what have I got?
 

I recently bought a complete engine that had been removed from a '30 Model A. Upon cleaning & inspection, I find that there are no I.D. numbers on the block. Is there any other way to determine year of engine? Engine had been painted red at one time, does that mean anything other than the engine was red at one time? Also, has a police "B" head and Zenith 2 carb. Thanks...

Re: what have I got?
 

There are two possibilities. The first is that it is a Model B engine (1932-34). These engines were not numbered. The number appeared on the flywheel housing for these years although the pad was still there on the side of the engine. This engine can be identified by the provision to mount a fuel pump on the front right side of the block. The second possibility is that it was sold as a replacement block by Ford (only complete engines that passed inspection were numbered). I Steve Plucker has the details of how the block evolved on his web site and subtle details might help date the block,

http://www.plucks329s.org/pdf/engine...ESCRIPTION.pdf

Thank you Steve for all of your efforts.

Charlie Stephens

Re: what have I got?
 

Unfortunately, Charlie, not a "B" block. No fuel pump provisions.