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How longer could the Ford Model T engine have eventually soldiered on?

With a production run was extended until '41 outliving at least 3 generations of other full-size Fords after the Model T itself, even though from '27 on the usage was more directed to special applications, the Ford Model T engine pioneered the hot-rod scene somehow. From high-compression cylinder heads to stroker crankshafts, performance-oriented parts are still available through specialized vendors, and eventually could enable the Model T engine to provide adequate performance even for some driving conditions closer to the modern ones. Sure it was already outdated at the time the Model T was phased out, but its peak power and torque RPMs lower than these same parameters on some heavy-duty truck engines are quite fascinating.

https://engineeringworkarounds.blogs...nsider-to.html

Seems like the design would still be relevant for farm type applications where you need a ton for torque and a 20hp engine that would run forever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oil pan 4 (Post 656697)

Seems like the design would still be relevant for farm type applications

No wonder the Model T resembles an agricultural tractor somehow :D
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vi4SAFtHV.../Photo0301.jpg
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uArbAQTeC...2Bm%2B1948.jpg

Quote:

where you need a ton for torque and a 20hp engine that would run forever

I remember some claims that 20hp are enough for a compact car to sustain a cruise speed around 60 to 70 MPH. Gasoline nowadays having a higher octane rating than back in the Model T days could eventually render some of those performance-oriented parts safe for a more "normal" driving, so maybe adjusting the gearing to match would be even more challenging, as the 2-speed transmission is fully integrated to the engine block.

Iirc, my norweigan friend drove his in the freeway at least to 55, and I have seen many restored doing the same, but I don't know for how far. Note this is generally flat and level driving, although my friend drove back from Bakersfield up hill to Tehachapi, I think it took about 3 hours for an hour trip

Also the SAE hp specifications changed between 1920 and now resulting in a higher number, so it may have been rated about 27 hp today

Model T engine blocks never rust. I found these references (I may abandon DDG over their Baizuo hiring practices)

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDG

rib feature FE cylinder blocks (the real reason why) - Ford FE
https://www.fordfe.com › rib-feature-fe-cylinder-blocks-the-real-reason-why-t91012.html
1912 Model T Ford touring Salmon (ugh!) ... I'm assuming the metallurgy involves the changes made in Carbon Equivalancy, Silicon, and Chrome to ESE-M1A116-A (Grade AC) as called out on certain cyl block drawings, and/or mention in one of the Ford O.H.O. Bulletins on the C8AZ-6010-G Special 427 block. ... in the service part life of an engine ...

Re-Engineering The Ford Model A Engine | Hackaday
https://hackaday.com › 2017 › 09 › 05 › re-engineering-the-ford-model-a-engine
Re-Engineering the Model A Engine is [Terry Burtz]'s project to take the Ford Model A engine from the 1920s and re-engineer it with the benefit of some upgrades to increase its longevity and ...

From the 2nd article:

Quote:

It was one of those “I wonder what happened to… ” moments that prompted a search for just such a project that did the rounds a little at the start of this decade. Re-Engineering the Model A Engine is [Terry Burtz]’s project to take the Ford Model A engine from the 1920s and re-engineer it with the benefit of some upgrades to increase its longevity and reliability. The new engine would look identical to the original unit, but would feature modern metallurgy, a re-engineered crankshaft with up-to-date bearings, a pressurised lubrication system, and some cooling system modifications.

The web site has a fascinating technical description and history of the Model A engine, along with a detailed examination of the proposed upgrades. There is a long list of project updates, but sadly work stalled in 2015 due to difficulties finding an iron foundry that could cast the blocks at an affordable price.

Best comment:

Quote:

targetdrone says:
September 5, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Foundries vary widely in capabilities. A bronze art foundry is likely not going to have the equipment to precisely assemble and position 17 shell cores. They may not have a cupola large enough to pour 400 pounds of iron in a single mold. And they may not have the capacity to produce 500 or 1000 engine blocks in a run.

A ductile iron foundry I was once familiar with did large runs with floors full of large machine parts, but they didn’t have the ability to precisely assemble and insert that many cores in a single mold. If a company could sign a purchase order guaranteeing 100,000 blocks perhaps it would be worth it to buy the needed equipment, but that’s obviously beyond the means of this hobby-level effort.

Engine block casting is simply at a different level of complexity. The foundries that can cast them are certainly going to charge for their services.

Sounds like there is a need for 3D printed engine blocks.

The original model T engine only used splash lubrication?

The Model T plan was to never change, opposite to the Beetle and modern Japanese practice.

It's a wonder they have a venturi instead of a wick in the carburetor. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by oil pan 4 (Post 656746)

The original model T engine only used splash lubrication?

Yes, originally it only resorted to splash lubrication. Which doesn't really seem to be so much of an issue for a sidevalve design. Presumably a pressurized lube system would be much better for an improved-performance derivative of such engine, yet being able to avoid an oil pump could in the end be still a desirable feature.

New model T engines.
https://burtzblock.com/
That's a lot of coin for like 30hp.