1933 vs 1934 v8 engine

[FrankWest]

Which one is better made? Did many people replace the aluminum heads with iron heads?

[jimTN]

I believe both short blocks are the same. In 34 the intake was change which was a big improvement. Same bore and stroke for both. Iron heads were used on trucks.

[Bored&Stroked]

They're pretty similar, though you'll find there are the typical 'early 33' versus 'late 33' variants. All in all, I would not classify one as 'better' than the other . . . more along the line of what parts come with it (if buying one) - and exactly what do I plan to run on my car (or do I care?).

Many folks (for drivability) like the 34 intake and Stromberg 48 a lot better than the single barrel Detroit Lubricator. So, if I wasn't totally obsessed with having a "correct 33" version (in a 33 car), I'd probably run the 34 manifold, carb and fuel pump.

Now don't skewer me boys . . . just saying what I'd do! LOL

[FrankWest]

Do you have an problems with the aluminum head

[DavidG]

Depending on how one defines a short block, there are differences. Hardened separate valve seats were added on the '34s and the valve guides, springs, and retainers were carried over from '32 to the '33s, but all new for the '34s.

As indicated above, very early U.S. '33 cylinder blocks were unique in that they lacked the cavities bookending the timing gear cover on the front of the block, like '32 blocks. They also had very pronounced raised areas for the drain cocks on the sides of the block, whereas the later blocks those areas are less pronounced. Early Canadian '33 cylinder blocks had cast-in provision for both the different '32 and '33 drain cock locations to permit their use in both '32 and '33 vehicles given the five-month lag in the start of '32 production at Ford of Australia (and subsequent model years' production for years thereafter).

[FrankWest]

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Originally Posted by DavidG

Depending on how one defines a short block, there are differences. Hardened separate valve seats were added on the '34s and the valve guides, springs, and retainers were carried over from '32 to the '33s, but all new for the '34s.

As indicated above, very early U.S. '33 cylinder blocks were unique in that they lacked the cavities bookending the timing gear cover on the front of the block, like '32 blocks. They also had very pronounced raised areas for the drain cocks on the sides of the block, whereas the later blocks those areas are less pronounced. Early Canadian '33 cylinder blocks had cast-in provision for both the different '32 and '33 drain cock locations to permit their use in both '32 and '33 vehicles given the five-month lag in the start of '32 production at Ford of Australia (and subsequent model year's production for years thereafter).

thanks ....

[FrankWest]

Did 1933/34 engines originally come with drain cocks or just brass plugs?
will this fitting really fit into the tread of a 1933/34

[Ian1932]

I dont have the knowledge to comment on posts like this...FYI, just want to say, people like me learn so much from the "FordBarn" and its contributors. When i first dove into these cars i knew nothing other than maybe the differences in the grille shells. All you guys that know so much, thanks for keeping up the good work and always responding!

[DavidG]

Two brass drain cocks per engine, but not like that in your picture. They were T-shaped. That in your picture is similar to those used starting with the '35s when the drain cocks were moved to the bottom of the radiator.

[FrankWest]

Maybe like this?

[DavidG]

More like this only slightly larger as the one shown in my photo is of a '32.
The pot-bellied one in your picture was gradually phased out during the '32 model year and replaced with the T-handled version. The one in my photo continued to be used on '33-'34 fours.

[FrankWest]

Sorry, I can't make it out from your photo?
is this it?

[35fordtn]

Frank,
The one in your photo has the incorrect thread pitch, and I believe they are for Model A . They are NO current "NEW" drains that match the original 33-34's, and originals seem to be hard to find.. The one's we sell new as you have pictured earlier in the thread are similar to the 35-up versions. They will work in a 33-34 but do look slightly different.

I have a couple NOS of each variety (1932, 1933-34, and 35-up, but I plan to keep them as to me they are gold. If I can remember tonight I'll take some close up photos of each variety both NEW and Original.

[FlatheadTed]

Frank I gave up on Aluminium heads and went cast iron due to corrosion I had a conversation with my brother in-law a mechanic of 35 years on the weekend, He made the point of saying steer clear of antifreeze specially the green stuff in older cars ,it becomes corrosive after a while. I saw a Lincoln Zephyr ally head that had a quality American brand antifreeze in it ,I believe Prestone ? ,it was in it for Ten/ twenty years and it still looked good to me .The Model A boys run a cup of soluble oil (Machinist oil ) that keeps the rust down and would be my choice .

Originally Posted by FrankWest

Do you have an problems with the aluminum head

[FrankWest]

It is a wonder there are not more cast iron heads spray painted with aluminum paint just for the looks, but to avoid real problems. Do many new engines today use aluminum heads for heat dissipation?

[DavidG]

Aluminum heads are fine and quite durable as long as you are careful about the ingredients in the cooling system, as Ted indicates. I don't think that there is a car or truck being built currently that doesn't have numerous aluminum components directly exposed to the cooling system ranging from the cylinder heads to the cylinder blocks.

[DavidG]

As I indicated earlier, the one shown in my photo is similar in appearance to the '33-'34 V8 version, but is smaller, including its thread size as Michael indicated.

Slightly off topic, but in case anyone reading this thread wants to know if the Model A type pot-bellied drain cock was used side by side with the T-shaped version on '32 V8s, the photo below was taken on the same day on the same line at the Dearborn Engine Plant.


If you use the pot-bellied type, you have to be very careful when installing them as you may not be able to actually turn it off and on due to interference with the adjacent oil pan bolt head.

[34fordy]

I believe these to be original 33-34 petcocks

[fourfords]

Also, the published Horsepower for the 1933 V8 was 75 horsepower and the 1934 was 85 horsepower, as I understood.

[35fordtn]

Originally Posted by fourfords

Also, the published Horsepower for the 1933 V8 was 75 horsepower and the 1934 was 85 horsepower, as I understood.

I would have to imagine that is due to the introduction of the stormberg carburetor. What I can’t understand is why the 32 engine was rated at 65hp and the 33 at 75. What change caused that?