Although it does have several modernisations hidden internally, my T is basically stock, visually. I'm proud of it like this and I like it like this and when you lift the hood, you'll see a largely stock T engine....complete with original straight through NH Holly.
For several years now I have owned a Stromberg OF and have been told by a couple of mates who run them, that they are just brilliant. Also the raps given to the OF on this forum, were the fuel that fired me up to buy one in the 1st place.
However, if I installed the thing, I'd lose that "all T " look under the hood. That, plus the fact that its already running a rare-ish straight through NH, are the only reasons the OF's not on the car now.
Just today I got in touch with Stan Howe who gave me a very good price and ensured me that the thing would be in top shape after he had waved his hands over it, should I wish to install it.
My question is.....and I'd like your learned opinions.....do I go ahead and install the brass beauty and lose that "All factory Ford" look or do I keep it the way it is and sell the OF on?
I'm tempted to install it for the smoother running, easier to operate, car that it will produce, but......I just don't know. Help.
Rob
Haven't you got some other spare T parts accumulating in the garage? Then it's time to start building a speedster for the OF so you can keep that Ford look you want for your Steenbhoms tourer
You should try it out on the tourer just to check performance - you might want to get another one when the speedster is ready
Rob, I like to keep my T looking as stock as possible with the upgrades hidden, I run a NH s/thou but I have it reamed out another 1/8th of an inch, I did try a Z head but I think the carb gives me more torque, I can pull hills in top now that I had to drop to low on by the time I got to the top.
Roger, You know, I think you're right. I should keep it for the speedster project that's somewhere down the track.
Kerry, I'll look into modifying the NH.
My thanks to both of you for taking the time to answer.
Rob
The Stromberg OF was a period correct replacement carburetor for any Model T. It was not made for a speedster.
I think you should try the OF, you will find it to be a more responsive carburetor with a bit more power at wide open throttle too.
If you decide you want to compete for under hood judging in concours classes I bet the NH is not correct for your car either.
i don't raise the hood. my modifications are hidden also.
Take off the NH, clean it, wrap it, store it safely, and put it back on when you feel like it. The Stromberg is period correct, so no harm done either way.
It's your car, and you have the right to do what a wealthy farmer could have done back in the day to keep up with those pesky Model As.
The OF is more important for fuel economy than top speed or smooth running.
Gentlemen, Thank you for your answers.
Its just a trivial problem.....and its not really a problem either.
Royce, You'd lose.
Thanks again, much appreciated.
Rob
Rob, I get better performance from my smoothed and opened swayback NH than I ever did from the smoothed and opened straight through NH.
It is only a 15 minute job to change over the carb if you work slowly. May be worth trying the OF and see if it makes you happy or sad when you drive it or look at it. Another 15 minutes to change back if you hate it.