The Ford Barn

Tom Wesenberg · 12-08-2013, 09:12 PM

For engine life, counterweights on the crankshaft help the life of the babbit. For a bit more power a 5.5 head is easy to do and should add a little value to the car, as should the counterweights. A small filter in the shutoff valve is a good thing to prevent junk from going downstream. An electronic voltage regulator helps the battery life and bulb life as well as robs a bit less horsepower to run the generator that might otherwise be constantly overcharging.

Original well restored brakes will stop the car fine. If you plan to do a lot of highway driving an overdrive or 3.27 ring and pinion will let the engine run slower so the ride should be more enjoyable. I wouldn't do anything that required grinding, drilling, or welding on original parts, as that usually hurts the value and is less reversible if someone wants a completely stock car. Now you can drive as fast as you NEED to and brake to a safe stop.

12-08-2013, 09:12 PM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: new model A owner, modification questions For engine life, counterweights on the crankshaft help the life of the babbit. For a bit more power a 5.5 head is easy to do and should add a little value to the car, as should the counterweights. A small filter in the shutoff valve is a good thing to prevent junk from going downstream. An electronic voltage regulator helps the battery life and bulb life as well as robs a bit less horsepower to run the generator that might otherwise be constantly overcharging. Original well restored brakes will stop the car fine. If you plan to do a lot of highway driving an overdrive or 3.27 ring and pinion will let the engine run slower so the ride should be more enjoyable. I wouldn't do anything that required grinding, drilling, or welding on original parts, as that usually hurts the value and is less reversible if someone wants a completely stock car. Now you can drive as fast as you NEED to and brake to a safe stop.