1915 Ford Model T Stock Engine Dyno Horsepower Test

[@leonardwashington6456]

Absolutely fascinating to see these old cars not only driving around, but doing dyno pulls. Incredible work you're doing.

[@Herzankerkreuz67]

I am wondering which tire manufacturer still does provide tires for those old cars ? Does anyone know ?

[@herbienbrian2]

​@@Herzankerkreuz67 Coker Tires makes vintage tired

[@AutoCrete]

Food for thought, my neighbor has a little lawn tractor that is rated at 26hp. While am sure that is output shaft hp it's still more than that Model T made.

[@AutoCrete]

@@Herzankerkreuz67 Check out antique car clubs in your area and usually they can direct you to a supplier.

[@hadlock]

​@@Herzankerkreuz67there's a million model t still on the road today of course you can buy tires for them. People think model t are rare and fragile they're the opposite

[@Timothy-lb2vr]

All I heard were the gears clashing. I’m 81 so I got a tip for you DOUBLE CLUTCH. Even my long gone grandad could double clutch his 1931 Ford flat bed truck. I rode with him many times and never heard gear clash. He even took me hill climbing but missed second gear so we rode backward about a 100 ft and the mechanical brakes stopped our wild ride. His truck was a stake side used for his plumbing business. This was back in 1950.

[@adamcousins2459]

If you watched the video you would know that the model T has no "gears" to clash, it is two speed direct drive with separate clutches for 1, 2, and reverse, kind of similar to a modern dual clutch automatic, but with a lot less parts, and no gear selector mechanism.

[@mrwow1667]

model t can’t double clutch i don’t think

[@AutoCrete]

@@adamcousins2459 I drove a 27 model T roadster, the fancy one with the two speed diff. Once you got up to about 30mph it became clear that brakes were regarded as an optional after thought. I can't imagine going 55mph which the roadster could get to. A 26 Buick while more luxurious wasn't much better for braking. BTW on the Buick I found it far easier to shift without using the clutch. The owner of both cars always wanted me to drive the Buick whenever I was around.

[@ohger1]

Model Ts don't have a disc clutch and don't have sliding gear transmissions. The "clutch" in a T is a belt engagement/disengagement similar to a snowmobile but without an automatic change of ratio, so there is no gear clashing. EDIT: Never mind - there's a Model A there as well...

[@Kaptain13Gonzo]

I've seen many vehicles on the dyno but this is by far the best one yet. 13HP, gotta love it!

[@AutoCrete]

You could pretty much tie a Model T to the dyno with a couple of tarp straps.

[@Auditgod]

53 hp 119lbs torque. More than I thought. That thing will go down the road nicely.

[@timgould5104]

More than my 1980 MK II Escort! That was 54hp at the crank.

[@joesphbest3120]

Mr. Merlin will get the job done on his Model "T's" & Model "A's" a super guy, my dad and grandpa would love you. I remember the good old days riding in those cars, back in the 40's. Thank You for taking care of them.

[@douglasbasinger2513]

Your face when it first lit off was worth the price of admission sir. We always doubt our skills, but when they fire right up, we are always a little boy with a toy.

[@craigsouthern5089]

Well once again Merlin,you waved the magic 🪄,and you have different engine for your model T . Thanks for taking us subscribers along for the ride. Love the channel. Keep up the great work.👍✌️😎😁🍀🍀🍀🍀🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

Don't get rid of those worn out wheels!! If you're not replacing the wooden spokes, the old timers fix is to add shims between the spoke ends and the rim. Both opposing sides will need to be shimmed for balancing. The shim fits right behind the shoulder that should butt up against the metal rim. I helped a Model T owner with this once in my Blacksmith shop. He made a special tool that expanded between the hub and the rim and I made the shims in my forge. It worked perfectly!!

[@mtwseneca]

I was amazed at how straight and true the spinning wheels were on the dyno.

