The Incline ride?

[1929]

How does your car run once it hits a slow long incline on the road ? I was told you have to adjust the spark advance to compensate for power on the incline.

[Tom Wesenberg]

You may need to retard the spark as you give the engine more throttle to make it climb the hill. Don't lug the engine and don't let it ping.

[burner31]

I have to climb "Red hill" everytime I come home, I retard a little bit give it some more gas and I'm still going 40-45 when I hit the top, think I can maintain that speed if the hill was higher.
Speed limit on that road is 50, been behind newer cars that were doing 30 by the time they hit the top, but they were real old farmers...in no hurry at all.

[1929]

Would it be better to have a modern type distributor like a Mallory ? so I don't have be concerned with constant inclines.

[katy]

For a "a slow long incline on the road" you shouldn't have to change anything other than your foot pressure on the foot feed. A steep incline is another matter as Tom and burner31 said.

[P.S.]

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Depending upon how steep the incline may be, I suggest you downshift.

I live in a rural area that is very hilly. It is about 30 miles to the nearest highway, and the highest speed limit between my home and the closest town is 45 MPH. Perfect Model A area! Except for the hills.

The last climb to my home is about 1/4 mile and very steep. If I am alone in the Tudor (totally stock, no overdrive, etc.), and I have enough head start (don't have to stop for oncoming traffic while making the left turn to the steep road), I can take it in 3rd gear with the timing retarded about 2 clicks. When I get to the top, I am doing about 30-35 MPH. Otherwise, if I have to stop before making the left turn, or if there is anyone else in the Tudor with me, then it's 2nd gear all the way up (don't have to retard the spark).

The fordor has to do that same hill in 2nd gear no matter what.

The trick is, never lug the motor- Unless you just love changing head gaskets.

[J Franklin]

And crankshafts!

[marc hildebrant]

1929,

With regard to a modern distributor...I enjoy adjusting the ignition as a drive my Model A. It's part of the old car experience for me.

After you get familiar with your car, you will just adjust the ignition without even thinking.

Marc

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by 1929

Would it be better to have a modern type distributor like a Mallory ? so I don't have be concerned with constant inclines.

Nah, One of the major joys of driving the A is the satisfaction in keeping it rolling real nice, like a horse and rider,