Another V8 Identification Thread (1940 Ford)

[Ken/Alabama]

I zoomed in on one of the pictures and it looks to have a raised ledge underneath the intake. Also towards the rear it looks as thought there’s a little gap between the gasket and block hinting the gasket is sitting on a raised part.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

I zoomed in on one of the pictures and it looks to have a raised ledge underneath the intake. Also towards the rear it looks as thought there’s a little gap between the gasket and block hinting the gasket is sitting on a raised part.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

I zoomed in on one of the pictures and it looks to have a raised ledge underneath the intake. Also towards the rear it looks as thought there’s a little gap between the gasket and block hinting the gasket is sitting on a raised part.

Ken, I think you may be correct. That would make the block post 1940 for certain. Good eyes!

[WarbirdPhotog]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

I zoomed in on one of the pictures and it looks to have a raised ledge underneath the intake. Also towards the rear it looks as thought there’s a little gap between the gasket and block hinting the gasket is sitting on a raised part.

Well darn! Was really hoping this was the original 1940 engine. Not that that's terrible as it's still 1940s, but just another example that an advertised 'barn find original' might not be as original as thought.

[ford38v8]

Warbird, don’t fret about the engine not being original to the car, very few are. You may rejoice, however, at your transmission being original. The serial number of your transmission is *18-5443670*, which will be the registration number of your title, and will also be visible on the top surface of the frame near the steering box. Get happy! That number on the frame will likely be covered with black grease, which will preserve it from deterioration. Be careful in cleaning it to read it, use a soft brush and dawn dish soap, never use a wire brush.

[WarbirdPhotog]

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Originally Posted by ford38v8

Warbird, don’t fret about the engine not being original to the car, very few are. You may rejoice, however, at your transmission being original. The serial number of your transmission is *18-5443670*, which will be the registration number of your title, and will also be visible on the top surface of the frame near the steering box. Get happy! That number on the frame will likely be covered with black grease, which will preserve it from deterioration. Be careful in cleaning it to read it, use a soft brush and dawn dish soap, never use a wire brush.

That I actually did know! It was one of the first things I did when I got the original floor covers off. They do indeed match. Somebody had removed the paint before me on the frame rail so it was easy to see the number.

[38 coupe]

Your engine block sounds like a 41A unit to me. Post war 221 replacement blocks with most but not all external features of the 59 blocks. No core plug in the oil pan rail, no raised intake, flush exhaust ports, passes the pencil test.

For more information read through the thread we did on engine identification: https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthrea...4280&showall=1
Also available as part of the large collection of information glennpm has collected: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/985i6...ah6sxw1jq&dl=0

[fortyfords]

This may help to see the raised block line for the intake.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by fortyfords

This may help to see the raised block line for the intake.

[WarbirdPhotog]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

Your engine block sounds like a 41A unit to me. Post war 221 replacement blocks with most but not all external features of the 59 blocks. No core plug in the oil pan rail, no raised intake, flush exhaust ports, passes the pencil test.

Except people are saying it does have a raised intake. So that seems to make it a 41-42.

Originally Posted by fortyfords

This may help to see the raised block line for the intake.

I'm going to eventually take off the fenders, and some of the engine items, so I can paint it. That should give me better access to check that out. I want to temporarily remove the original heater to do this, as that thing blocks a lot of the angles to get photos. I know my engine doesn't have that nub raised dot on the shoulder flat area in your photo.

This photo below (from the other side of the engine from your photo) does seem to look like yours with the raised section:

[38 coupe]

Originally Posted by fortyfords

This may help to see the raised block line for the intake.

I agree, that is a raised deck. It is a 41-42 motor.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

I agree, that is a raised deck. It is a 41-42 motor.

Agreed.