2N vs 8N power and carburetion

Forum Members,
Happy Holidays!
Been up north closer to the Arctic Circle the past few days. Was about -3 degrees F. at about 8:00 AM with a wind chill of about -20.
With that I have a question. Have heard over the years that some N tractors are a little underpowered. There is definitely a difference between my 8N and the 2N. Has anyone tried to modify the 2N carb to make it more powerful. Am not interested in speed, just a little more power. Any thoughts are welcome!!
Mr. T. Minnesota
 
The N carbs are all very similar. Many years ago all 9/2/8N carbs were superceded by the TSX-241B as it performs best on all N's. Many 9/2 N carbs have already been rebuilt to TSX-241B standards. All you need do is put the TSX-241B kit in it next time you rebuild it. You will likely not notice any HP change because as mentioned the carbs are very similar.
 
Over the years I've seen a lot of posts and a lot of schemes to get more hp out of an N.
Bigger carb, better air flow, dual exhaust, 6 cyl engines, etc, etc.
I say save your dough and buy a newer tractor.
You'll get more power, live hydraulics, more gears, maybe live pto, power steering, remote hydraulics, differential lock, fuel efficient diesel, more reliability, more longevity and better creature comfort.
Add all the upgrades and gew gaws to your N that you can afford but in the end is still just an N and well, not exactly...
 
There was supposed to be about a 5hp difference between the 9N/2N and the 8N due to an improved head on the 8N. I too have heard people complain about HP differences, but I'm not sure we would notice much of that at this point in our N's lives. I could be wrong, but I think quite a lot of this has to do with a poor regular maintenance routine and general engine wear.

I would happily stand corrected...
Colin, MN

PS: You were warm this morning! We were -4 in Long Prairie at 9AM :)
 
The HP difference between 9/2N engines and 8N engines is due to compression ratio rather than carburetor.

Most likely your 2N has flat topped pistons (unless upgraded upon rebuild) while your 8N will have domed pistons (unless rebuilt with flat topped pistons).

Dean
 
I don't know the specifics, but the earlier, before about 1950 were lower compression. Of course they have all been rebuilt and the later pistons found their way into almost all still alive. Its unlikely that the old pistons are even available.

I think the power differences you would see now are just random variation, could be: timing, wear, plugged air cleaner, thermostat, throttle linkage, governor, probably other things, don't know of.
 
There was supposed to be a slight HP improvement in the 8N over the 2N/9N,
but I thought it had more to do with domed pistons.
I think you're right on the money with wear and maintenance.
I have a 9N out here that I believe would out pull either of my 8N's if I
could keep the front wheels on the ground.
Oddly enough, that seems to be its downfall. I can lift and haul more
on the 3PT pallet forks with either 8N without lifting the front end. :?
The 9N has the 4 x 19 tires on it, so I don't want to weight the front.
I just use a different tractor when needed.
Anyway, I think they're powered just right for what they were intended.
As UD said, if you need more HP, you may need a different tractor.
Hey, who doesn't need more than one? :lol:
 
Many improvements from the 2N to the 8N. Things like higher compression and such things make the 8N have a bit more power then the 2N had. Also if the 8N has the sdie mount distributor that in it self was an improvement and the side mount has a bit of a better spark so that to helps
 
(quoted from post at 10:13:16 12/22/12) So can I just put an 8N head on a 9N and maybe get more hp?
erhaps a tiny bit, but HP does not go up in direct proportion to CR and furthermore only the later 8N heads accompanying the side distributor had the slightly higher compression ratio so far as I have been able to determine.
 

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