Re: Maximum Recommended MPH

Posted by Bill on September 07, 1998 at 17:52:24

In Reply to: Maximum Recommended MPH
posted by Pat Patterson on September 05, 1998 at 15:36:10

: Just had the engine rebuilt in our '30 Town Sedan.It now has stainless valves, hardened seats, counterbalanced crank, lightened flywheel, late 30's clutch, "B"-grind cam, Brumfield head (5.9 to 1), re-poured babbit bearings, and a NuRex electronic ignition.
: Given it has a 3.54 rear-end, does anyone have suggestions as to the maximum speed I should drive?
: Thanks in advance,
: Pat
You should be able to drive 50 with minimum strain, considering the high speed gears you are using.Stock model A Fords feel right at about 45 mph.They will go faster, but the vibrations are worse.With a ballanced engine, and a light flywheel, you are improving the life of the bearings, and can go a little faster.The gearing change you made will give you about 5 mph more.I once had my tudor up to 65 for a short while, but it was really humming.It is most happy between 45 and 50.My uncle used to drive a model a tudor non stop from Texas to NY in the 50s, and would travel at 55 all the way.I have no idea how he kept his engines together, but he did.Keep the brakes and quick steering in mind.some folks shorten the pitman arm to make it easier to steer, and slow down the responce a bit.
Henry Ford said in his newspaper announcement of the Model A Ford "The world moves more quickly than it used to.There are only so many hours in the day and there is much to be done."
"Fifty and sixty miles an hour are desired today, where thirty and fourty would have satisfied in 1908.So we are giving you this new speed."
"The new Ford will ride comfortably at fifty and sixty miles an hour.It has actually done sixty-five miles an hour in road tests"
It should be remembered that the car was new, and long term effects of this speed were unknown.
There are also more cars on the road today, and they have better brakes and tires than you do.I keep the old original type lights in my car as a reminder that if I am overdriving the lights, I am going too fast.
Bill's place in the country.