Re: Need Advice- Coupe vs. Sedan

Posted by Bob Carabbio on July 14, 1997 at 17:08:55

In Reply to: Re: Need Advice- Coupe vs. Sedan
posted by Brad Wallace on July 14, 1997 at 10:26:12

An "Inserted" engine does have insert bearings, and a drilled crankshaft typically to feed oil to the rods.
"Pressurized" refers to the feeding of oil under pressure to the mains and rods instead of the gravity system that the "A"s use. The model A oil pump can be used, but timing cover mounted pumps are also fairly common
A "B" crank won't fit into an "A" block without some serious reduction of the main journal diameters.Since the main problem with the "A" crank is whipping due to the unbalanced weight of the center two rods, the addition of counterweights and balancing helps a lot with center main wear.Ron Kelley here in Dallas does inserted engines without pressure feed oil with good success.He advertises in the Restorer.
With the cooling system, sealing the radiator cap and using a recovery tank off the overflow is popular here.There have been some that pressurize (about 5 P.S.I.) by putting a releif valve in the overflow.I doubt if there's much advantage there, though.The coolant recovery tank is a good idea from a maintenance (and cleanliness) standpoint.You bring up a good point, though, since head gasket leakage is VERY common.The coolant recovery tank can provide insight about that by bubbling or overflowing.
The most common overdrive is the Stewart Warner unit that most of the manufacturers used in the '50s.A Rambler or Studebaker unit is modified with mounting plates and welded into the drive-line.It's installed in the torque tube and provides either a 1.26, or 1.33 overdrive and free-wheeling when not in overdrive if it's shifted in.Bill Swigart (916) 221-1628 is a supplier of S/W overdrive stuff.If you have the cash, the "Mitchell" (800)238-5093 is a beatutiful unit. It's also a torque tube mount but with helical gears and synchro-mesh. Also popular is the Ford Ranger 4-speed transmission, and the Bronco 5-speed - top speed being overdrive in both cases.There are shops that convert these for installation in "A"s.
Ron Kelly of Dallas does inserted engines and is quite knowledgeable about drive-line mods.He also advertizes in the Restorer.
I will run a stock motor and drive line for a while, going to a S/W overdrive when the parts become available at the right price.I'll install a c'balanced crank, but think I'll stick with standard bearings to begin with. I've already converted to '39-'42 ford hydraulics. I'll also run '35 Ford 16" wire wheels with 6.50-16 rubber.

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