Cylinder head casting marks?

[mcgarrett]

Wondering if the casting marks on this cylinder head have any special significance? Is this an aftermarket head or replacement head made by Ford?
No other markings that I can see. The photos show squares cast into the head at the front and the rear top surface. One pic shows a circle with dots superimposed onto one of the circles. Also has Made in U.S.A. cast in the center of the head. Just curious about those kinds of things.

[JayJay]

McGarrett - there is an interesting listing of cylinder heads located at https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/hea...ssionratio.htm. At first glance I don't see anything about the casting marks you show but there may be some other information there you can glean. A number of the aftermarket heads are noted to have "Made in USA" on them. The circle with dots is a code that many foundries use to indicate when the casting was produced.

I had a similar issue identifying an aftermarket head a few weeks ago and the Barners were really helpful. Hopefully someone here is familiar with what head you have. Good luck.

JayJay

[mcgarrett]

JayJay,
thanks for you reply. I'll check my head a little closer to see if there are other identification markings that might be found on Vince Falter's website link.

[Dan Partain]

I helped a friend with his model a and this is the head that was on it. I wasn't able to identify the maker. It looks like the same as you have.

[mcgarrett]

Dan,
yep, looks like the same head alright. I do see a casting date tag under the distributor. I didn't notice it, but I'll check to see if mine has a date tag there too.

[jb-ob]

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Some of those after market heads have the heart shaped combustion chamber of a high compression head.

Don't know how to tell from the outside.

[katy]

Originally Posted by jb-ob

Some of those after market heads have the heart shaped combustion chamber of a high compression head.

Don't know how to tell from the outside.

Do a compression test.

[mcgarrett]

I did find a casting date of 3-26-48. It would be interesting to know who made it. No Ford markings anywhere I can see.

[Lightman7]

I had a similar head, it is just a stock ratio aftermarket head. The casting marks fall into two categories: Long term mold charecteristics are alphanumeric or a dial indicator with nothing around them. Short term mold variables are made on a strip and riveted to the form the mold is made from, so even though it is cast, it looks riveted on. There were many makers of aftermarket A heads in the 40s.

[mcgarrett]

Very interesting info - thanks for the reply.

[Ramman]

Is there a collection of photos and/or measurements of stock, police and high compression aftermarket heads? So one could identify random castings found at sales and swap meets?

[mcgarrett]

This is the only thing I know of, but the information here is incredibly detailed...
https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/hea...ssionratio.htm