Burtzs block

[P.S.]

I am the current MAFCA liaison to the Judging Standards committee. Here you go-

If the judges cannot tell the part from an original part, it receives full points. That includes texture and finish. If the judge can tell the part is reproduction, it receives a deduction (this can be arbitrary). If the part is a correct Model A part but incorrect for the month/year, it receives a deduction. If the part is clearly not a Model A part, that part receives zero points.

Terry's advice above is good advice. However, some people on the Judging Standards Committee are now discussing the differences between an original Ford engine block and a Burtz block so that it can be identified as a "reproduction part". If it is identified as such, it will likely receive a deduction or possibly zero points, the same way a B block in a Model A would, at the discretion of the Chief Judge.

Hope that helps.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by P.S.

..... some people on the Judging Standards Committee are now discussing the differences between an original Ford engine block and a Burtz block so that it can be identified as a "reproduction part". If it is identified as such, it will likely receive a deduction or possibly zero points, the same way a B block in a Model A would, at the discretion of the Chief Judge.

That is the way it should be. I see the Burtz block as a "peace of mind" addition for someone wanting to drive their cars great distances from home at freeway speeds - and of no use for the enjoyment of a Model A as it was designed.
I'd argue that the Burtz block is not a reproduction part because it is not a replica of the original part. It is as much a "reproduction" part as the Donovan engine was. https://www.modelaparts.net/hiperf.html/donovansem.html

[Jeff/Illinois]

I'm ALL for Mr. Burtz' engine receiving full points in competition.

I mean, for crying out loud

Not allowing such is akin to a clique of Model A owners trying to deduct points off of another's car, to promote themselves.

I say put it to a vote and let the MAFCA and MARC community as well as non club Model A owners have a say which way this one goes! Thank God for somebody like Terry B. trying to move the hobby forward!
No need to throw up road blocks.

[P.S.]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

I'm ALL for Mr. Burtz' engine receiving full points in competition.

I mean, for crying out loud

Not allowing such is akin to a clique of Model A owners trying to deduct points off of another's car, to promote themselves.

I say put it to a vote and let the MAFCA and MARC community as well as non club Model A owners have a say which way this one goes! Thank God for somebody like Terry B. trying to move the hobby forward!
No need to throw up road blocks.

Hi Jeff,

Understand your enthusiasm. At issue here is authenticity as it relates to fine point (blue ribbon) judging. Fredski53 asked, "Question, if I install a Burtz block in my Model A and the block looks stock on the outside, can I enter the car in fine points judging?" Terry Burtz and I helped answered his question.

Whether or not a reproduction part should or should not be "allowed" is up to the committee. For example, the committee decided a long time ago to overlook (no deduction) certain modifications, like a safety fuse in the electrical circuit. If you would like to join the committee and help write the rules, that would be excellent! There is a pathway to doing so.

For the record, there are different classes of Model A judging. The blue ribbon class is for the cars that look exactly like they did when they left the factory, down to the finest detail. If that isn't your thing, check out the Modified or Touring classes of judging. If none of that is your thing, there's always Restorer's Class where cars are "evaluated" instead of judged.

However, it sounds to me like you probably don't want that either, and that's fine! Judging cars isn't for everyone, and being judged isn't for ever car. Simply don't enter you or your car and enjoy all the other things the hobby provides.