More Horsepower

I am getting started in tractor pulling and wanting to get info on raising horsepower on a 134,172 four cylinder. What kind of bolt ons, head work, cam grinds, do not want to stroke the crank. Running 3000 to 4000lb classes 3 to 6 mph with a 671. How much increase in compression does a 134 head on a 172 give? Thanks in advance for any help. What is a good oil for the SOS.

SOS Puller, not to rain on your parade, but I would advise against going down the SOS puller road. I have been pulling stock with a 960 since 2000 and have done well with it, but no lighter than 3500. I have also pulled my SOS a little. The SOS adds a lot of weight. The Ford 172 models from the factory have a nearly 50% higher power to weight ratio than the other comparable tractors, but you cannot be competitive with a 134. There have been some threads here over the years about putting a 134 head onto the 172, and it is supposed to give you very good bang for the buck. If you were to state what part of the country you are in perhaps there is a Ford puller in your area that can help you. Jake Scasso in NY and Vonnell Krom in Indiana have very strong 960s. There is also one whose name escapes me in Athens GA. My best advise to you would be to call Franklin Ford in Franklin VT. Ask to talk to the owner about his Ford. He rarely pulls it and would sell it. It is VERY strong.

Showcrop you are not raining on my parade, I know the sos is not the first choice in tramissions. I am in southern Illinois just south of St. Louis MO and there are a few 900 fords here pulling and have talked to them and they are running 172 with overbore and some head work. I am running a 172 with a little overbore with stock head, cam, carb and ignition and looking for a few more HP. Been doing fair in pulls still a lot to learn mostly not getting traction spinning out before powering out with cut 16.9 x 28"s. Like the sos for the different gear choices and it has not been a problem other than a front seal just started leaking. Looking for options on motor work with most bang for the buck instead of just trying anyhting. I know it is not as balanced as a 900 but I have getting that about right most of the time, its just for fun but do not want to be last all the time.

(quoted from post at 11:20:35 12/21/12) Showcrop you are not raining on my parade, I know the sos is not the first choice in tramissions. I am in southern Illinois just south of St. Louis MO and there are a few 900 fords here pulling and have talked to them and they are running 172 with overbore and some head work. I am running a 172 with a little overbore with stock head, cam, carb and ignition and looking for a few more HP. Been doing fair in pulls still a lot to learn mostly not getting traction spinning out before powering out with cut 16.9 x 28"s. Like the sos for the different gear choices and it has not been a problem other than a front seal just started leaking. Looking for options on motor work with most bang for the buck instead of just trying anyhting. I know it is not as balanced as a 900 but I have getting that about right most of the time, its just for fun but do not want to be last all the time.

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I started out with 14.9s then ran a borrowed pair of 16.9s for one season, and then I went with 15.5 38s. I almost always pull in 2nd gear in 3500 and 1st in 4000, I assume that you are spinning out in second in 3000. If the limiting factor in the 3000 is traction, most likely you are nose heavy. If that is the case, you can slide your drawbar back to the next hole and get more draft from the sled to make your tires stick better.

With the 16.9"s i was running 4th gear for 3 and 3.5 mph classes and 5th for 4 mph classes balance has been good except in 3250 front is light. Running a 20" high and 18" fron center axle drawbar at most pulls. The last pull used a set of cut 15.5 x 38s did fair had to run 4 th for 3.5 mph class at 18" high drawbar still did not power out. Thinking of trying 13.6 x 38"s
and trying a longer hitch length. With a longer hitch I should need more weight on the front?

i have 1 inustrial ford 192 engine that will fit your ford and has more hp also i have 2 industrial ford 172 that have more hp than standards 63 flywheel rated all for sale.

ford farming I would be interested in the motors you have for sale can you email me with price and location of them?

(quoted from post at 11:59:31 12/21/12) With the 16.9"s i was running 4th gear for 3 and 3.5 mph classes and 5th for 4 mph classes balance has been good except in 3250 front is light. Running a 20" high and 18" fron center axle drawbar at most pulls. The last pull used a set of cut 15.5 x 38s did fair had to run 4 th for 3.5 mph class at 18" high drawbar still did not power out. Thinking of trying 13.6 x 38"s
and trying a longer hitch length. With a longer hitch I should need more weight on the front?

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The point of the longer draw bar is when you are at the max weight for the class and front heavy, and can't add weight to the rear to help traction