[@denawiltsie4412]

I saw another video that said originally it was expected that the car would forge streams and being wet would swell the wood keeping the wheel tight. I wouldn't recommend it today as the water would damage those valuable examples of the past. As dry as that wood is, I suspect your approach of shimming the wheels would last a very long time.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

@@denawiltsie4412 -- In dry hot climates the shims work out better. He lives in Lake Havasu I believe. Doesn't get much hotter and dryer than there, LOL. Soaking the wooden wheels wouldn't last very long, especially in summer. The guy I helped lived in Eastern Oregon, another dry desert climate. Shims were definitely the best fix and worked well on his Model T, which he drives all the time including a trip to the Henry Ford museum. The main thing is to shim the opposite spoke on the other side of the wheel for balance, whether it needed it or not. That's why he built an expanding tool that fit between the center hub and rim. It would expand the rim a little bit away from the wooden spoke which has a shoulder that fits tight against the rim. In this newly created space we put in the shim. I made the shims in my forge then made a rod to fit into the anvil hardy hole that the wheel hub went onto to hold the wheel while we worked on it.

[@denawiltsie4412]

He is next to the Colorado river so it's not exactly dry but compared to other parts of the country, it is pretty dry. That is why I agree it's best over the long term to avoid water and use an approach like yours. As a side note, I am in the Phoenix area and the property up wind was a farmers field. Coming home in the evening I could feel the temperature shift as I passed by the field. At 8% relative humidity, the air is hungry for moisture and wood quickly reaches the point where dry wood termites don't like it.

[@williamswirsky6834]

I talked to an old timer who told me that back in the day that they would boil wooden spoke wheels in oil. I don't recall what type of oil they used. I have seen people use razor blades to shim in between the spokes.

[@robertr4193]

It's a good thing that you are keeping the knowledge about those old Model A's and model T's alive. They are both simple and complex at the same time. If I had been born back when they were the common car of the day I think I would have had to either just walked everywhere or stayed with a Horse. Very glad that the technology has advanced so I am able to drive. One thing I do regret about the more modern vehicles is that today it's almost impossible to find a car or passenger truck or pickup with a manual transmission. I really do enjoy driving vehicles with manual transmissions in them. I have a 2005 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 V6 and a 5 Speed trans and a 2015 Ford Focus with a straight 4 Cylinder and a 5 speed trans in it. Really like both of them.

[@XCHANGEDAVE]

You can always count on a great adventure when you hang out with merlin's old school garage. With all that's going on you take the time to show us through video, For that sir you are a hero.

[@paulcaliendo9402]

Love it, love it, love IT!!! Can't wait to see what the new motor does. It's great to see the huge smile on your face for all that horse power. See you next time, CHEERS 🍻!!!

[@sittinandthinkin]

Interesting to Dyno test those old cars. Looking forward to the follow on tests.

[@chuckster6513]

Hey Merlin, That was a fun video. Who would of thunk those engines could run so good to make that kind of HP. I am 75 years old but still too young to have been around in the hay day of the model T and the A bones. Thank you for sharing the workings and tricks of enjoying those great old Hot Rods. Take Care

[@61rampy65]

I'm a mere 70, but I had the wonderful experience of helping my dad's cousin restore a 15 Model T back in 1964, when I was 11/12. To this day, I have wanted a T, but never quite got around to actually buying one, altho I have had a few opportunities. Watching this was a trip back in time for me.

[@psg6314]

A 100 years ago I don't think they worried about hp they just wanted to get to point A to B and great video keep up the good work God bless from GA stay safe

[@1954shadow]

That clutch was designed with a a slide rule and calipers, amazing tech for the day.

[@georgevindo]

My older brother, a retired forester, still uses his slide rule on occasion. I have to admire him for that.

[@heartland96a]

And feed back from factory testing ,customers and dealers

[@1954shadow]

@@georgevindo I use to size artwork with a, proportion wheel, for half-tone prints for paste ups.

[@gregquinn6827]

Hey ! Sliderules weren’t that long ago. ;-) from 1967 until ‘72 for me, when calculators came way down in price.

[@1954shadow]

@@gregquinn6827 Back in the late 70s to the mid-80s, I used a proportion wheel to size artwork for halftone prints for paste up. Then, Adobe and computers came on the scene and that was the end of the proportion wheel, everything was created on a computer, from there on in.

