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10-27-2020, 09:52 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Aledo, TX
Posts: 63
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What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life?
Just installed a new stock/rebuilt engine in my A from a reputable builder. I asked him if it was OK to drive it 45 to 50 mph, or if that would hurt engine life. He suggested that it would likely last much longer if I typically kept it around 40mph or less. I'm inclined to believe him as he has decades of Model A & T experience, pours his own babbits, etc., but I'm curious what the group's experience is on this. I will probably drive the car 1,000 to 2,000 miles per year, so even 30,000 miles will take a long time. If I get 20 years out of this engine that should be plenty.
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10-27-2020, 10:04 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: wheeling west virginia
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
I Bought my roadster in2002, drove it between 40-45 mph, I had 50,000 miles on the engine when it started loss of power on hills, so i put in a rebuilt one in 2018.
not sure of the miles on the car when i bought it, but it had a re-built engine when i bought it., so i got 16 years out of that engine. sounds to me like you'll get your 20 years..have fun and enjoy!! |
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10-28-2020, 04:54 PM | #3 |
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Location: Ohio
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
Sometimes a rebuild is not needed. Sometimes all that is needed is a fresh head gasket.
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10-27-2020, 11:16 PM | #4 |
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Location: Portland, Oregon
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
I agree with your builder. If the engine is built like it’s 1929, drive like it’s 1929. If you wanna drive like it’s 2020, buy a car that was built after 1955.
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10-28-2020, 11:19 AM | #5 | |
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
Quote:
That is why it's a smart idea, to keep a 60's muscle car or a 2020 Mustang GT in the garage too so that you can get out and run hard every now and then |
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10-27-2020, 11:32 PM | #6 |
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Location: Washington
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
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10-27-2020, 11:48 PM | #7 |
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
There are those that say they drive their Model A 60+mph "all day long". I say let them! My '30 Town Sedan is happy at 45mph and so am I. I know it will go faster but doesn't want to and shows it because she doesn't run as smoothly and quietly when we approach 55mph.
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10-28-2020, 06:30 AM | #8 |
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Location: Largo Florida
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
What Ruth says. These cars were not built for todays speeds, they are 40-45 mph vehicles. In 1930 only 6.8% of roads were 'improved'. My family went in the auto business in 1918 and salesmen taking a client in a Model A at 60 mph on a paved road for short period was a sales gimmick.
But, that said, with todays oils and clean roads these engines will last a long time. Mine was last rebuilt in 1961. |
10-28-2020, 08:06 AM | #9 |
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Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
when I am in the A I’m not in a hurry to get anywhere so I routinely travel at 35-40.
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10-28-2020, 02:54 PM | #10 |
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
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10-28-2020, 09:06 AM | #11 | |
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
Quote:
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10-28-2020, 04:02 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Aledo, TX
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
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10-28-2020, 04:29 PM | #13 |
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Location: Melbourne, Australia
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
Before I installed an O/D, I used to sit the car on 42mph, never more. Both the car and I were happy at that and I did many thousands of miles that way. Since the O/D went in, I drive at 50mph which is slightly lower revs than before and the car is even happier so I am too. We can even talk to each other now as we go. Things are much quieter even though we are going faster.
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10-29-2020, 10:24 AM | #14 |
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Location: Western North Carolina
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
My just purchased engine has insert bearings and a counterbalanced crank. This is my 6th Model A (all the others were sold, damnit). All the stock ones I drove at 50 or so. This one will go 70 or more and the vibration is low. It is a 1930 Fordor and has an overdrive. I plan to drive it on back roads at 55 or so. What does the group have to say about this?
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10-29-2020, 10:37 AM | #15 |
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Location: west coast Fla..
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
45-50 mph top no mountains here
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10-28-2020, 10:24 AM | #16 |
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Join Date: May 2016
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
Good Morning...I have been messing with Model A's since 1963, on and off. My experience is that a stock engine in a half way decent car, can be driven at 40 miles an hour for as long as necessary...but no faster...this assumes a 3.78 rear end. Also, keep in mind that the oil should be changed every 500 miles and all 31 or so zurk fittings need to be lubed at the same time...if the car has a 3.54 or 3.27 rear end then the speed can be a bit more. Ernie in Arizona
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10-28-2020, 10:58 AM | #17 |
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Location: Sebastian, FL
Posts: 479
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
40 is pleanty for me. I want to enjoy the scenery and be confident I can avoid any road issues. I stay off 4 lane roads and 65 MPH traffic as much as possible..
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10-28-2020, 10:59 AM | #18 |
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Grants Pass, Oregon
Posts: 79
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
Welcome to Ford Barn. If you want to drive 45 or over you might consider a Mitchel overdrive. I have a Mitchel OD in my 31 coupe and use it also in slower speeds. GREAT OD for climbing hills in low or second over. Enjoy your A at your comfortable speeds.
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10-28-2020, 11:33 AM | #19 |
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Location: Ft. Worth
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
I guess I'm the odd one out. Every stock car around here runs 50 no problem. When mine was stock, it ran 50 no problem for many many years.
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10-28-2020, 11:52 AM | #20 |
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Location: Alabama
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Re: What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life
Same here . I have run mine at 50 MPH for many years with no problem . Momentum is needed to climb the steep hills without needing to down shift . I don't like running at creeping speed and running the risk of getting hit in the back .
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