I have one on each of my 2 Model A's. Wouldn't be without them.

Thanks for your technical contributions to this site. I've learned a great deal over the years.

[Richard/Ca]

Not ever having one on my coupe I don't know what the differents is execpt more HP and speed. Though by the way every body speaks so highly of them I would dumb not to try one if it was presented to me. Other wise I could live without one. Car runs fine to me. Richard/Ca

[Purdy Swoft]

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I vote yes ! Higher compression makes a world of difference.

[Richard/Ca]

I tried to reply once before don't know were to went. I have never had one. So unless I was presented with one I probably won't not care to have one. No disrespect to the people who have an enjoy them. Richard/Ca

[peters180a/170b]

If Larry puts a list together for a run of his heads i'll take one and send a deposit !!!!

[Richard in Anaheim CA]

I have run a 5.9 Brumfield head for years. Can't wait to buy another. How many do I have to order to get you back in production Larry :>).

I have two 5.5 Snyders . They run good too.

HC Head is the BEST single modification you do for your Model A performance.

Neither 5.5. or 5.9 is all that high a compression ratio, even "back then".

Richard
Anaheim CA

[Ice man]

Well I have one and love it, but I have a Lion Head because I like the looks of it. Im a Model A guy but not a purest. I feel if you got a Hi Compression Head It should look like one. LOL Iceman

[youngrodder1929]

id have to agree with ice man , thomas , winfield , lion , cyclone ect

[MrTube]

If I'm lucky enough to get my own 'A' to do with as I please in the near future it will certainly have a Brumfield head on it without a doubt.

[Ken M]

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!! I have one of your 5.9 heads on my Victoria and a Super Brumfield on my Roadstewr PCup. I run a Winfield red head on my Speedster. Changing the head to a higher compression is the first thing I do on a new car.

[Richard/Ca]

I have never had one so I wouldn't know the different. If someone were to present me with one I would be a fool not to try it and probably like everyone would like it. Otherwise I can't afford to do it on my own. Richard/ Ca

[29ModelA]

I'd run one, just because my wife said I can't 'modify' the car, and she would never know