Re: Thanks, and follow-up

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Posted by Tim Stephens on Feb. 08, 2010 at 23:31:43

In Reply to: Thanks, and follow-up
posted by Bob on Feb. 08, 2010 at 21:07:23

Hello Bob and thanks for the reply. I don't have any experience with the V/8 style clutch. I do know that it is lighter than the model A pressure plate. It is a popular modification and its been done for years,I think it is a 16 to 20 pound reduction. That said I am running a model B flywheel in my 31 standard roadster, it is 18 to 20 pounds lighter than a model A flywheel but uses the same pressure plate and disk as the model A. The results are the same as far as weight reduction. I have known many that ran setups in the 20 pound reduced range with no problems with the stock model A crankshaft. The 1932 four cylinder model B crankshaft wasn't counterbalanced and it ran a flywheel that was 18 to 20 pounds lighter than the model A.
I don't know if you have any experience with driving model A's. With a stock model A If you are running 40 to 45 mph and kick the throttle to the floor you won't really feel any acceleration but it will slowly pick up speed if you are on fairly level road. with a 20 pound reduction you could feel acceleration at 40 to 45. and if you added a higher compression head it would greatly improve power and driveability. I think it is safer to have quicker throttle response and power to quickly pass or get out of the way if necessary. The lighter setup hasn't effected the idle or had any bad effects at all. The gears mesh easier with the lighter set up because the engine decellerates quicker. It doesn't have all the extra weight pushing it. It is also good to get the extra weight of the rear main bearing.

My wife, Deb loves the way the gears shift easier and I really enjoy riding with her driving. I can enjoy the ride without driving instructions. I'm the riding mechanic.
I don't want to tell you what to do and something go wrong. You will need to use your own best judgement. In all the years that I have been involved with model A's I have only recently heard comments that you must have a counterbalanced crankshaft. what about all the model B's? Nobody that knows the facts can say that model B's came with a counterbalanced crankshaft. I know some will say that they had problems but who knows how much weight was removed? Too much weight removed will effect idle.
Summing it up a 20 pound reduction has worked for me and we love it. and I plan to do the same on the next one that I build. Good luck whatever you choose.

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