MTFCA Forum

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For those who might be familiar with Model T Ford Speedster Performance Equipment, what do you think about running a 16 Valve Model C Roof Head in a Speedster? Are there any mechanical or reliability issues that I might want to be aware of or maybe be watching out for when out motoring? ...Or, are they as reliable and easy to run as any other head.
Thank you in advance for any advice that you may provide.
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The C model head was intended for racing. Compared to the A/B/BB heads, it has a bit more compression, a bit more valve size, and 4 intake ports. Would probably run nice and mellow with a really low lift cam to offset the extra valve area, and a moderately sized carb. But of course, what would be the fun in that…?!? These buggers can really scream!

A couple Winfields and a Bosch ignition, you better have killer brakes and tires.

I remember talking to a guy at Hershey from Michigan that specialized in speedsters and he ran a Roof 16V. He mentioned that the original valve springs were prone to breaking or maybe a keeper issue, but modern springs took care of the issue. I'll look around and see if I can find his business card.

Best of luck!

Any OHV head that lacks automatic oiling will probably require frequent lubrication of the rocker mechanism.

You’ll have to oil the rockers manually. If you have the valve covers you can use a felt pad for oiling. In the case of Winfield carbs it’s important to keep the fuel pressure in the 1 1/2 pound range. And remember, with great power comes great responsibility.


Andy

On the C head you may need to have head gaskets fabricated. Mike B will be your go to guy with knowledge.

MTFC Forum
by Wayne Sheldon » Tue Nov 22, 2022 6:38 pm

Boy you know how to hurt people! Make them crazy with desire.
Certainly one of the most wanted high performance heads for a model T ever!

However. DO NOT go crazy making it something it was NOT! Do not mill the thing any more than absolutely necessary to make it fit properly! Do not enlarge the valve spaces! Do not use heavier than correct springs on the valves! And do (if it is yours or you are considering it?) check it over carefully to make sure (hopefully!) none of that stuff has been done to it already!
Too many overhead valve heads of all kinds have been ruined by hobbyists thinking they "could" and "should" make them be more than they were. Most overhead castings were of marginal quality to begin with. Cutting them way too often results in cutting through, or thin spots that later break. Heavier valve springs are done to handle higher rpm than you should really want and often result in broken rocker arms or towers! Why ruin something like this? And for what? Another 5 mph you will never need?

The 16 valve Roof heads are excellent pieces of history! Among the first and fastest of true model T speed equipment! But they do have breakage issues. If someone has already cut into it too much? Maybe you can treat it gently and have some fun with it. Maybe not?
Most 16 valve Roof heads did not have valve covers. Like most early overhead valve engines, they needed to be oil manually, and often.

...by Wayne Sheldon » Tue Nov 22, 2022 6:38 pm

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Thank you Andy, Wayne, Kevin, Jeffery, Howard, Steve, and Pat for your comments.
I find them helpful and encouraging as I further this investigation. There is a very good chance now that I might end up owning one of these "16 Valve Model C Roof Heads".
-Steve

Steve. I sent you an email

Mike Bender
Tulsa Ok

In general the casting are more prone to cracking than a rajo or fronty. The rocker arm base/mounts are prone to breaking.