The Ford Barn

Jordan · 06-09-2013, 04:14 PM

As some of you have might of read in a few posts, I said I had a new engine but wouldn't state who built it. I have done about 4,000 miles in the last month "testing" my new engine, and boy-oh-boy am I impressed!! Always hearing about Ron's engines (he's a local guy), I had an expectation when purchasing it. That expectation was not even close to what a joy the motor is to drive.

I drive 90% of the time on the highway. I drove 3,000 miles round trip to Canada last month and then drove to the Texas Tour this weekend. The whole time, I've never had to lift the hood. I've changed the oil a couple times, but that's about it. It runs 160* with the thermostat no matter what the outside temp is, even while running an AC and towing a trailer behind it. It's a strong running machine! I would never have a problem referring him to anybody. He's a great guy to work with, and well worth it. He might be more $$ up front, but he's less $$ per mile. I would not hesitate to spend the money again.

A+++++

PS- If anyone wants to know of an engine builder to stay FAR FAR away from, you can PM me

His engine has been receiving a lot of attention here lately, and I can assure you the builder and the engine are both lemons

John S · 06-09-2013, 04:55 PM

Kelly builds a stout insert motor, no doubt.

Duffy1 · 06-09-2013, 05:06 PM

Jordan ;

What type of rear main seal does Ron use ?

Jordan · 06-09-2013, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duffy1

Jordan ;

What type of rear main seal does Ron use ?

he does not use the modern rear seal.

H. L. Chauvin · 06-09-2013, 10:27 PM

Ron is a wonderful gentleman -- he added my counterweights, lightened flywheel, & balanced both crank & flywheel.

He has superior Model A knowledge based on his dynanometer testing of Model A engines.

700rpm · 06-09-2013, 10:34 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Best change that oil more often than "a couple of times" in 4000 miles or you will not be enjoying that engine for long.

Jordan · 06-09-2013, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Best change that oil more often than "a couple of times" in 4000 miles or you will not be enjoying that engine for long.

Changed it twice during break in & then doing it every 1,000 just like Ron told me to do.

Logan · 06-10-2013, 12:09 PM

Being that Jordan is my brother, I can contest that this motor is a beast. I think we were going through some mountains in Tennessee, or somewhere in that part of the country on the way up to Canada and the museum opening. At the bottom of the mountain I was running 61, by the top of the mountain I had accelerated to 65 mph. I haven't ever felt a motor so strong before that is in a street drivable car.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 06-10-2013, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan

Being that Jordan is my brother, I can contest that this motor is a beast. I think we were going through some mountains in Tennessee, or somewhere in that part of the country on the way up to Canada and the museum opening. At the bottom of the mountain I was running 61, by the top of the mountain I had accelerated to 65 mph. I haven't ever felt a motor so strong before that is in a street drivable car.

What is the specs on Jordan's engine?

jim galli · 06-10-2013, 02:50 PM

61 at the bottom of the hill, 65 at the top...?

I'm hopelessly old school, having been fiddling with these things for 47 of my 60 years. You simply can't extract that kind of power over the long haul. Sure I had a roadster in my teens that did 19.44 sec and 68 mph in the quarter. But not for long.

Call me back when you've got 40,000 on it. I'm all ears.

John S · 06-10-2013, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan

Being that Jordan is my brother, I can contest that this motor is a beast. I think we were going through some mountains in Tennessee, or somewhere in that part of the country on the way up to Canada and the museum opening. At the bottom of the mountain I was running 61, by the top of the mountain I had accelerated to 65 mph. I haven't ever felt a motor so strong before that is in a street drivable car.

Was that with the AC "on" or "off"?

Maclab58 · 06-10-2013, 06:07 PM

Called Ron today and had a very informative conversation. He really knows his stuff and I like what he told me. The bonus is he's only 150 miles from me! I want one.

Logan · 06-10-2013, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

What is the specs on Jordan's engine?

I can't remember the bore size. Counter balanced, Ron's #2 cam option, stromberg 48, tube headers, Aries muffler, snyders head, harmonic dampner in the flywheel, bigger valves, port work, fs distributor, that's all that I can think of right now.

Jordan · 06-10-2013, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

What is the specs on Jordan's engine?

you can go to his website and read about his different packages.

I have the touring package.

hotrodalley · 06-10-2013, 09:47 PM

what rear end ratio are you running ?

700rpm · 06-10-2013, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

Changed it twice during break in & then doing it every 1,000 just like Ron told me to do.

Glad to hear it; that sounds right to me.

Jordan · 06-10-2013, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodalley

what rear end ratio are you running ?

3:78 with a 26% overdrive 4-speed.

CarlG · 06-11-2013, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

3:78 with a 26% overdrive 4-speed.

Perfect combination!

Jordan · 06-11-2013, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG

Perfect combination!

I use to think so too, but it's even way better with this motor

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 06-11-2013, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

I use to think so too, but it's even way better with this motor

Why is that??

.

Fred · 06-11-2013, 05:58 PM

So, You dont have a MODEL A anymore !!

