MTFCA Forum

Most vibration problems of the Model T originate in the engine. Various parts of Modern engines, ie, crankshaft, pistons, rods, caps, etc., are balanced for the maximum performance with a minimum of vibration. What can be done during the rebuilding phase of the Model T engine to balance the various parts to keep vibration at a minimum. Is there a Model T era equivalence of the modern harmonic balancer? Jim Patrick

I think just balancing the parts alone are a big factor. Once you seem to balance the rods and pistons, and flywheel, that should cure alot of it. I am going to have my machine shop dynamically electronic balance my whole assembly with the crank (like they do for hi performance engines). My big block Chevy engine was balanced to within .09 of a gram of imbalance. And for 460 cubic inches (7.6 Liter), it is super smooth, probably more smooth than my 4.3Liter 2001 S10 engine. Not having a counterbalanced crank definitely hurts some, but certainly isn't the end of the world as I have seen stock crank engines pur like a kitten also.

I am pretty sure old Henry just slapped parts together off the assembly line, and close enough was good. This was a get people on the road, not a luxury car. A little shake rattle and roll was the norm, and the roads warranted a lower speed and RPM. I know if I run at about 20-25, my old tired engine runs rather well.