Cracked head- pic
 

Two cracks from bolt hole to water jacket, nothing to the cylinders
Is this head any good to use?
Your opinion matters.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

I would look for a better one,bought them for $10.00.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

Time to replace with a higher compression head , now that the cracked original head is removed .

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

Which head would be better for me, the high dollar 6/1 or the 5.5/1
Keep in mind I'm not racing or touring, just cruising around town checking out the old women, why old women...because they tire easily. :)

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

I'm not racing either but I would prefer the 6 to 1 head for the extra power for the hills and passing when necessary .

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

I use the 5.5 on my car and I have a Townsedan. It works great even in the mountains.


Mike

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

You might as well go for the 6:1, more bang for your buck. Not a lot of people buy the 5:5 anymore.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

Yours is probably OK to use as-is. This is a common place for them to crack, it is not in a area where high pressure is found.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

I agree.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

I agree with Jim and Dave. Would not hurt though to use some sealant around the stud just below the head nut.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

Higher compression head to get away from older ladies husbands ! I would go with the pros on reusing the head, if money is a problem.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

this is what i have gleaned from years in the parts business. People always call and ask which head should i put on my car. The first question i ask is what is the babbit like on the bottom end. If you put one of those heads on and the babbit isn't good you will beat the babbit. I cannot tell you how many guys i talk to purchase either the 5.5 or 6:1 head and a couple of weeks later call and order a bunch of engine parts because they beat the babbit out of the bottom end.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

That is an early head on a later block. You could re-use it or find another original head, or as others have said if you have good bearings buy a new head.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

IMO, you'd be nuts to buy the 5.5 when the 6 is the same price. I agree with the few above, that your head is usable. But, with the opportunity the head being off, I'd go for the 6:1 head. Yours is a good candidate to be one with weeping problems. Your water holes show a lot of rust.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

I had one cracked in the same location and had the same questions you have. I finally decided that the crack was where the compression leak into the water jacket was occurring--and I know it does not look like that is possible. But I really did not find any other place the head gasket was leaking.

I ultimately did not try to re-install my cracked head. I bought a stock, used head from James Rogers at Dreamwerks, cleaned, magnafluxed, re-surfaced and ready to paint and install for a very reasonable price. Best decision in my situation.

See the old thread:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167112

W. Michael

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

Yes that head you show is fine to use,for grins I use my thumb and push at little sealant in the crack and wipe it off flush with the head...The snyder 5.5 is a copy of Ford engineerings heart shaped combustion chamber used on the 'police' head in 1931..the actual difference in the seat of the pants from 5.5 to 6 to 1 is negligible,especially if everything else is stock..

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

I originally bought the Snyders 5.5 head and installed it. I was so impressed with the performance, better hill climbing, faster pickup, that I sold it and installed the Snyder 6.1.

I am very happy I changed it out. There was a noticeable difference from the 5.5 vs 6.1. Although not as noticeable a change as was the original 4.2 to 5.5 swap.

I can not imagine what a 7.1 head would be like. If someone made one that looked original i would go for it.

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

Bottom end is good. so I have the 6.1 head on the way, I'll keep the old head for a spare, instead of a boat anchor.
Thank you all for your input, what would we do without each other?

Re: Cracked head- pic
 

Got a period cast iron 7 to 1 head..it says 'winfield' on it..runs good.
Tod Buttermore is making them now,brand new