The Ford Barn

Vicky · 06-12-2013, 09:32 PM

Does anyone know the history of the McDowell Overhead Valve Head for Model A & B Engines?

When, where, how many we're built? Any other interesting information you may have, or a reference that may have some background.

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks,

Bob

Roadster62 · 06-12-2013, 10:21 PM

The 16 valve DO head is one of the nicest looking ones built IMO. There was a CRAGAR like rocker arm head and a single overhead cam head as well. Bob

Vicky · 06-13-2013, 10:20 AM

Roadster,

Thanks for the info. I am going to look at a 30's race car with a McDowell OHV, with the cam on the block, two spark plugs/cylinder, etc.

There is a McDowell Duel OHC race car in the Dayton area. Sharp car, not For Sale.

Thanks,

Bob

Jim Brierley · 06-13-2013, 10:33 AM

McDowell made 2-ports and 4-ports, both as rocker arm heads or with a single OHC cam on top. The OHC version was perhaps the ugliest ever made, but their 2-cammer was beautiful, and performed very well. All were of good quality and not prone to cracking as the Cragars were. Production dates I am not sure of but don't think they were as early as some heads?

Roadster62 · 06-13-2013, 06:48 PM

Jim, The SOHC McDowell isn't that bad looking, reminds me of a single stick Fronty. Now if you want to see an UGLY SOHC head on an A/B block look at a ROOF. I sold two to Doc Pruden back in the late 1970's, wonder were they are now? Bob, good luck with the McDowell race car, please post photos if things go well. Bob

Jim Brierley · 06-14-2013, 09:15 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Roadster, I don't think that I've ever seen a Roof single-stick. The McDowell is too big and bulky. Doc Pruden was a cool old guy, with lots of neat stuff!

29Coupe · 04-29-2023, 12:19 AM

Resurrecting this thread.
I’ve got a McDowell OHV. Wondering if anyone has any info on when these were produced?
Hard to find any info on the McDowell’s.

Thanks!
Jeremy

Jim Brierley · 04-29-2023, 10:40 AM

I don't have a stating date but they were probably made up to the war, maybe later? There are still performance heads for the A/B engines today both flathead and OHV. Steve Serr of Miller hi-speed fame is starting to produce what I believe to be the best rocker-arm head ever made, 225 HP in a mild touring build. there may be one at the Speedster Reunion in Lincoln this June.

06-12-2013, 09:32 PM	#1
Vicky Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 235	McDowell Overhead Valve Head Does anyone know the history of the McDowell Overhead Valve Head for Model A & B Engines? When, where, how many we're built? Any other interesting information you may have, or a reference that may have some background. Any information would be helpful. Thanks, Bob

06-13-2013, 10:20 AM	#3
Vicky Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 235	Re: McDowell Overhead Valve Head Roadster, Thanks for the info. I am going to look at a 30's race car with a McDowell OHV, with the cam on the block, two spark plugs/cylinder, etc. There is a McDowell Duel OHC race car in the Dayton area. Sharp car, not For Sale. Thanks, Bob

06-13-2013, 10:33 AM	#4
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,089	Re: McDowell Overhead Valve Head McDowell made 2-ports and 4-ports, both as rocker arm heads or with a single OHC cam on top. The OHC version was perhaps the ugliest ever made, but their 2-cammer was beautiful, and performed very well. All were of good quality and not prone to cracking as the Cragars were. Production dates I am not sure of but don't think they were as early as some heads?

06-13-2013, 06:48 PM	#5
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,441	Re: McDowell Overhead Valve Head Jim, The SOHC McDowell isn't that bad looking, reminds me of a single stick Fronty. Now if you want to see an UGLY SOHC head on an A/B block look at a ROOF. I sold two to Doc Pruden back in the late 1970's, wonder were they are now? Bob, good luck with the McDowell race car, please post photos if things go well. Bob __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

06-14-2013, 09:15 AM	#6
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,089	Re: McDowell Overhead Valve Head Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Roadster, I don't think that I've ever seen a Roof single-stick. The McDowell is too big and bulky. Doc Pruden was a cool old guy, with lots of neat stuff!

04-29-2023, 10:40 AM	#8
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,089	Re: McDowell Overhead Valve Head I don't have a stating date but they were probably made up to the war, maybe later? There are still performance heads for the A/B engines today both flathead and OHV. Steve Serr of Miller hi-speed fame is starting to produce what I believe to be the best rocker-arm head ever made, 225 HP in a mild touring build. there may be one at the Speedster Reunion in Lincoln this June.