Original Engine and Trans.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by JSeery

The number stamped on the bellhousing part of the transmission would be the same number as stamped on the frame. But, no way to tell if the engine was changed out. Almost all flathead engines have had at least one rebuild or been replaced. The original engine could have been rebuilt and put back into the car, but more likely, if it was rebuild, it would have been an exchange.

I believe this to be true only for vehicles produced through the 1948 model year. I know of no way to determine the originality of an engine in a "shoebox" Ford.

You can tell if it's not original by comparing the date stamped on the top (intake) surface of the block against the production date of the car. If that date is much different from the car's build date, it's probably not original. Unfortunately, some engines lack this stamp.

Here's a useful link : https://myflatheadford.com/5988-2/