Jordan · 06-11-2013, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred

So, You dont have a MODEL A anymore !!

Actually, just to double check, i went and got the title. It reads "Year: 1930 Make: Ford Model: Model A Town Sedan. It's still insured as a Model A... and it could still be judged at a Model A meet...

Pretty sure it's still a model a

Jordan · 06-11-2013, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Why is that??

.

because this motor is just a really strong running, smooth, perfect motor.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 06-11-2013, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

because this motor is just a really strong running, smooth, perfect motor.

I don't doubt that you are super pleased. I just interpreted your comments to imply that someone could only get that nice of a motor from Ron K. Thanks.

.

Jordan · 06-11-2013, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

I don't doubt that you are super pleased. I just interpreted your comments to imply that someone could only get that nice of a motor from Ron K. Thanks.

.

Well i have driven A LOT of cars with a lot of different engines, and this one is by far the best I've experienced.

Roger Anderson · 01-09-2015, 03:54 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I would like to contact Ron Kelley to ask some questions, phone and email
would be most welcome. I am in New Zealand any assistance would be great. Thanks Roger. [email protected]

CarlG · 01-09-2015, 05:09 PM

RK Designs Inc

1454 Blackland Road
Royse City, TX 75189-4743

Phone: (972) 771-1911
http://modelaperformance.com/

DougVieyra · 01-09-2015, 11:50 PM

I have had a R-K built engine powering my late '31 Dlx Coupe for about a year and a half now. In fairness, it does also have a Stomberg 97 carb. and Exhaust headers as well as F-S Electronic Ignition - All installed by Ron Kelley, during his building of the engine.

BUT - the end product makes me FEEL like I am 21 once again ! Driving with this R-K engine really 'gets me pumped'. It is a really exciting experience - one that give me a great sense of joy.

As Bent has suggested, R-K does not have exclusive domain on this kind of engine - but Ron Kelley is sure one of those who knows how to build a great 'touring' engine - one that can give you confidence in today's traffic - AND make the driving a FUN and Trilling experience !

- Doug Vieyra - Eureka, Calif

Mike V. Florida · 01-10-2015, 01:47 AM

As good as a job that he did on your modified motor, I'm absolutely sure the same care and craftsmanship goes into any engine in any configuration that he does.

Synchro909 · 01-10-2015, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger Anderson

I would like to contact Ron Kelley to ask some questions, phone and email
would be most welcome. I am in New Zealand any assistance would be great. Thanks Roger. [email protected]

Roger, don't expect the same sort of power from an engine in a RHD car as they claim. The exhaust they use won't fit. Headers (extractors) like they put on LHD car are not possible on a RHD one.
Bummer!

tbirdtbird · 01-10-2015, 04:52 PM

The debate of stock vs modified engine (in any way) will rage on after we are all dead.

There are those out there, tho, who do not realize the amount of performance equipment that was available for an A back in the day. There are several books that document this. So, even in 1928 drivers were adding performance goodies

Jordan · 01-10-2015, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

As good as a job that he did on your modified motor, I'm absolutely sure the same care and craftsmanship goes into any engine in any configuration that he does.

This is true. My brother currently has an engine being built by Ron to stock specs to go in the dlx phaeton.

Curly · 04-12-2016, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

As Bent has suggested, R-K does not have exclusive domain on this kind of engine - but Ron Kelley is sure one of those who knows how to build a great 'touring' engine - one that can give you confidence in today's traffic - AND make the driving a FUN and Trilling experience !

- Doug Vieyra - Eureka, Calif

This is why I went with Ron; I want a good touring engine that will LAST. My Model A is my daily driver for most of the year. It needs to be reliable.

2manycars · 04-12-2016, 04:20 PM

I bought a car several years ago that had a RK engine. It was very smooth and very powerful. I should have kept that motor.

40 Deluxe · 04-12-2016, 07:43 PM

[QUOTE - AND make the driving a FUN and Trilling experience !

- Doug Vieyra - Eureka, Calif[/QUOTE]

Ah, so you sing as you drive?

06-09-2013, 04:14 PM	#1
Jordan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ft. Worth Posts: 1,006	Ron Kelley Engine As some of you have might of read in a few posts, I said I had a new engine but wouldn't state who built it. I have done about 4,000 miles in the last month "testing" my new engine, and boy-oh-boy am I impressed!! Always hearing about Ron's engines (he's a local guy), I had an expectation when purchasing it. That expectation was not even close to what a joy the motor is to drive. I drive 90% of the time on the highway. I drove 3,000 miles round trip to Canada last month and then drove to the Texas Tour this weekend. The whole time, I've never had to lift the hood. I've changed the oil a couple times, but that's about it. It runs 160* with the thermostat no matter what the outside temp is, even while running an AC and towing a trailer behind it. It's a strong running machine! I would never have a problem referring him to anybody. He's a great guy to work with, and well worth it. He might be more $$ up front, but he's less $$ per mile. I would not hesitate to spend the money again. A+++++ PS- If anyone wants to know of an engine builder to stay FAR FAR away from, you can PM me His engine has been receiving a lot of attention here lately, and I can assure you the builder and the engine are both lemons __________________ Cowtown A's

06-09-2013, 05:06 PM	#3
Duffy1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mo. City , Texas Posts: 725	Re: Ron Kelley Engine Jordan ; What type of rear main seal does Ron use ?

