1937 Ford cylinder head question

[37 Coupe]

I have a 21 stud '37 Ford engine that had '36 heads on it so I am looking for a pair of '37 heads for my car. Early ones for '37 were aluminum and cast iron was used for later '37 and early '38 I know. Discounting what is correct what is better to look for? I know Ford went to cast iron for a reason,mayby cost cutting mayby better durabilty but I do notice a lot more aluminum ones are for sale than cast iron ones and also usually have issues. Another question one item I see for sale is a pair of NOS ones but no Ford script only part number and firing order.Am I correct that these were aftermarket not from Ford or a Ford supplier? Thank You.

[Jack E/NJ]

>>>Discounting what is correct>>>


So what's wrong with the 36 heads? Jack E/NJ

[37 Coupe]

I have a '37 Ford and want to use '37 heads on it with water pumps in correct position on the block. Friend of mine who has a '35 wanted the '36 heads. So no heads on the '37 engine now

[Ol' Ron]

I'd use a setof cast iron heads, angled milled .070". Check for vale and piston clearance. A die grinder can clearance the areas with less than .050". This will raise the CR aprox 1 point. improve torque and economy. these blocks are quite thick and can be bored out to use 8BA pistons, for 239ci and another increase of compression. very nice engines.
Gramps

[Jack E/NJ]

Ol' Ron>>>I'd use a setof cast iron heads, angled milled .070".>>>


Please describe angle milling process if possible. A smooth transition .070" off the bottom to .000" nothing off the top near the valves? Jack E/NJ

[Zeke3]

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Originally Posted by Jack E/NJ

So what's wrong with the 36 heads? Jack E/NJ

I would think the upper radiator hose routing from the water pumps on a 36 cylinder head to the radiator inlets pointing rearward on the 37 radiator would be difficult to connect.

Attached is a link to an earlier discussion regarding 77E cylinder heads and the firing order. My 37 heads are cast iron with only "Ford" script on them, no part number or firing order. One has a hole for the temp sender and the other does not.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...cylinder+heads

[37 Coupe]

Originally Posted by Zeke3

I would think the upper radiator hose routing from the water pumps on a 36 cylinder head to the radiator inlets pointing rearward on the 37 radiator would be difficult to connect.

Attached is a link to an earlier discussion regarding 77E cylinder heads and the firing order. My 37 heads are cast iron with only "Ford" script on them, no part number or firing order. One has a hole for the temp sender and the other does not.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...cylinder+heads

I do not see the attachment can you try again? I am interested in learning if the heads with the firing order is aftermarket and if they have drilled and tapped 14mm sparkplug holes if not 18mm.Thank you.

[37 Coupe]

Thank you,got it.

[Jack E/NJ]

My iron originals haved script in middle & 77-6050-A on lef. 18mm holes. Jack E/NJ

[Ol' Ron]

The milling equipment at my local Machine shop is called a "Brach" It has a milling head aprox 12" in dia. The mart to be milled is clamped to the movable part of the machine. Bt placing a .070 shim under the cylinder side of he heat the material is removed from over the combustion chamber (Valve area). Now the piston and valves will be closer to the head, I measure this distance with little aluminum balls

[Gary in La.]

I have a set of NOS cast iron heads that have p/n 77-6050A, no script, 18 mm spark plug holes, temp sensor provisions (with plugs) and no firing order on the casting. There is a small casting impression from the mold with "11-2" and another with "AL" in the center of the head. Believe these to be after market.

[V8COOPMAN]

.

The heads with the firing order are Ford "Pilot" heads. Ford "Pilots" were the first post-war European, large Fords, beginning in 1947. Dagenham cast it's own version of the '37 Model 78, 221 cu. in. engine, and these heads were one of the changes. Apparently, gazillions of these heads ended-up as surplus here in the States years ago. I have a pair on my '37 coupe engine. DD

[37 Coupe]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

.

The heads with the firing order are Ford "Pilot" heads. Ford "Pilots" were the first post-war European, large Fords, beginning in 1947. Dagenham cast it's own version of the '37 Model 78, 221 cu. in. engine, and these heads were one of the changes. Apparently, gazillions of these heads ended-up as surplus here in the States years ago. I have a pair on my '37 coupe engine. DD

Are they 18mm sparkplug threads?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 37 Coupe

Are they 18mm sparkplug threads?

Yes! DD

[Jack E/NJ]

Ol' Ron>>>The milling equipment at my local Machine shop is called a "Brach" It has a milling head aprox 12" in dia. The mart to be milled is clamped to the movable part of the machine. Bt placing a .070 shim under the cylinder side of he heat the material is removed from over the combustion chamber (Valve area). Now the piston and valves will be closer to the head, I measure this distance with little aluminum balls>>>


Thanks Ron. So does this mean the black "mill" line is how the head would look after milling in the side view diagram. Essentially .070" shaved off the valve pocket end (exaggerated of course) smoothly transitioning to nothing shaved off at the cylinder end? Jack E/NJ