[@kimetherington2252]

Thank you for keeping these models A & Ts roadworthy! I see the love you have for these vintage automobiles! You could start your own old school horse less club and have many members! Merlin, you know we love the content you give us and look for it each and every week. Til next time, see you then. 😊

[@Mryiyo209.]

MERLIN YOU ARE A BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE YOU ARE A MASTER OF YOUR CRAFT

[@57WillysCJ]

Thanks. Never saw one on a dyno. The big improvement over the horse was the distance, length of operation time and you didn't have to feed it when it wasn't in use. Of course the first two were regulated by the tires.

[@lonhoschar1943]

Great video!! I'm still amazed by these old cars! The simplicity and dependability is awesome. I really love seeing these old cars come back to life. You do a wonderful job Merlin!! Thank you for letting us be a part of this adventure!!!

[@smallmoneysalvia]

37:36 is where it’s finally dyno’d and the value is shown. There is no additional data provided, no graph, just a pan to the screen. It’s 12.9hp peak.

[@virian2010]

I only knew one other person who was into those "Motel-T's". I am not sure if you ever heard of "Mor-Drop-Axles" in Oakland California, But I worked there when I was in High School. We were producing the dropped front "Axles" for all of the early "Fords", I even Dropped the tube front Axle that was in my 1935 Dodge coupe. I sure did learn a lot what it's like working in a "Black-Smith" Shop There is a learning curve that sticks with you all of the time. Thanks you people do good work.

[@ItWillRun73]

I saw you on VGG this week. This was the first episode I've watched, and I thought it was awesome! Look forward to watching more.

[@haroldparker3487]

Only you would put a model T on a dyno I love it!

[@charlesalden9167]

Love to start my Sundays with MOSG & learning the Ford alphabet Model A & Modle T funny motors sound different. Your knowledge on these 100 plus automobiles. I know the family that sold you the Model A are so happy they sold it to the right guy & enjoying see it still on the road.

[@kenmurray4232]

That is pretty darned impressive for 1915. The model A was not shabby either. It will be interesting to see what the new engine will pull.

[@jasonh.8754]

The T engine is stock, never been rebuilt? I saw they had about 20hp when new? 13hp is not a lot for a car. My grandfather learned to drive in a Model T in the 1920s/30s. He told a story of somebody (I can't remember if it was him) attempting to park in the garage and accidentally driving through the end wall. They were tricky cars to drive.

[@MrMadkaw400]

Love watching you play with 100 yr old stuff

[@saltyreesescup3104]

My Grandfather Used To Talk About Working On T's And Pouring Babbitt Bearings And Such...Thanks To You And Strong's Garage... I'm Getting To See It ! Thanks For Sharing Y'all ! 🙂🧂

[@dennisrich6577]

Very cool, I never knew the horse power was so strong for way back then

[@mrhubada]

Wild Merlin, wild! You got a real ripper in that Model A, love it! Can’t wait to see the upgrade on the Model T.

[@ron486]

You do some really cool stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulmartin8212]

Good baseline for each car. very impressive as they both run great. "Henry" would be proud of you tinkering and saving this old iron.

[@lorenmeyer5290]

It's just awesome to watch you build and start up those engine's Merlin you are amazing! Merry Christmas y'all!

[@Westerntraveler]

I love watching you and Jimmy both a wealth of knowledge

[@brucepaxton2471]

Hey Merlon, I had heard stories many years ago from Model T owners where I grew up (Long Beach Model T Club) about them doing a hydraulic brake conversion using a Girling (UK) system with 8-inch drums. The most common source for these back then was from a scrapped Nash/AMC Metropolitan. That is because the Metropolitans were actually built at the Austin factory in the UK for Nash Motors starting in 1953 and ending production in 1961. I have several "Mets", a couple of MG's and 2 Land Cruisers. I have old Parts catalogs going back to the 50's to source parts mainly for my LBC's (little British cars). Just thought if you are going to triple the horsepower of this T, you might want to improve the stopping power. I plan on putting an MGB engine in my '62 Met hardtop, doubling the hp rating. This will require me to do a front disc conversion sourcing parts from an MG Midget. Always informative and entertaining. Cheers!

