New to me early V8

[AstroZombie]

Hey guys, just wanted to show my new engine project. I scored this off of the local craigslist, for a steal of a price. I was told it was a '37, but I'm not sure where to start finding info. Does anyone know where to look for the "LB" stamp in the block.... (If it is one?)

I obviously don't know much about these early V8's, but with an engine this beautiful I'm willing to learn. I have noticed there aren't as many parts suppliers for these early engines (water pumps, etc..) I have all the accessories except a good starter and a fuel pump and all the internals are pretty much spotless. I plan on rebuilding and putting this in my 30 Coupe.

Where is a good source of "required reading" about these engines? Books, websites, whatever. Thanks!

Here's a couple pics. Thankfully the skull air scoop stayed with the previous owner! I have a 97 sitting on the engine in one pic, but I'll be rebuilding the 94 that came with it since the 97 and it's mate are for another project.

[fordscript]

From what I can see, I'd say she's likely a 35.

[Mart]

If you can read the serial number off the trans, you should be able to date it to a particular model year.
I have seen the numbers for each year online, was it Mac VP's site?

Mart.

[TJ]

If you want to learn about flatheads you should join the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. Six issues a year of the V-8 Times magazine is worth the price of admission. Lots of ads for parts vendors in the magazine and you won't have trouble finding what you need. You can join bu going here; www.earlyfordv8.org. or by calling 1-866-427-7583.

[Gary Tosel]

It is a 35 engine from the pictures and if so would not be an insert bearing engine. That means the main bearings are poured babbit design. It can be a good engine if all parts are in good condition and can be rebuilt if necessary. I also recommend joining the Early Ford V-8 Club. Welcome to our world.

[Brendan]

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if it is a 35 it had babbitt main bearings

[Henryat1140]

Hello,

Ford engines did not have a serial number on the block. A number was stamped on the transmission on the flat area at the top front. This number corresponded with the same number stamped on the frame and was the serial number for the car.

The intake manifold sitting on the engine is 35.

If you think the transmission was the one originally installed in the car then checking that number will allow you to calculate approximately when the block was made.

www.Vanpeltsales.com has serial number info.

Good luck with your project

[Gumpy]

good luck with your new project....welcome.....lots a help here!!

[AstroZombie]

Thanks a bunch for all the info. I will check the numbers here in a few minutes. Just because it's babbit doesn't mean it's junk right? TJ, thanks for the link I appreciate it.

[AstroZombie]

Yep, it's a '35! Number is *18-16####2* That puts me right about in the middle of '35.

Thanks again for the info, although its not an insert block I'm still happy with it.

[Henry/Kokomo]

Babbit definitely doesn't equate to junk! You have the makings of a very nice engine there. It would be a nice "period" upgrade for your '30 coupe.

[AstroZombie]

Thanks, that's what I was going for. A "period" hop up. Sticking to the late 40's style. I got this engine, a '40 Merc rear end, and a '40 Ford pickup front end. I have an old chrome unsplit Model A wishbone, and a few other early goodies. I'm not going to run a dropped axle, just reverse the main leaf. I was going to retain the mechanical brakes, but these axles popped up at a deal too good to pass up. And I think the hydraulic brakes will be better suited for the V8.
I'm recovering from back surgery so all I'm doing now is collecting parts and planning. All the stock take offs from the '30 are going to be swapped to my '28. (axles, drivetrain etc)
Thanks again everyone, I have nothing but time to sit and search the internet. Those above links will give me loads of information.

[Mike in AZ]

Richard(EV8G) is a brake guru there in CA...if you need help with brakes, he can help you....have fun with your project....don't know about required reading, but if you look at some of the book listings in catalogs from Sacramento Ford, C&G, Mac's, they will show some of the books available....any rod shops nearby that might carry books so you can peruse before you buy??.....Mike

[Hoop]

"It is a 35 engine from the pictures and if so would not be an insert bearing engine. That means the main bearings are poured babbit design."

"if it is a 35 it had babbitt main bearings"

Some of us here believe that insert bearings were introduced in October 1935 ... actually going into production in September of '35. Both insert and babbitt engines were produced at the same time for a while.

Does anyone have the facts and a good reference?

[CWPASADENA]

Do not give up yet on it being a LB Engine. Often times thru the years, an engine was replaced and often times the replacement for a 32-35 was a LB Engine. Look on the L/H front corner of the intake manifold machined surface and you MAY see "LB" stamped there. Some, but NOT all of the LB Engines had this stamp.

You can also pull the pan and look at one of the Main Bearings.

I would also consider finding a Stromberg 48 or 97 and rebuild it. I think these carbs are better then the 94's for this application.

Just My Opinion,

Chris

[AstroZombie]

Thanks Chris, the oil pan is off but with my recent back surgery it's next to impossible to crouch down and take a picture!! I'll go out and see if I can get into position and see if it looks like there's a bearing in the mains.
I'll also look for that stamp, I know there are numbers and letters stamped all over the block. Thankfully it's clean!

[Mart]

You might want to put an ** or two over the last few digits - call me paranoid, but your numbers should be kept private.

Mart.

[AstroZombie]

Ok, I was able to get myself under the engine and snap a few pics. Without taking the main cap off, I cant tell if they have inserts or not. Maybe someone with experience can tell? There are also pics of the intake deck and the misc markings stamped into the block. I didn't find a dedicated "LB" but from what I understand, some got marked, some did not. Also noteworthy is the crank pulley still has the slots for a hand crank. Anyway, here's the pics.

Front main cap


Looking up at the center cap


Front of block/timing gears


Left front of intake deck


Right front of intake deck

[flatjack9]

Measure across the width of the main cap bolts. A babbit will measure 3" and the LB will be around 3 1/4".

[Brendan]

this is my 35 babbitt motor it is a good running motor! it's been in and running for almost a year