hkestes41 Posted January 16, 2009 Report Posted January 16, 2009 So, what do you consider the single best modification to do to our flathead powered cars? I have seen several posts expounding on different mods as being the "best" so wanted to see what the concensus was or to develop an ordered list. Explanations for your choice are encouraged. Quote
Don Coatney Posted January 16, 2009 Report Posted January 16, 2009 T-5 overdrive beyond a doubt. Quote
Norm's Coupe Posted January 16, 2009 Report Posted January 16, 2009 The best modification one can do to his own car is. Whatever trips his/her trigger since it's their car. Quote
blueskies Posted January 16, 2009 Report Posted January 16, 2009 I voted for "some type of overdrive". I have a factory '55 Dodge Borg Warner OD in my '50, and it is truely what makes the car worthy of a road trip cross country. Otherwise, it would be relegated to parade car status. I can cruise 70-75 mph all day long without giving it a second thought. Improves mileage some too. I also really like the way the factory overdrive kicks into and out of 2nd overdrive for around town driving. Once I'm in 2nd gear, the car will upshift into OD above 27mph, and drop back out under about the same speed, elilminating the need to constantly shift running around town. Pete Quote
hkestes41 Posted January 16, 2009 Author Report Posted January 16, 2009 Well, I voted for the OD as well. Have the disc brake kit from Charlie but have not installed them yet. I just find it hard to believe that the discs could be as good an overall upgrade as the OD. Quote
Robin (UK) Posted January 16, 2009 Report Posted January 16, 2009 Here's my 2 cents worth... Overdrive does make a huge difference, but can be expensive. The best value change has to be dual exhausts. Relatively cheap and simple but lets the engine breathe so much better. Quote
BobT-47P15 Posted January 16, 2009 Report Posted January 16, 2009 I think the overdrive is a real good thing......so guess I should get the darn thing put in. It's only been sitting there for about 10 years. Quote
captden29 Posted January 16, 2009 Report Posted January 16, 2009 i have an automatic, but voted overdrive. if i could have one i would as i like long trips. dennis Quote
Niel Hoback Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 Radial tires, and an alternator are high on my list. Quote
TodFitch Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 Adding a voltage regulator. Sure beats having to open the hood and play with the third brush position on the generator to adjust the charging rate to match up with how long your drives are and/or how much of the time you need to run headlights. But you guys with 1934 (deluxe) or 1937 (all) or newer model cars already had that. Quote
Captain Neon Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 I think the overdrive is a real good thing......so guess I should get thedarn thing put in. It's only been sitting there for about 10 years. How much for the OD, Bob? I'll be by this weekend to pick up. Quote
Norm's Coupe Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 I think the overdrive is a real good thing......so guess I should get thedarn thing put in. It's only been sitting there for about 10 years. Bob, Now you are sounding like my Brother In Law. He's had a Blower for his 36 Ford Flathead V8 sitting on the basement workbench for over 30 years. Quote
Frank Elder Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 Best bang for my buck, modern oil and filter, as I change oil I shudder to think of the crap that used go into my engine. Quote
RobertKB Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 I voted "Leave them the hell alone." However, a factory overdrive would be nice but I have taken all my cars on fairly long runs of over 500 miles return and I enjoy the slower pace and getting there is half the fun. Quote
Reg Evans Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 I voted for overdrive but while your are looking for one , big diameter (31")tires will help lower the rpm's. Radials make a big improvement in the ride too. I usually hang out in the slow lane though no matter what I'm drivin so 60-65mph suits me and J-Lo or Old Yeller just fine. What's the rush ? Quote
Normspeed Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 Shrunken head, then overdrive. Quote
Frank Elder Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 I'd say fuzzy dice, but I'm not that brave:confused: Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 does installing a V powered engine and front clip qualify? Quote
jimainnj Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 Rack and Pionion steering, then over drive(can't find one) Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 actually I find the transfer of title to my name the single best modification... Quote
Captain Neon Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 I voted "Leave them the hell alone." However, a factory overdrive would be nice but I have taken all my cars on fairly long runs of over 500 miles return and I enjoy the slower pace and getting their is half the fun. I too enjoy taking long trips in my P15, but I tend to avoid majour metropolitan areas. As much as I would like an OD, perhaps a faster rear-end would be just as beneficial. Being able to avoid being a road hazard in Kansas City and St. Louis would have some definite benefits. Traveling 50 mph when traffic is traveling almost 80 mph is not wise. Quote
randroid Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 Gents, I voted for disk brakes for the safety factor, but if I didn't already have an overdrive I might have gone that way. Overall I think they're tied. -Randy Quote
48mirage Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 I voted something else. Opening up the exhuast had an immediate result. Making these engines breathe easier give them more zing. Quote
Dennis Hemingway Posted January 17, 2009 Report Posted January 17, 2009 actually I find the transfer of title to my name the single best modification... I'll second Tim. The transfer of title to my name. Dennis:D Quote
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