VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Chevrolet 1929 horsepower vs 1929 Model A

Chevrolet went to a six cylinder in 1929 ("for the price of a four"). The listed horsepower is 26.3. figured by piston diameter and stroke times 6 cylinders. Henry Ford needed to increase the horsepower of his 200.5 cu in four cylinder L-head to 40hp, so Edsel persuaded him to put in larger valve openings and it worked. So Ford must have figured the horsepower differently since the cylinders and stroke were the same. My friend has a 1929 model A (4 cylinder) and I have a 1929 Chevrolet coupe (6 cylinder). It does seem that his car has more power, although we haven't raced. Does the Model A have more power? I don't know. I am using the RH 136 carburetor which is correct for my car. I know others have switched to the 156 I'm wondering if that provides more power. I can get up to 45 mph and probably faster, however, when starting out from a light on an uphill the acceleration is poor and I seem to gather a line of anxious drivers behind me. Any thoughts regarding horsepower Chevy vs Ford?

The 1929 Chevrolet had 46 horse power, the 26.3 HP is a European number based on the bore and number of cylinders. I n Europe the sales tax and license cost was based on that number.

In 1930 Chevrolets H.P was incresed to 50 with some valve size changes, etc General Motors Proving Ground figures for a 1930 Chevrolet and a 1930 Model A were

From 10 to 35 in high gear 11.82 seconds for the Chevrolet and 12,31 for the Ford ond 11..6 degree grade hill climb startig at 30 mph 38.4 seconds for Chev and 42.2 for Ford
top speed 62.4 for Chev and 58.75 for Ford, Run in both directions with a 600 pound load.
Gas mileage 19.5 at 35 mph for Chev and 19.9 for Ford.

Ford had a 3.78 rear end ratio and a Chevrolet 4.11.
The 1929 Chevolet has a 3,82 ratio so acceleration will be slightly less.

Ford was 200 pouds lighter.

Their numbers were always accurate and did not always favor Chevrolet.

Thanks so much Chev Nut. Now I don't have to challenge my friend to a race!