The Ford Barn

1929 · 03-21-2015, 07:09 PM

after seeing the DONOVAN Model D ALUMINUM engine, IMPROVED version of the Ford model a engine, how can I not say the hell with the rebuild and get this master piece that looks exactly like the Model A engine. The Donovan head is a 7.5-1. I want to keep the car mostly original, but on a rebuild we know things are changed and some parts from China, probably only the block is original after your rebuild, so how can you say no to this masterpiece the Model D that will look exactly like the Model A engine after painted green and black. I first saw this engine at Schalms shop and online at Piranios antique automotive site.

SDJason · 03-21-2015, 07:15 PM

This must be what you're talking about

Out of my price range, though...

More views here

Mikeinnj · 03-21-2015, 07:25 PM

If I had an extra $21,880.40 I would buy one too. Until then I can only hope that Tod is successful in producing an affordable block.

Hoogah · 03-21-2015, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1929

. . . . looks exactly like the Model A engine.

Exactly??

You don't need anyone's approval. It's your car. Do it.

C26Pinelake · 03-21-2015, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1929

after seeing the DONOVAN Model D ALUMINUM engine, IMPROVED version of the Ford model a engine, how can I not say the hell with the rebuild and get this master piece that looks exactly like the Model A engine. The Donovan head is a 7.5-1. I want to keep the car mostly original, but on a rebuild we know things are changed and some parts from China, probably only the block is original after your rebuild, so how can you say no to this masterpiece the Model D that will look exactly like the Model A engine after painted green and black. I first saw this engine at Schalms shop and online at Piranios antique automotive site.

I must be looking at the wrong photograph. The one I am looking at does definitely not and I repeat not look like a Model A Ford engine. I also find the price to be ridiculous. I would be shocked if he is able to sell more than one ( you ) on this site. Wayne

700rpm · 03-21-2015, 11:07 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

You might ask yourself why you want a Model A at all. Maybe what you really want is a GTO.

Mike V. Florida · 03-21-2015, 11:22 PM

for $22,000 I'd buy another whole car and have enough for a life time of gas and maintenance.

Or have my car restored to fine point.

dumb person · 03-22-2015, 02:38 AM

Looks like a model A engine to me. More so if you put standard manifolds on it. Price is way beyond me though. Would be cool to own though.

colin1928 · 03-22-2015, 02:57 AM

These Engine is based on the B Model engine and in real life it is easy to see the differences but the average person would not see
The price quoted is quite old I am sure it has gone up
Kathy has sold quite a few I know there are at least 3 here in Australia and 2 are Barners

denis4x4 · 03-22-2015, 09:34 AM

I have a Donovan head and replaced it with a Brumfield Super head. Quite frankly, the B-F head increased performance over the Donovan.

1931 flamingo · 03-22-2015, 10:43 AM

Chevy small block about 3500....................................
Paul

Y-Blockhead · 03-22-2015, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dumb person

Looks like a model A engine to me. More so if you put standard manifolds on it.

Standard manifolds won't fit. Look at the porting.

johnneilson · 03-22-2015, 11:32 AM

The Donovan is a nice piece for a race motor.

Yes, it is expensive, you have to look at it with the intended purpose.

Race motors can cost more if using an original block, just adding the 5 bearing crank will be expensive.

Touring seems to becoming pretty popular and the motors need some work but not to this level. The intended usage often gets skewed by the bright shiny stuff.

The bottom line is to enjoy the cars, just don't scrap them.

J

Minn-Tex Lee · 03-22-2015, 12:21 PM

One of the things I love about the Model A is the sound. What does this one sound like?
Lee

Charlie Stephens · 03-22-2015, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minn-Tex Lee

One of the things I love about the Model A is the sound. What does this one sound like?
Lee

I am sure it sounds like whatever muffler you use. Years ago someone pulled up in front of my house with what appeared to be a restored car. It had the classic Model A sound. When he lifted the hood it had a 4 cylinder Chevy II engine.

Charlie Stephens

1929 · 03-22-2015, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minn-Tex Lee

One of the things I love about the Model A is the sound. What does this one sound like?
Lee

I agree, I do like the sound of the Model A too, I asked the same question.

mshmodela · 03-22-2015, 07:52 PM

The maximum price for a new block as I see it $3000, new working tested engine $5,500.

