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Old 05-12-2015, 06:52 PM   #1
Fordcat
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Default Model A touring engine

Can anyone who purchased a touring engine from Bert's Model A in Colorado tell me if they are good or bad? I want an engine that will go 50mph all day. Thanks
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Old 05-12-2015, 07:16 PM   #2
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Don't know about Berts but Antique Engine turns out a nice one and Schwalms does as well. I've used both of these.
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Old 05-12-2015, 07:41 PM   #3
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Talk to Steve at Bert's. I think their engines are significantly cheaper then a lot, and I'm pretty sure their shop has an inventory of engines on hand.
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Old 05-12-2015, 08:12 PM   #4
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

you can trust Schwalms.
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Old 05-13-2015, 12:50 AM   #5
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Never heard of Bert's selling anything bad. I would trust it. I have a Ron Kelley engine & love it. My brother has one and my dad has one being built.
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Old 05-13-2015, 01:29 AM   #6
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

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I too have a Ron Kelley "Touring Engine" in my late '31 Dlx Coupe, and am thrilled and amazed at it's power and endurance! However, '50 mph, all day' is not much of a performance bar to reach. Just about any properly built Model A engine will achieve that minimum requirement, and it does not even have to be a 'Touring Engine'.

I would have full faith in anything I bought from Bert's, in Denver, Colorado.

- Doug Vieyra, Eureka, Calif
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Old 05-13-2015, 07:20 AM   #7
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

I have a Bert's touring engine with about 5,000 mile on it. Not a tick yet. The difference between it and a good stock motor are night and day. Acceleration is a pleasant surprise. I rarely shift into second on hills, even at 7,600 feet elevation. And it will go 65 without an overdrive.

But I still don't drive 50 all day. 40 - 45 is fine with me.
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Old 05-13-2015, 09:17 AM   #8
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

I have a motor rebuilt by Turlock Machine. It can run 55 MPH all day in a stock Model A. That doesn't mean as much as you think.

As mentioned above, any properly rebuilt Model A motor should be capable of doing 50 MPH all day in a stock Model A. Bert's, Schwalms, etc. all have a good reputation amongst contributors here.
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Old 05-13-2015, 09:57 AM   #9
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jordan View Post
... I have a Ron Kelley engine & love it. My brother has one and my dad has one being built.
I just took my place in the Ron Kelley line yesterday.
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Old 05-13-2015, 11:22 AM   #10
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

[QUOTE=P.S.;1085023]I have a motor rebuilt by Turlock Machine. It can run 55 MPH all day in a stock Model A. That doesn't mean as much as you think.

I have a Turlock Machine motor in my pickup and it is a huge improvement over the old stock motor. I saving my shekels for another of Joe's motors for my Tudor.
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Old 05-13-2015, 02:35 PM   #11
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

I had Turlock Machine Joe Sivils 209-495-1689 build my motor did a great job with plenty of power very smooth running motor.
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Old 05-13-2015, 03:11 PM   #12
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

I only use ron kelley. That being said, not everyone wants to be on his waiting list, or pay his price. Even though youre getting more "bang" for your buck when you use him. I would trust berts to build an engine. Theyre good people, and have always done whatever it takes to make the customer happy.
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Old 05-13-2015, 04:53 PM   #13
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

[QUOTE=Hster;1085092]
Quote:
Originally Posted by P.S. View Post
I have a motor rebuilt by Turlock Machine. It can run 55 MPH all day in a stock Model A. That doesn't mean as much as you think.

I have a Turlock Machine motor in my pickup and it is a huge improvement over the old stock motor. I saving my shekels for another of Joe's motors for my Tudor.

You won't be disappointed. My Tudor is completely stock, and with Joe's motor in it, does burnouts. It's amazing. Downshift for long, steep hills? Nope. Not any more. Just press the accelerator a little bit more and up you go. Watch all the guys with overdrives try to find the right gear while you pass them.
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Old 05-13-2015, 05:05 PM   #14
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Just curious do any of these stock engines in the testamonials above have higher than stock heads?
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Old 05-13-2015, 05:12 PM   #15
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Fordcat, all these are good suggestions, but you should also consider Bill Barlow in Bend. Closer, and quick turnaround, if he's still doing complete engines. His number is (541) 389-2694.
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Old 05-28-2015, 09:57 AM   #16
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Sorry to bring this thread back up, but im wondering if joe at Turlock is still operating. Im looking for an engine builder and cant really find much info on him or the shop.
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Old 05-28-2015, 02:11 PM   #17
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Bert's is always good and reliable. Stand behind everything they sell.
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Old 05-28-2015, 02:18 PM   #18
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Quote:
Originally Posted by bdave_mcc View Post
Sorry to bring this thread back up, but im wondering if joe at Turlock is still operating. Im looking for an engine builder and cant really find much info on him or the shop.
He sells on eBay under the seller name modelaengines4u

Don't see any listings right now. We discussed this a while back already-

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113747
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Old 05-28-2015, 02:44 PM   #19
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

I know of two, a Touring and a Short Block built for a Miller OHV engine.

Both run extremely well, no problems with either engine.
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Old 05-28-2015, 02:46 PM   #20
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Default Re: Model A touring engine

Antique eng. rebuilder Skokie Ill ,have one from them goes fast..also have 1970+- with brass tag out of a Denver, see pic.
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