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.

Marco Tahtaras · 12-08-2013, 10:28 PM

Welcome to the forum! Tom hit the highlights pretty well. I'll try to add a couple thoughts. First, some of the internal mods such as inserts are a reaction to folks failures to obtain good babbitt work. Since I've never had a bearing failure in nearly 40 years (and I run them much harder than most), I'm not in a rush to go there. I also disagree with some regarding the use of inserts in a non-pressurized system with the way I drive but that is certainly debatable as you will likely hear.

Now, a little shift in topic with some advice. DON'T RUSH! You can drop some big bucks in an engine and still not enjoy the car for other reasons. that "investment" can quickly be a capital loss on resale. That is not to say it won't be worth it to you but folks will buy the car based on appearance first and BASIC functions second. A stack of receipts MAY help you get a couple bucks more for the car than you would otherwise, but not much.

Ok, back to the "don't rush" topic. I highly recommend taking some time to enjoy and get to know your new toy. Unlike many folks that frequent this forum, you shouldn't be locked in all winter. You can take some time to drive and play with the car over the next few months. You WILL find little things that need attention to make it more comfortable and enjoyable. There are many good folks here that will waste no time helping you get there.

Again, welcome to the forum from just one of the guys. We are entering the time of year when many folks are cooped up, fuses tend to burn short, and personal tensions tend to rise until the spring thaw comes. I'm only mentioning that because I see it every year and a few abrupt responses shouldn't be taken personally. For every one that goes over the top there will many more remaining calm and wanting to help.

12-08-2013, 09:12 PM	#1
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.

12-08-2013, 10:28 PM	#2
Marco Tahtaras Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,099	Re: new model A owner, modification questions Welcome to the forum! Tom hit the highlights pretty well. I'll try to add a couple thoughts. First, some of the internal mods such as inserts are a reaction to folks failures to obtain good babbitt work. Since I've never had a bearing failure in nearly 40 years (and I run them much harder than most), I'm not in a rush to go there. I also disagree with some regarding the use of inserts in a non-pressurized system with the way I drive but that is certainly debatable as you will likely hear. Now, a little shift in topic with some advice. DON'T RUSH! You can drop some big bucks in an engine and still not enjoy the car for other reasons. that "investment" can quickly be a capital loss on resale. That is not to say it won't be worth it to you but folks will buy the car based on appearance first and BASIC functions second. A stack of receipts MAY help you get a couple bucks more for the car than you would otherwise, but not much. Ok, back to the "don't rush" topic. I highly recommend taking some time to enjoy and get to know your new toy. Unlike many folks that frequent this forum, you shouldn't be locked in all winter. You can take some time to drive and play with the car over the next few months. You WILL find little things that need attention to make it more comfortable and enjoyable. There are many good folks here that will waste no time helping you get there. Again, welcome to the forum from just one of the guys. We are entering the time of year when many folks are cooped up, fuses tend to burn short, and personal tensions tend to rise until the spring thaw comes. I'm only mentioning that because I see it every year and a few abrupt responses shouldn't be taken personally. For every one that goes over the top there will many more remaining calm and wanting to help. __________________ http://www.abarnyard.com/