Ford four banger?

[Jantrix]

I have a parts box build on the drawing board and it's going to be an early "T" drag racer. I have a venerable old Revell '31 Ford Panel kit called Mother's Cherry Pie. It is a gasser/show car kinda thing that comes with an early four banger. I thought it might be cool and different to use the four banger for my project.

However I know nothing about these engines. Were they used in racing or hot rods back in the day? I've not found much as far as pics go. Can anyone give me some info on these engines? Or a research source? Please and thanks.

Edited April 25, 2012 by Jantrix

[peter31a]

The four banger was hopped up quite a bit in it's day and even nostalgia rodders now are using it for something different. There were overhead valve conversions, updraft carburetors and any number of things done to them. Check out this site to see more info. http://www.hotforhotfours.com/

[peter31a]

Sorry Rob! I was just looking at the F.A.S.T. site and realized it's just being reorganized. Try here it might help http://www.secretsofspeed.com/

[Eshaver]

He needs to stop here in September , ( Richmond Virginia ) to see the Field day of the Past . Not only is it a steam show , but several vintage race cars usually show up for this three day event . You can see pictures by going to Field Day of the past .com Ed Shaver

[Aaronw]

The AMT '27 Model T police car includes some speed equipment for the 4 cyl. It also has a better detailed engine than the '25 kits.

[Art Anderson]

The AMT '27 Model T police car includes some speed equipment for the 4 cyl. It also has a better detailed engine than the '25 kits.

The AMT '27 T touring kit has a Frontenac DOHC head with intake and exhaust. The Fronty DOHC made the 22hp Model T engine into a stormer of some 140hp, good enough that one of them finished in the top ten at Indianapolis in 1924! Fronty T's dominated early sprint car racing as well. It's actually quite well detailed in the bargain!

Art

[Jantrix]

Thanks guys, but I'm a big believer in using what I have, so the 4-banger from the Revell '31 Panel will have to do. Thanks for all the info guys.

Edited April 26, 2012 by Jantrix

[Junkman]

I think the optional parts in the '31 Mother's Cherry Pie make it a Riley Four-Port.

[1930fordpickup]

Rob the hopped up fours are called bangers for some reason. they look cool next to the belly button sbc (that is leaking oil out the valve covers ) in the others guy's car.

[Gluhead]

Go to the HAMB and search "banger" and you'll find a lot of love for these.

[62rebel]

almost the entire automotive performance aftermarket developed solely for and on the Ford four cylinders.... spreading out to other makes gradually. there was a market as well, in the improvement of TRACTOR engines, many of which were based on Ford designs.

across the pond, Ford of England used the basic flathead four for decades after the US had abandoned it, and there are HUNDREDS of performance parts for them.

not bad for what started out as a splash-oiled, flywheel magneto'd, thermosyphon cooled, babbit-bearinged wrist breaker.....

[Jantrix]

Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to starting this build more and more now. I have perused the HAMB, and I've found a lot of tech talk but few photos. Regardless, i have everything I need now. Peace.