I would love to hear from the guys that have experience with OHV setups. I have recently picked up a beautiful complete Roof 16 model BB head and I have a really nice rebuilt engine with a stock crank shaft (all new Babbitt). The engine was done professionally by a man that was very experienced. I want to use the 16 valve head on this engine. What are some thoughts on this? I have talked to a few guys that tell me that it shouldnt be a problem as they were made for stock T engines. Also I am not looking to beat the crap out of the care either, only looking to drive not race.

the rockers on the roof are a increased ratio over the direct action of a stock cam. if you dont put to much carburetor on it, it should run great.

although the rockers on the roof are pretty weak, and known for breaking, might not be the best head for daily use. but could be interesting.

Is it a pre-'26 engine, or from an Improved Ford? Will an aux tranny be hanging from the tail of the engine/tranny? Are the magnets still on the flywheel?

It has Roof model C rocker arms on it. The Model A roof was the one that had the badly designed rocker arms.The engine is a 16 block and yes the magnets are still there. I am running a ruckstell no aux tranny. Also I will occasionally drive this car on weekends for shows, not daily.

Roof BB heads have a 1 to 1 rocker ratio. With stock pistons you will not be increasing compression ratio much if any because of the combustion chamber of the head. Should be not be a problem. These heads were sold and ran on stock Model T cranks as you have found out. I have put together 4 engines using Roof type A, B, BB, and C contact me if you like and I share what I know.

Mike Bender
Tulsa OK
Cell 918 260 2525

woops i just realized your asking about cranksgafts not camshafts.

but yes the stock crank will hold up fine with the roof. so long as the engine is setup well and you dont push it.

like you said, the roof was made when there were very few other cranksafts available for the T, more than likely most heads were used with stock crankshafts.

Mike, I will definetly contact you in the near future when I get to the head. I will also be going through the head to check everything before I put it on, mabye you have some advice on that as well. Thanks everyone for the help. And any others I am still open to thoughts

Matt thanks for the reply, yes the engine is very well done, but I have not run it yet. I plan on running it but not pushing the snots out of it constantly. I do have to say, not to stray from the topic, the 16 valve head is really cool to see in person and I cant wait to get it going on my T. I have a complete 8 valve as well, but its not as impressive.

a friend of mine has a 16 valve roof. when i come over i usually make a point to go drool over it for a few minutes. probably the coolest pushrod head for a t ive seen!

hope you have lots of fun with it, it sure will be an adventure!