[@timlee4204]

If you tripple the HP of a model T the crankshaft is going to fix the stopping power, ie twont go far!

[@Chevyman02]

You're not going to add too much more horsepower without putting in a high performance crank & block. Those cars back then was doing good pulling 20 horsepower out of, without doing the modification you are suggesting.

[@Peter-jo3wt]

​​@@timlee4204 Beginning late in the manufacturing run, in late '26 or early 1927, Ford began putting Vanadium Steel crankshafts in all of his engines, replacing the cast iron. This continued for these engines, until they stopped making replacement and stationary Model T engines, in 1941 or 42. Moreover, these same steel cracks were standard, in all of the model A, 4 cylinder engines.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

MG Midget brakes are nothing special. You’d be better with Mini drums running hard shoes and a remote brake booster.

[@Chevyman02]

@@Dave5843-d9m only thing is, that engine isn't going to produce enough vacuum for a normal booster, could go with electric booster, but that would be time consuming.

[@Proud-pop]

You are an artist. You could probably count on one hand how many guys like yourself are out there preserving this awesome part of automotive history, and doing it 👍🏻.

[@tomsteadman9520]

I feel like 'artist' is an understatement. Master or genius still doesn't do justice.

[@matthewf1979]

I LOVE THIS! Can’t wait to see that hot hod motor installed.

[@patbullard9276]

Good stuff Merlin. Thanks for taking us back in time.

[@Weidjeep]

Right when the stroker motor fired up you could tell it has way more power just by the sound of it. 1915 cam lope lol. Great work Merlin and huge thank you for keeping these old engines alive and on the road. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@amateurshooter6054]

Thanks Guys

[@01cdave]

I appreciate that you are not afraid to tackle any project!

[@dwal2165]

Thanks for making

[@Evan_Moore61]

Model T’s are some of the most fun you’ll ever have behind the wheel. It’s completely different from anything else out there.

[@rightwingmanscott]

I so enjoy your escapades and adventures. A lot oh knowledge in that skull of yours indeed! Thanks for taking us along. That hopped up motor actually sounds pretty sweet.

[@lindagarner8411]

I love learning about the old model T's and A's, Merlin. Thanks for keeping this bit of history alive! My grandfather was a Ford mechanic. I wish I had known enough to ask him for stories.

[@albertdehn8381]

You amaze me thanks for sharing 😀👍

[@mikebell9166]

In this week's episode, Old cars on the dyno! Only on Merlin's Garage! You'll see the thrills and spills of 13 horsepower! Honestly, it's fun to see a brass T on a dyno. You learn what works and what doesn't. I expected more timing to have more impact than it did. It'll be good to see what you have after the engine swap. Better get better brakes, though!

[@johnhart125]

So cool to watch these 100 yr old motors come back to life. Get damn near as excited as Merlin! Lol

[@shanevonharten3100]

That's something I never thought I'd see. Way cool

[@BITTYBOY121]

Very cool video ! - Love those old cars - Great to see them going strong and on the dyno !

[@67comet]

Really fun video. My dad has had a "30 Model A for decades (it ran and he drove it often until the late 90's when it developed a knock). In "96 I drive my sister and her husband away and to their hotel in it (4 door). Lots of memories in it and I'm sure it's got more memories from everyone that's enjoyed it before us. Hopefully we can get the motor back in working order some day.

[@chrismccue6493]

Merlin you are amazing with these engines I just like watching you work on them and you know exactly what's wrong when something's wrong just amazing.

[@pete_ski]

Hey that was great seein' the model A and the model T on the dyno

[@keathpolyak6469]

I guess with all that new power you will be able to some brake stands......😂😂😂 Awesomeness at it's best! Never seen someone tweaking these old cars like yourself, nice. Thank you for taking us along.

[@robertwest3093]

Building these engines is a totally different world. I appreciate you sharing this with us! People don't get to see these classics often enough.

[@jbj27406]

Nice touch with the vintage music snippets too. Cool stuff.

[@lesnicholson3578]

Thanks again from Lexington Kentucky!✌️😎

[@jeanlawson9133]

Oh how I could enjoy turning wrenches around that shop.... Awesome 👍😎 Sauce.

