1933-34
Ford went through rapid development of the V8 engine through 1934, resulting in a better than 15% increase in horsepower for 1933 (75 hp) and another increase, this time better than 13% for 1934 (85 hp). The changes to increase power were primarily intake and compression related, not related to the block.
1933 V8 blocks updated several features from the previous year. These features were kept in production through 1934.
Features of the 33-34 blocks that can be used for identification are:
- The water drains are angled
- The front of the block has recessed areas between the water inlets and the timing gear (almost certainly to save cast iron and weight)
- Babbitt main bearings 1.999” diameter with caps retained by bolts
- No crankcase ventilation
- 21 studs retaining the cylinder heads
- Water pumps in the cylinder heads
- Passes the pencil test
- Core plugs in the oil pan rails
Here is an assembled 1933 engine with aluminum cylinder heads, stamped steel pan, etc.
This picture shows the front of a 33-34 engine. You can see the recesses added between the timing cover and the water inlets.
This picture shows the crankcase area of a 33-34 engine. Note the angled water drain. This picture is also shows the early oil pump, short crank, safety wire through the main cap retaining nuts, and the general look of an early flathead V8 crankcase.
This picture shows the 3” main bearing cap bolt spacing (same spacing on all 32-36 Babbitt motors).
These three pictures show clearly the valley areas where the main bearing bolts go. The first image is the front of the block for the front main bearing bolt locations, the second image is the center main bearing bolt locations, and the third image is the rear main bearing bolt locations.
