MTFCA Forum

How would one spot a post T era made block? I have one here with no sign of ever having a s/n and X39 cast in by the water inlet. Just curious

You can start by looking at subtle changes to determine the proper period...such as 26-27 has new bosses on the rear where the hogshead mounts. Others can help you determine whether is was for a one piece or two piece valve cover arrangement which has its own associated dates. There is also the width of the serial number boss that changed somewhere along the line.

The basic premise tho is that the Ford script should exist in the casting prominent. (This is for the bulk of the middle of production).

Also, be aware that Western Auto also sold replacement blocks that you can't tell the difference to the best of my knowledge and an unscripted block just might be one of theirs-26/27 excluded as I don't think the later ones had script? (someone please clarify?)

Good luck

No script in the block cast on our 26, cylinder head had the Ford script

A couple of companies made replacement blocks in the T time period. Don't know if their pattern mold lines/marks would be the same as the factory's. And I don't know if any of them included any "improvements" to the Ford cast blocks (more robust bracing, etc.).

How would one spot a post T era made block?

Post T era would be after 1927. The block would be of the 26-27 style, with two holes on the back to attach the hogshead. But replacement blocks having no serial number means that a 26-27 style block could be anywhere from 1926 to whenever they stopped making them. The last assembled engines were made in August 1941, but I don't know about bare blocks.

The blocks were not scripted after 1924, if I recall correctly.

Al,

FYI, I have a Model T engine with a 25S cast date that has no serial number on the boss but does have the Ford Script and USA that is halfway on the boss and covered by the water outlet. (See photos below)

That block is very unusual!

Seems like I read someplace the MADE IN USA had to be removed, around 1920 something, so Canada could buy them in the USA, and sell them overseas without someone paying an import tax.

They were making their own blocks and cars then, so I did not understand the reasoning.

As far as T judging standards go, how are T replacement blocks considered as far as being accepted as original to a T. Just curious.

I have one in one of my T's. It runs like a T and looks like a T. If we all adhere to strict judging standards, there won't be very many T's left! What about SKAT cranks or STIPE cams? Adjustable lifters, or rebored or sleeved blocks? I would supect that just about every T that runs today, has something which is not exactly the original part for that car. Almost every T with wood spoke wheels has been re-spoked. Many have Scandanavian bands, wood bands, or Kevlar bands. Are we going to judge them too? Give me a break.
Norm

Dom Denio wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:08 am

Al,

FYI, I have a Model T engine with a 25S cast date that has no serial number on the boss but does have the Ford Script and USA that is halfway on the boss and covered by the water outlet. (See photos below) IMG_1369.JPG IMG_1377.JPGIMG_1386.JPG

Dom

Your block is genuine Ford. Was a 'block only" and sold to dealers or agents for engine replacement part.

The boss for the serial pad is the later type, extends 3/8" under the block surface, and has straight sides to the water outlet, corners of the boss with radius. The Record of Change date is 8-27-23 for that boss size.

So your block was made after Aug 1923, and the Script and USA are factory stamped below the area for the mechanic to stamp the existing engine number there, obvious that wasn't done! The script and USA added to assure the part is Ford, and was made by Ford, as the company did try to mark parts with script after 1919.



Here is a similar block with mechanic added replacement serial #.

John

For MTFCI judging, the block should match the date of the T, meaning a serial range and block style used in the model year of the T. Replacement blocks if similar to the model year claimed for the T being class judged typically wouldn't have major deductions. Serial numbers are judged to match the model year of the T also.Owner documented exceptions may be made by the judging team, speedster classes or other classes likely allow exceptions too.

david_dewey wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 22, 2022 4:24 pm

A couple of companies made replacement blocks in the T time period. Don't know if their pattern mold lines/marks would be the same as the factory's. And I don't know if any of them included any "improvements" to the Ford cast blocks (more robust bracing, etc.).

Here is one aftermarket block, by IPCO, lots of different features and even the blank boss for engine serial number to be added is in different place than a Ford block. Would assume all the other aftermarket blocks being very different from a Ford block./b]

I was wondering the same thing about how far the purists will go as far having a “correct” T block. There are T’s out there that have the original engine that came with the car. I have the original 24 block for my 24 Coupe but it’s cracked through a valve chamber and I got the block out of a 25 since it’s pretty much the same and rebuilt it. But I did keep the original that could be repaired I think. It was my Grandfathers car so I had to keep it.

This makes me smile! Considering that I have cast 10 new Ford script made in Canada blocks, but I have been warned that they can not be used in any T competitions in the US.

The block i was asking about does not have the hoghead boss at the back so prob not a replacement. Just odd that it has no serial number. I thot maybe the 39 was a casting date but again likely not. Thanks

Al

It was common for Ford to sell only the cylinder (block) for service use, these bare blocks were un-stamped.

Only finished complete power plants were serial number stamped after factory assembly and testing.

Your pre ‘26 block was likely a replacement used to rebuild an owners engine, hence no number on the serial boss.

This bulletin was notice that the factory was helping out in high demand to offer dealers new blocks and pieces to built an entire short block too.

Thanks that makes sense