[@kpit7847]

Cool picture Merlin of the old model t and A the Dino awesome stuff 53HP😮 sweet be safe ✌️

[@richardharvey8939]

Great video glad you shared it with us 🎉

[@northencape]

Wowsers!,driving a 100plus year old car is extremely complex!

[@Peter-jo3wt]

The steering gear isn't self-centering either. You not only have to crank the wheel around a corner, but you have to crank it back again too.

[@yakacm]

I spotted the Sun Electric engine diagnostic/tune up equipment there against the wall there. My old man, god rest him, worked as a salesman for Sun here in the UK for about 30 years.

[@jeffchestney6015]

Great video, looking forward to the next one

[@Patrick.Weightman]

8:1 out of a Model T 😲😲 Sounds amazing

[@sheldonv8]

Wow the torque from the T was incredible. . More grunt to power than a modern diesel.

[@teamidris]

Yep, my 58’ landrover is max torque at 1250 rpm I think? It does not go quick, but I had all four wheels spinning in the field the other week with a trailer behind it. I like old engines :o)

[@johnreed4962]

That's what stood out to me also. Pretty impressive

[@benjohnson1082]

Merlin - always happy to find some Model T wrenching on the MOSG. This might get me to break the 25 Touring out for lunch today.

[@oldmanonewheel1637]

Just love the sound of a model T engine.

[@kennethsmith6470]

Excelent video Merlin the Magician...

[@larry3064]

One of the coolest videos I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@michaelstandridge3737]

love the old car videos man you rock

[@jimdean7335]

Very cool . I always wondered if this had ever been done.

[@mikeburgess7331]

I love this video. I put together a 1917 Model T (from parts) when I was around 13. It was pretty fast with a 2-speed rear end (Ruxel axle?). Great fun!

[@joannejohnson8971]

Great video! Always an education with your show. Thanks.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

An incredibly cool episode!!! These antique cars are really cool!!! I remember the Movie called 'The Glenn Miller Story' and how they were raving about a car from the Late 1920's , that had an engine that could put out over 35 horsepower!!! How simple and golden, those times were...P.S. - That Vintage Honda twin scrambler is nice!!! My guess: it's a 1969 CL 350..

[@andrewnevermind4902]

Just stumbled across this channel. Awesome.

[@adambergendorff2702]

I stumbled onto this video it definitely put a smile on my face😀, I also had an old Honda 350, like the one sitting in the background, mine was also blue and white, but had the scrambler up pipe which was awesome for burning the passengers leg!

[@michaelgreene2920]

My dad and Uncle had 2 of those Honda 350 "scrambler's" but they were red and white, me and my cousin's would ride them on the dirt road we lived on... Had lots of fun back then.... Life was so much simpler back then, not like these days, man we had a blast....

[@michaelasbury7121]

I own a '39 LaSalle. I'm now interested to see what it can put down. Those motors were marketed at 120 hp at the crank. However, a torque number has never been provided by GM, and I'm pretty sure no one has had a LaSalle on a dyno. Love the video, man. You earned a subscriber.

[@TheOldaz1]

Recorded for posterity, way to go Merlin. Will be interesting to compare the "improved" engine.

[@larrycleeton]

I have a '14 Touring with a stock rebuilt engine. It definitely feels like 20 hp but the torque is impressive even at low rpm.

[@steveleverett2644]

Now this was a very coo video. Thanks for the great video❤

[@johnhenryholiday4964]

Im so very impressed with your abilities with ALL things automotive.... You are knowledgeable no matter what vehicle, what engine, what application.... Few (very few) mechanics have that ability.... I would love to see what you can do with a packard engine...

[@petrhoward]

I was guessing 80 lbs ft of torque before the test - was totally surprised you got 90.

[@graxav]

Cheers mate, cool vid!

[@michaeltablet8577]

Excellent video!

