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Old 11-07-2018, 10:05 PM   #1
Paul Bjarnason
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Default Best fuel and exhaust system for power

I just bought a "touring" motor from one of the major rebuilders: B cam, 6/1 cylinder head, and V-8 clutch and flywheel. I would like to know what people recommend for fuel and exhaust systems for good performance. The Weber setup looks to be a good carb setup but is not vintage in appearance and requires a fuel pump. Some vendors have a dual Model A or B carb updraft manifold which looks vintage and, of course, does not need a fuel pump, but I wonder how well it works and buying the manifold plus two carbs would be expensive. Then, there are American 2-barrel carbs, like the Stromberg 97, which can be bought new now days and uses the same manifold as the Weber. Then, there's the choice of exhaust manifold. The stock Model A manifold looks to be pretty good, but I see some of the vendors have headers, both steel tube and cast iron. Last, I see that a company called "Aries" offers various mufflers which appear vintage Model A, including a high performance muffler for motors putting out 80 or more horsepower. I don't know how much power my motor will put out, but I imagine it will be at least 60. Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.
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Old 11-08-2018, 11:49 AM   #2
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll send you the chapter of my book on building a mild performance engine, it may help you decide?
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Old 11-08-2018, 12:29 PM   #3
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Jim, what is the title of your book and were can one purchase a copy. I'm sure there are Ford Barn members that would be interested in a book written by one of our own...
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Old 11-08-2018, 03:50 PM   #4
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

The Aries muffler is great. But unless you have a Very High performance or OHV Conversion engine their High Performance muffler will lose horses. The A engine actually need back pressure to operate correctly. I know this from experience.
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Old 11-08-2018, 07:25 PM   #5
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Here's the source for Jim's book, which I just ordered: https://www.autobooks-aerobooks.com/..._5be4bdb9a453f
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Old 11-08-2018, 07:27 PM   #6
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Thanks, Jim. I just e-mailed you and also ordered your book, which looks like just what the doctor ordered!
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Old 11-08-2018, 08:04 PM   #7
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Stromberg 97 can be bought new: Speedway, Summit, etc., but does not use the same manifold as the Weber.
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Old 11-08-2018, 08:23 PM   #8
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Not sure what your plans are for needed speed but typically straight stock has plenty of power to push the A fast enough for most people. The only reason I'd see to add power is if you're climbing hills often with competing modern traffic. Then it could be important. If you have 60 HP already that's a lot considering original was about 40 I think! First issue with ANY model A is brakes. Stock brakes work great and will stop the car very well IF they are well maintained. Juice brakes are not necessary but maintenance of brakes of any kind to original specs IS. By your OP you probably are well versed in the Model A and probably already know all this but doesn't hurt to be reminded.
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Old 11-09-2018, 11:52 AM   #9
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Hi Eagle - Thanks for the reminders. Rest assured, I am on the case regarding brakes. I have on order a hydraulic drum brake conversion (Lincoln drums). You're right, the Model A stock brakes are very good "if" they are properly adjusted, but that's the catch -- so, I decided to go with hydraulic brakes with self-centering and self-energizing shoes. 1935 Ford wheels, too, for more rubber on the road. My goal is to stay up with 60 mph traffic (and stop with it) and pull the 36% Mitchell overdrive, which my engine builder says my new motor will pull on a flat road. Right now, I want to fit the right intake and exhaust setup. The Weber seems like the simplest way to go, but somehow a Weber (European) doesn't look right on a Model A, i.e., doesn't give me that old time feeling to my eye.
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Old 11-09-2018, 12:31 PM   #10
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Y-block, The best source for my book is through me at my e-mail address posted above. It is called 4-bangers and me. Unfortunately Paul bought one from Autobooks, at a higher price.
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Old 11-10-2018, 05:08 PM   #11
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Paul, I have Jim's book.....thanks Jim.
The first photo was taken when I first got my roadster. It had a Stromberg 94 and a "farmer fix" using the back of a gauge to avoid kinking the fuel line.
The second photo shows the round air cleaner that I made 'cuz I too did not like the Weber "look". There was about a quarter of an inch clearance with the side panel so I slipped the spring over the hose just in case. Better safe than sorry.
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Old 11-10-2018, 06:05 PM   #12
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

There is an adapter for the Weber to use any Stromberg aircleaner
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Old 11-10-2018, 06:18 PM   #13
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

LOL. I figure that if the A runs and I can get ice cream with the grand kids I am way ahead of the game.

