VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1931 sedan power?

OK, I am up and running and would like some input on what is normal power for a stock 1931 engine. I have a four door sedan with dual side mounts.
The drive from town to my house is a slow eight mile climb of 1,500 ft with a few steep short runs. I can not do third gear at all. Second at 28 to 35 MPH is the best I can do. Is this normal? Should I not expect any more? My top speed is about 47 and at that point I stop pushing because of the sound of the engine tells me to not press it any further. I do not get any benefit it seems from the spark advance at any speed. I just leave it in all the time. This speed is OK with me but if I can get more I would like to know how. How about it?

Was your engine rebuilt since 1970? Did you put in new valve springs? If yes.... what was the strength of them? My experience is that in the 70's they installed overly strong valve springs and I have an engine that is almost identical in performance to yours... my other, original, engine runs much smoother.

When the spark knob is pulled out, that retards the spark giving you even less power. Every time that you start the car, either cold or hot, pull out the spark control knob all the way. As soon as the car starts, push it in. This will let your car start easier. Also, you have a 4:11 rear end, so the speed of 47 MPH is about right, especially if you have a brand new engine. As it breaks in, your speed should increase some, but unless you installed a set of Larry Jackson's 3:50 gears, about 50 MPH is about it on speed. Again, if you have a freshly rebuilt engine (you didn't mention this in your posting) I would run it some and as it breaks in your power should increase some. You also didn't mention how steep the grade was either and that would have a bearing on your power also. Make sure your timing is correct as well. :confused: :eek:

Matt: Call me and I will give you a great tip on how to increase your power. It's kind of detailed so I need to talk to you about it on the phone.

OH OH, LOOK OUT MATT. I THINK THE JUNKYARD DOG IS TALKING ABOUT DYNAMITE AGAIN TO HELP YOU GET MORE POWER FOR YOUR CAR. YOU SEE THE JUNKYARD DOG EATS THAT FOR BREAKFAST, IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT KEEPS HIM GOING, WITHOUT IT HE COULDNT TALK AS MUCH,ALTHOUGH HE IS A TOUGH JUNKYARD DOG AT TIMES, HE MELLOWS WHEN THE WORD ELVIRA COMES UP???????????? :arrow: :arrow:

You should be able to drive 55 mph on flat level road from sea level to 1000ft. If higher altitude that will be reduced. Power depends on getting the proper air/fuel mixture and adding spark at the precise timing to get efficient burn. I have found that many '31 carburetors run on the rich side which will affect performance. JYD will suggest timing and spark plug gap adjustments that will help with power also.