[@Daron-Novotny]

I love your little helper. He's a little cutie pup

[@jeffclark2725]

Thumbs up great video ,isn't anything you can't get going again

[@benmurphy9328]

This was a fun ride Merlin. Love from down under

[@LoganPEade]

12-29-23 first time here and I'm hooked, I'm subbed! I was having a great time watching all the model T engine stuff and then I saw that Honda CB350, now I'm drooling 🤤😁

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

These old engines are a modern marvel. They basically wrote the book on the combustion engine. Crazy how similar but still different they were I'm in love with em just don't have one. Cheers Merlin from Toledo, city south of the Motor city

[@theburtseoni]

I was afraid after your tweaks Merlin the old T might blow up the dyno! 13 hp was really big in those days, when a horsepower was a real horse power! This was a kick in the pants video, what fun!!

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you Merlin.

[@1944chevytruck]

Awesome! Congrats!

[@Smurphenstein]

Ironically, in 1970 the Ford Escort fitted with the single carb 1.3 litre kent motor produced 55hp. Now that's progress. Good on you Ford. 🙂 Seriously though, I had to laugh at 12.9hp. I didn't think a dyno would go that low. Great video!

[@MHLivestreams]

Those crossflow engines are sweet, had a fair few, so reliable.

[@Smurphenstein]

@@MHLivestreams they are. My first vehicle had one and a few after that. My brother put a 1600 into a Mk1 UK Escort van. I sold it to him when I had a bad work accident. You had to hammer out the sump on the 1300 sump as the 1600 one was too big. The con rod bolts would hit the sump. We took that engine out over six times, pulled the sump and put it back in. In the end we could get it out and reinstall it and get it started in less than an hour. Great physiotherapy as I was still not walking and standing, sitting, lying, just hanging out and wrenching was great therapy. Recently I got one running in a car that has been sitting for near on 20 years. You never forget the sound of an engine that was in your first car. Still love watching KZbin videos of car resurrections, every one of them was once someone's first car, first new car, first car they rode in, first car they drove. In effect they are automotive dreams reborn.

[@MHLivestreams]

@@Smurphenstein a good MK1 shell is £20,000 now, had to sell my 13xl when the Mrs went. Ah well, that's life, my brother! At least we had fun.

[@Smurphenstein]

A Mk1 1300 XL manual in sweet cream and with red interior is the one I got going recently@@MHLivestreams. It was restored 15 to 20 years ago then sat. Still needs brakes, a good clean, waterpump, etc. Sadly the owner has little motivation to regularly run or drive it now and it will probably be sold at some stage. It's still taxed after all these years.

[@MHLivestreams]

@@Smurphenstein see if you can get it yourself? Mine was creamy yellow with brown interior, 32000miles genuine one owner. Damn! That's life. Wanted to do it white with rostyle wheels, like a twin cam. I love those cars, great front wheel lifting fun with some good bilstein shockers.

[@tsm688]

dyno test actually starts 31:28 in

[@danw1955]

Hah hah! The dyno pulls were pretty impressive! I was kind of surprised at the Model A myself, since most of those run about 35-40 hp., but that one must have been done right! The Model T was pretty much in the ball park at 12-13 hp. That 90 lbs. of torque though was crazy!😄 Curious to see how it likes that new engine!😉

[@kwhp1507]

This video does my heart and mind good today! Thank you

[@tonyhonzay507]

A man named Sam Gilbertson of Montevideo MN told my dad to heat up linseed oil and paint old dried out T spokes to help rejuvenate them. At the time Sam had a 1912 T touring. Dad tried it and had success.

[@timlee4204]

In Australia we had Right hand drive models, so the low gear pedal was about 3 inches away from the exhaust manifold, my Dad had a contract to supply a number of phone poles, he had a trailer made up from a T model axle but climbing the range from Spring Bluff to Toowoomba that exhaust glowed white hot, a little hard on his canvas sand shoe. (South East Queensland, Australia)

[@jackbelk8527]

The wheels will swell up as soon as they get to a place that knows what humidity above 10% is.

[@kerryrouse9039]

I think Brian was rethinking his life choices. Thanks guys.

[@1954shadow]

Hearing the old banger trying to start up, reminds me of Mel Blanc, when he would do the sound of Jack Benny’s Maxwell, trying to start up, lol.