Everything else is just fluff with out the peanut butter
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Old 11-10-2018, 09:43 PM   #14
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

What headers are those and from whom did you buy them, Denis? They look great! Thanks. Bj
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Old 11-10-2018, 09:46 PM   #15
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Also, I don't think I recognize the carb and intake. So, also, what are they? Thanks.
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Old 11-11-2018, 09:13 AM   #16
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

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Originally Posted by paulbearson View Post
Also, I don't think I recognize the carb and intake. So, also, what are they? Thanks.

Intake and carb is a Weber 32-36. Have this set up on both my A's Bought the Weber kit and header from Bert's Model A in Littleton CO.
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Old 11-11-2018, 11:00 AM   #17
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Webber Carb.jpg

This is my Weber Carburetor setup.
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Old 11-11-2018, 06:02 PM   #18
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

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Attachment 379681

This is my Weber Carburetor setup.
Ronnie,

Nice setup. Is there a reason why the air cleaners are two different sizes?

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Old 11-11-2018, 09:10 PM   #19
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David so the hood will close.
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Old 11-11-2018, 10:32 PM   #20
Paul Bjarnason
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Ronnie - Do you find the two carbies work well? I have been told that two carbs are excessive on a Model A. Where did you get the manifold and headers? Thanks. Bj
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Old 11-11-2018, 10:41 PM   #21
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

Thanks for the tip -- Bert's is $80 cheaper than Mac's for the Weber setup. When you got the Weber setup, was it properly jetted for your Model A -- or did you have to fiddle?
Thanks. Bj
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Old 11-12-2018, 09:51 AM   #22
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

In as much as Bert's is in Littleton and I'm in Durango, the Weber was correctly jetted out of the box. However, the beauty of the Weber is how easy it is to tune. Making sure that you can get both butterflies fully opened using the Model A linkage is key to great performance.
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Old 11-12-2018, 10:29 PM   #23
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Paul, the carbs work great. I get about 11 mpg. I got the car from California. The headers were custom built. I don't know who made the intake manifold or the headers.
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Old 11-13-2018, 02:44 PM   #24
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I've had REAL good luck running dual updrafts with model B carburetors . I won't say that it is the fastest setup but if the carbs are good, most can just bolt them on and run without ANY mods to the carbs . Updraft carbs don't flood like downdrafts and you get to keep the original style choke and GAV controls . I've seen dyno. tests that showed a 10 horsepower increase with dual updraft carbs . Depending on tuning and engine condition , A person can expect to pick up a few more MPH when using dual carbs . Just my experience .
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Old 11-13-2018, 04:27 PM   #25
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I've had REAL good luck running dual updrafts with model B carburetors . I won't say that it is the fastest setup but if the carbs are good, most can just bolt them on and run without ANY mods to the carbs . Updraft carbs don't flood like downdrafts and you get to keep the original style choke and GAV controls . I've seen dyno. tests that showed a 10 horsepower increase with dual updraft carbs . Depending on tuning and engine condition , A person can expect to pick up a few more MPH when using dual carbs . Just my experience .
I have been told by several guys who run dual updraft "A" or "B" carbs that they actually get better gas mileage than with a single updraft. This sounds counter-intuitive to me yet they insist that it is true.
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Old 11-14-2018, 02:08 AM   #26
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I installed a Weber two-barrel on my Model A with an aluminum ‘down draft intake manifold’ purchased together from 'Mike's'. I do not use a fuel pump with this set-up. I do have to keep the gas cap loose to insure a steady flow of petrol through the modern gas filter placed directly below the gas tank exit via the fire-wall. Cylinders have been bored and replaced with pistons to .010 over and the flywheel has been dished to reduce its weight.



