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JD A workhorse/puller?

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ToddF

11-20-2002 10:54:54




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We have a '47 JD A that needs a replacement head at the minimum. Boring and stroking are being considered. The first priority is to be able to use this tractor on the farm (pulling a double rake hitch, feeder wagon, etc.) The second would be to pull at the local fairs with it. We know from past experience with JD's that in stock form it will be underpowered for low gear. Are there modifications that will not prevent this tractor from being a work tractor and still bump up the torque output to become competitive at the pull? I would appreciate any advice aside from that of switching tractor colors! Thanks---Todd

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lynn

11-21-2002 18:13:58




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 Re: JD A workhorse/puller? in reply to ToddF, 11-20-2002 10:54:54  
Todd..bore it out to take 70 pistons and offset grind the crank to 7 inches with 2.750 rods hold compression to 7 or less should be able to work it with superunleaded gas with no problem..should have around 50 horsepower without a lot of money on blocks and stoking..lynn



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ToddF

11-22-2002 14:25:48




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 Re: Re: JD A workhorse/puller? in reply to lynn, 11-21-2002 18:13:58  
Lynn...Do you have a suggestion as to what to use for connecting rods? The rods that were in it are a mismatched set, one babbitted the other of the insert type. There probably isn't an insert large enough to make up the difference if I offset grind the crank to 2.75"? It just so happens that I have a set of .045 over 70 gas pistons. Thanks for the idea, I'd appreciate any more insight that could be offered.

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lynn

11-22-2002 15:52:46




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 Re: Re: Re: JD A workhorse/puller? in reply to ToddF, 11-22-2002 14:25:48  
Todd..i used 930 case rods in mine..the other ones we worked on have 329 john deere rods..have to cut these off and weld the a rod ends to them..measure to get the compression..check with machinist to see if this will work grinding just 1/4 off the crank and using these rods..might ground cam and pick up a few horsepower..lynn



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ToddF

11-25-2002 11:31:28




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: JD A workhorse/puller? in reply to lynn, 11-22-2002 15:52:46  
Thanks Lynn. I measured (with a tape measure) the A block and the 70 pistons. This is not a power block, and will have a wall thickness of around .125". Is that what you found on the ones you did? Is it safe to chance it or am I apt to find a thin spot in the casting and go through the cylinder wall. I was measuring at the base of the cylinder block. Are the walls thicker in the water jacket area? I'd be willing to e-mail you directly if you don't mind my questions.---Todd

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2 cylinder

11-21-2002 08:14:46




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 Re: JD A workhorse/puller? in reply to ToddF, 11-20-2002 10:54:54  
I have a 47 JD-A with a powerblock (used for tractorpulling only)that I pull in 4500# thru 6000# on a transfer sled. On lighter sleds I can run 2nd gear in all the classes. It is not stroked, but has aluminum high compression pistons from Heinrich's, a Big nut G carb., head has been milled .150 along with porting the head and manifold. I am making 55hp with out playing with the timing which will probably give my several more. If your going to use tractor on the farm I would stay away from the stroking, and high compression. A powerblock with some aluminum piston will probably do the trick for what you need. Hope this helps. Dan

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Jeff Oliver

11-20-2002 20:31:23




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 Re: JD A workhorse/puller? in reply to ToddF, 11-20-2002 10:54:54  
I would say a powerblock and bumping the compression up at the minimum. A friend of ours pulls an A with this setup and does pretty well as in usually in the top 5 at the local pulls. Now if your really wanting to start winning them alot that is gonna cost you bucks. Also along with power you will need weight distribution as well. I have a Oliver 77 that has been beat several times by A's that were tuned good but had their weights figured alot better than I did. Heck I got beat bad one time by a bone stock B but he had the weight right and one heckofa creeper gear!

Also try different fuels for pulling. It is amazing what a difference that alone will make.

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Mike F

11-20-2002 19:40:52




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 Re: JD A workhorse/puller? in reply to ToddF, 11-20-2002 10:54:54  
Don't go too much stroke if going to "use" it some, as this will be dangerous, once stroked much , they are really just meant to pull hard and then kinda bump around in the meanwhile, waiting to pull, plus it's going to cost you some money to do this, I'd think about a grand is the benchmark nowadays, get a powerblock and go.125 over with it, get a good heisler head and go with it, may get a lugger cam profile and some carb work, this won't hit ya too bad , but the blocks are getting pricey, last I saw any. I would stay under 8.250 if going to play with it some, any more than that I would say it is only a puller. My .02$ .

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john

11-23-2002 16:06:38




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 Re: Re: JD A workhorse/puller? in reply to Mike F, 11-20-2002 19:40:52  
where can I get a heisler head? Do you know how much power they gain? thanks, John



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