06-09-2013, 10:27 PM	#5
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Ron Kelley Engine Ron is a wonderful gentleman -- he added my counterweights, lightened flywheel, & balanced both crank & flywheel. He has superior Model A knowledge based on his dynanometer testing of Model A engines.

06-09-2013, 10:34 PM	#6
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,902	Re: Ron Kelley Engine Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Best change that oil more often than "a couple of times" in 4000 miles or you will not be enjoying that engine for long. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

06-10-2013, 12:09 PM	#8
Logan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 1,055	Re: Ron Kelley Engine Being that Jordan is my brother, I can contest that this motor is a beast. I think we were going through some mountains in Tennessee, or somewhere in that part of the country on the way up to Canada and the museum opening. At the bottom of the mountain I was running 61, by the top of the mountain I had accelerated to 65 mph. I haven't ever felt a motor so strong before that is in a street drivable car. __________________ Cowtown A's

06-09-2013, 04:55 PM	#2
John S Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ellis County, Texas Posts: 337	Re: Ron Kelley Engine Kelly builds a stout insert motor, no doubt. __________________ John _________________________________ http://www.dmafc.com/

06-10-2013, 02:50 PM	#10
jim galli Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tonopah, NV. Posts: 283	Re: Ron Kelley Engine 61 at the bottom of the hill, 65 at the top...? I'm hopelessly old school, having been fiddling with these things for 47 of my 60 years. You simply can't extract that kind of power over the long haul. Sure I had a roadster in my teens that did 19.44 sec and 68 mph in the quarter. But not for long. Call me back when you've got 40,000 on it. I'm all ears.

06-10-2013, 06:07 PM	#12
Maclab58 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 983	Re: Ron Kelley Engine Called Ron today and had a very informative conversation. He really knows his stuff and I like what he told me. The bonus is he's only 150 miles from me! I want one.

06-10-2013, 09:47 PM	#15
hotrodalley Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Franklin, TN Posts: 124	Re: Ron Kelley Engine what rear end ratio are you running ?

06-11-2013, 05:58 PM	#21
Fred BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: California, Maryland Posts: 1,421	Re: Ron Kelley Engine So, You dont have a MODEL A anymore !!

01-09-2015, 03:54 PM	#26
Roger Anderson Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 1	Re: Ron Kelley Engine Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I would like to contact Ron Kelley to ask some questions, phone and email would be most welcome. I am in New Zealand any assistance would be great. Thanks Roger. [email protected]

01-09-2015, 05:09 PM	#27
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Ron Kelley Engine RK Designs Inc 1454 Blackland Road Royse City, TX 75189-4743 Phone: (972) 771-1911 http://modelaperformance.com/ __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

01-09-2015, 11:50 PM	#28
DougVieyra Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Eureka, California Posts: 1,716	Re: Ron Kelley Engine I have had a R-K built engine powering my late '31 Dlx Coupe for about a year and a half now. In fairness, it does also have a Stomberg 97 carb. and Exhaust headers as well as F-S Electronic Ignition - All installed by Ron Kelley, during his building of the engine. BUT - the end product makes me FEEL like I am 21 once again ! Driving with this R-K engine really 'gets me pumped'. It is a really exciting experience - one that give me a great sense of joy. As Bent has suggested, R-K does not have exclusive domain on this kind of engine - but Ron Kelley is sure one of those who knows how to build a great 'touring' engine - one that can give you confidence in today's traffic - AND make the driving a FUN and Trilling experience ! - Doug Vieyra - Eureka, Calif

01-10-2015, 01:47 AM	#29
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Ron Kelley Engine As good as a job that he did on your modified motor, I'm absolutely sure the same care and craftsmanship goes into any engine in any configuration that he does. __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

01-10-2015, 04:52 PM	#31
tbirdtbird BANNED Join Date: May 2012 Location: inside your RAM Posts: 3,134	Re: Ron Kelley Engine The debate of stock vs modified engine (in any way) will rage on after we are all dead. There are those out there, tho, who do not realize the amount of performance equipment that was available for an A back in the day. There are several books that document this. So, even in 1928 drivers were adding performance goodies __________________ '31 180A

04-12-2016, 04:20 PM	#34
2manycars Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,732	Re: Ron Kelley Engine I bought a car several years ago that had a RK engine. It was very smooth and very powerful. I should have kept that motor. __________________ Bill www.brauchauto.com

04-12-2016, 07:43 PM	#35
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,778	Re: Ron Kelley Engine [QUOTE - AND make the driving a FUN and Trilling experience ! - Doug Vieyra - Eureka, Calif[/QUOTE] Ah, so you sing as you drive?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode