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Discussion Topic:
Engine Identifier
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classiclover |
11-06-2023 @ 12:19 PM
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Member
Posts: 73
Joined: Aug 2021
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Greetings Gents My 1940 Ford block is stamped with an A. Am curious to understand exactly what that indicates vs an AB, etc thks Classic lover
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ford38v8 |
11-06-2023 @ 3:05 PM
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Senior
Posts: 2758
Joined: Oct 2009
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The big A on your heads identify them as 81A heads, first produced for 1938 engines, the style with the big A only being on 1940 and 1941 heads. It does not identify the block itself. The 59AB on later heads identify them as heads produced postwar up until 1948. The earliest of these heads were produced in 1945 as 59A, the B added as a part change at a later date. Important to note, any 24 stud head of any year will fit any 24 stud block of any year, but with some minor cutting of the combustion chamber for the earlier heads to fit later blocks, the difference being for valve clearance.
Alan
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carcrazy |
11-06-2023 @ 4:13 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1653
Joined: Oct 2009
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Even though second generation (1938 to 1948) and third generation (1949 to 1953) heads each have 24 stud/bolt holes and will bolt onto any 24 stud block, swapping heads between generations is not recommended as the cooling passages and holes are not compatible.
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classiclover |
11-06-2023 @ 4:24 PM
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Member
Posts: 73
Joined: Aug 2021
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Thanks very much for the detailed input
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