MTFCA Forum

Can anyone suggest a good model T engine and transmission rebuilder in the Northeastern US. I’m located in central NY state and have too many projects and want to send out an engine and transmission I just picked up to a good shop that will assess and rebuild/repair it. It’s going into a ‘20 depot hack that I drive several times a week during the season. I estimate I put about 500 miles per year on it. I don’t mind driving a state or two away from NY to bring it to a shop.

I gotta say that if you’re only seeing that this one will be driven 500 miles a year, the aggravation endured and the money spent to go with a full rebuild are not justifiable. You can drive a smokey old dog with 35lbs of compression for thousands of miles. If you put your attention to getting it perfectly in tune and keep you speed around 30, it can be easy to hand start and a pleasure to drive. New Kevlar bands make a nice upgrade. Take it in little bites and enjoy it. Spend time and money on the front axle and the rear. I drive my T’s well over 8,000 miles a year and having been through multiple full rebuilds over the years, I doubt I’ll ever go that way again. Good shops are out there but it doesn’t mean you’ll be any happier with the car at the end of it all. Good luck.

If affordable, I'd do a full rebuild and balance using aluminum pistons and modern rings. That gives you a dependable engine/transmission with minimal leaks, maximum fuel and oil economy, maximum durability and reliability, smoother running, hot magneto, and speeds up to 40 MPH or more, and freedom from fouled plugs, knocks, bearing adjustments, and roadside overhauls. An engine that consumes oil is expensive to run, with oil priced as it is today, and visible smoke may get you a citation in some jurisdictions. Should you ever want to sell or trade the vehicle, a good tight engine adds value. You may find that you drive and enjoy the vehicle more with a smooth, reliable power plant.

These guys are in Massachusetts. https://jandm-machine.com/index.html

J&M has a fine reputation.

Mark Moriarty in Warsaw NY did a 1920 Canadian T engine in 2007 for me which I was very pleased with. If you want to check with him,
Mark's # is 585-786-2876
Peter Haid

Thank you to all for the replies. I will reach out to the suggested vendors.

I have rebuilt the rest of the car but never touched the engine or transmission as I figured it ran and worked well enough for my needs. The engine has some pretty significant scoring and pitting in one cylinder and what sounded like some piston slap. The transmission was noisy too. Late this summer the engine just stopped suddenly as if a rotating part had come up against an immovable part. I turned it over by hand and it seemed fine. It restarted just fine then did it again. Now it cranks hard and no longer runs on the mag. I picked up a used engine and tranny a few weeks ago that look very good. I think it’s time to walk away from the unit that’s in the car and send this one out for a rebuild/repair and then the car will be reliable and strong from here forward.

J and M Machine, Southboro Ma.

Pat’s Antique Auto Services in Connecticut. Highly recommend.
Experienced, skilled, fair and most importantly honest.
Reasonable prices and great value.

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