Engine I.D. numbers
 

Looking at a 33 1/2 ton pickup in a high end street rod shop. It has a flathead v-8 21 studs. Are the engines stamped like the four bangers and if so where on the block should I look.

Thanks, TB

Re: Engine I.D. numbers
 

in that era the serial numbers are on the transmission, on 4 cylinders on the upper flywheel housing

Re: Engine I.D. numbers
 

I have no idea how the four banger engines are/were stamped, but know the early 21 stud V-8 engines were not stamped with much information, if at all.
Some of the LB (loose main bearings) engines were stamped with LB on the intake deck, and a serial number for the vehicle was stamped on top of transmission bell, above the clutch inspection opening, but not on the engine block.

Re: Engine I.D. numbers
 

Ford stopped stamping numbers on four-cylinder engine blocks at the beginning of '32 model-year engine production. Instead, they were stamped on the separate upper bell housing. Starting with the first production V8 engine, the top of the transmission bell housing was stamped with the engine number, not on the blocks themselves.

Re: Engine I.D. numbers
 

Block characteristics is the only way to get a close idea of what time frame and engine was made but it will only get a person close. As was mentioned, the transmission was marked due to it being a part of the built up powerplant assembly. This is the Ford Barn thread for engine block ID.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...5301&showall=1

I always figured that "LB" indicated the "Large Bearing" assembly after they started changing over to removable main bearing shells in late 1935 or so. It's always been up for debate though so no arguments here. They both mean a similar thing.