Ok got the old 4 cylinder going. Had it up 55mph. How much of that will it take before I run in to trouble? whats the concern? The motor sounds good. Some oil leak a the rear crank, I gess they leaked from the factory.
Cruising at up to 50 or 55 should be no problem if everything is in good shape. They did it when they were new. Whatever feels comfortable. I would keep it down out of respect for the car's age but if it shows no sign of stress, overheating, vibration etc it should be OK.
rear mains leaked from the factory, no seal to speak of, reverse screw design, I'd worry if it didn't leak, I had my 1st A up to 65, shook like a dog passing peach pits, I was 13 didn't know 1st rebuild, got the rod caps on backward, no oil, I still have the rod that came out as a reminder of what not to do, live n learn.
A Model A Ford will cruise all day long at 50-55 and maybe even 60 depending on the rear gearing and/or OD transmission/driveshaft adapter. Careful tire mounting and balancing combined with proper alignment and steering box adjustment make higher speeds more comfortable. Remember, the whole world traveled in these cars for several decades over whatever hill or dale was there, desert, mountain, field or stream.
The rod bearings are the weak point. Lots of high speed cruising will pound them out, 45 or so is the best speed for model A's with stock gearing. High compression heads will shorten rod bearing life even more.
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