Tom Wesenberg · 03-22-2015, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minn-Tex Lee

One of the things I love about the Model A is the sound. What does this one sound like?
Lee

It was the sound of a Model A chugging up an incline that made me turn around to see what car was making such a beautiful sound. It was then I decided I had to buy one. Of course one is never enough, so I bought three.

daveymc29 · 03-22-2015, 10:14 PM

I put out $5806.12 for a rebuild with pressure oiling and inserted bearings, counter-weighted and balanced . The initial oil change brought out some milky looking oil, a small lock washer and some rubbery substance that may have been a seal somewhere. That was at 100 miles after several re-torques to #55. The engine continues to run well and makes no odd sounds, so maybe just some fluke, but 5800 doesn't guarantee much. But the Donovan bid I got was over what I have seen mentioned here, though I can't tell you the exact price, I have misplaced it.

colin1928 · 03-23-2015, 12:08 AM

As John said they are a nice piece for a race engine
only here in Australia you must use original block in vintage classes
and as a modern engine hard to see the Donavan competing with modern twin OHC engines
They would be a great touring for those wanting to drive hard day in day out
The 1 I know about is in a 32 that gets used daily for a commute of 120 miles each way at 70+mph that guy loves it

03-21-2015, 07:09 PM	#1
1929 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New York Posts: 943	Very Very Tempted! after seeing the DONOVAN Model D ALUMINUM engine, IMPROVED version of the Ford model a engine, how can I not say the hell with the rebuild and get this master piece that looks exactly like the Model A engine. The Donovan head is a 7.5-1. I want to keep the car mostly original, but on a rebuild we know things are changed and some parts from China, probably only the block is original after your rebuild, so how can you say no to this masterpiece the Model D that will look exactly like the Model A engine after painted green and black. I first saw this engine at Schalms shop and online at Piranios antique automotive site.

03-21-2015, 07:15 PM	#2
SDJason Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 442	Re: Very Very Tempted! This must be what you're talking about Out of my price range, though... More views here

03-21-2015, 07:25 PM	#3
Mikeinnj Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 1,262	Re: Very Very Tempted! If I had an extra $21,880.40 I would buy one too. Until then I can only hope that Tod is successful in producing an affordable block.

03-21-2015, 11:07 PM	#6
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,903	Re: Very Very Tempted! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You might ask yourself why you want a Model A at all. Maybe what you really want is a GTO.

03-21-2015, 11:22 PM	#7
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Very Very Tempted! for $22,000 I'd buy another whole car and have enough for a life time of gas and maintenance. Or have my car restored to fine point. __________________ 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

03-22-2015, 02:38 AM	#8
dumb person Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South pacific island Posts: 1,724	Re: Very Very Tempted! Looks like a model A engine to me. More so if you put standard manifolds on it. Price is way beyond me though. Would be cool to own though. __________________ <Link> This is how we roll<Link> "I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob Outcasts rules of old cars #1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated #2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong #3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough. #4 No shame in recreating something you never had #5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable

03-22-2015, 02:57 AM	#9
colin1928 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Australa Melbourne Posts: 878	Re: Very Very Tempted! These Engine is based on the B Model engine and in real life it is easy to see the differences but the average person would not see The price quoted is quite old I am sure it has gone up Kathy has sold quite a few I know there are at least 3 here in Australia and 2 are Barners

03-22-2015, 09:34 AM	#10
denis4x4 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Durango CO Posts: 1,309	Re: Very Very Tempted! I have a Donovan head and replaced it with a Brumfield Super head. Quite frankly, the B-F head increased performance over the Donovan. __________________ No restorable Model A's were harmed in the building of this truck!

03-22-2015, 10:43 AM	#11
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Very Very Tempted! Chevy small block about 3500.................................... Paul

03-22-2015, 11:32 AM	#13
johnneilson Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: 34.22 N 118.36 W Posts: 1,054	Re: Very Very Tempted! The Donovan is a nice piece for a race motor. Yes, it is expensive, you have to look at it with the intended purpose. Race motors can cost more if using an original block, just adding the 5 bearing crank will be expensive. Touring seems to becoming pretty popular and the motors need some work but not to this level. The intended usage often gets skewed by the bright shiny stuff. The bottom line is to enjoy the cars, just don't scrap them. J

03-22-2015, 12:21 PM	#14
Minn-Tex Lee Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Stewrtvl MN-Fredbrg TX Posts: 192	Re: Very Very Tempted! One of the things I love about the Model A is the sound. What does this one sound like? Lee

03-22-2015, 07:52 PM	#17
mshmodela Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,763	Re: Very Very Tempted! The maximum price for a new block as I see it $3000, new working tested engine $5,500. __________________ -Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio

03-22-2015, 10:14 PM	#19
daveymc29 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,554	Re: Very Very Tempted! I put out $5806.12 for a rebuild with pressure oiling and inserted bearings, counter-weighted and balanced . The initial oil change brought out some milky looking oil, a small lock washer and some rubbery substance that may have been a seal somewhere. That was at 100 miles after several re-torques to #55. The engine continues to run well and makes no odd sounds, so maybe just some fluke, but 5800 doesn't guarantee much. But the Donovan bid I got was over what I have seen mentioned here, though I can't tell you the exact price, I have misplaced it.

03-23-2015, 12:08 AM	#20
colin1928 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Australa Melbourne Posts: 878	Re: Very Very Tempted! As John said they are a nice piece for a race engine only here in Australia you must use original block in vintage classes and as a modern engine hard to see the Donavan competing with modern twin OHC engines They would be a great touring for those wanting to drive hard day in day out The 1 I know about is in a 32 that gets used daily for a commute of 120 miles each way at 70+mph that guy loves it