The car will do a continuous 60 mph with just a little effort after running through its standard 3 speed gearbox. I have a new radiator so there is no problem with temp – generally runs around 180 degrees when sitting in Florida summer traffic (Tampa).
My exhaust manifold and muffler are standard Model A (but I understand that the replacement cast-iron/ or a modern header would add 10+ horsepower, but cost is something I have to keep in mind. The accountant (wife) limits what I am able/allowed to purchase. Happy wife, happy life!



The car will do 65 mph for about 5 miles before it begins to starve for fuel with this set-up, at which point it begins to cut-out for lack of fuel. Fuel pump would solve the problem, but I am happy with the performance as it is. 35 miles to work and I take it on a 45-55 mph state road to work about once a month.
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Old 11-14-2018, 12:43 PM   #27
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I have been told by several guys who run dual updraft "A" or "B" carbs that they actually get better gas mileage than with a single updraft. This sounds counter-intuitive to me yet they insist that it is true.

I wasn't really concerned about gas mileage when I converted to dual updraft carbs. Mine do seem to perform better than expected . I know that better gas mileage with dual updraft carbs sounds counter-intuitive but what can I say ??? I won't argue about the matter .
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Old 11-14-2018, 09:19 PM   #28
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Stromberg 97
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Old 11-15-2018, 12:26 PM   #29
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Paul, Don't listen to folks that have not run things, like 2 carbs. These engines have big cylinders and can use a lot of air. I run three Stromberg 81's on my speedster, and it runs great and gets good gas mileage. A pair of 97's is not too much but one is batter for most mild engines.
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Old 11-15-2018, 01:05 PM   #30
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dual 81's, very fast!
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Old 11-16-2018, 10:40 PM   #31
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Jim - I now have your book. A good read. The "big" Stromberg 97 with its 250 cfm capacity looks interesting. My new motor from Schwalms has touring cam (Model B, I guess), a 6/1 head, V-8 flywheel and clutch, and full pressurized oiling. I like the idea of Strombergs because they are "period" correct. Plus, I cannot find CFM specs for the Webers, although the Webers do look pretty good -- such variety and good support. I want good power and driveability. What exactly would you suggest? The Secretsofspeed society offers a variety of manifolds, including a dual carb manifold: http://www.secretsofspeed.com/intake-manifolds.htm I wonder if one "big" 97 might be the way to go. Your thoughts?! Anyone's thoughts!
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Old 11-17-2018, 05:14 PM   #32
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Default Re: Best fuel and exhaust system for power

To get more horsepower you need to get more air/fuel mixture into the engine with less restrictions. The best way is to open up the intake valves. Putting big carburetors and manifolds on will help somewhat, but the intake flow is still restricted by the 1.5 inch intake valves. If your thinking about more performance and you're building a new engine, invest in 1.75 inch intake valves, you won't be disappointed.
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Old 11-17-2018, 09:53 PM   #33
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Hi Al - I agree and I did get the upsized intake valves on my engine, for $275. What carburetor and exhaust setup do you have and what do you think of it? Thanks. Bj
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Old 11-17-2018, 11:37 PM   #34
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$275 for 4 intake valves? Ouch
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Old 11-20-2018, 10:36 AM   #35
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Tom, the engine builder has to enlarge the intake valve seats to fit the 1.75" intake valves.

Paul, I am running a "B" carburetor and intake manifold with the standard Model A exhaust manifold. I don't like the looks of a downdraft carburetor on a Model A. I wanted a few more horses without getting to radical. My truck will cruise all day at 65 MPH, but I don't like to do it very often. If I'm in a hurry, I climb into my modern car.
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