Re: Std 8 engine rebuild - 1929 or 1936?

Posted by Tim Cole On 2012/8/29 7:52:25

What Turnquist said was milling more than discard would introduce "operational difficulties". For the twelve I assume that means piston failure and for the eight spark and carbon knocking. Both of these problems occur over time.

The HC head on the speedsters was not just a Custom 8 head milled .060, but a different casting. On the speedster if you don't set the base timing using the flywheel you are likely going to have spark knocking. Timing by ear isn't going to work.

That notwithstanding, if increasing cylinder pressure is the objective I would try getting rid of the head gasket first and making up a spacer. That way parts are not being altered.

However, if the ultimate goal is turning cash into smoke, perhaps a supercharger is the better route. That will keep the original compression and cram more charge into the thing at will.