Edelbrock block letter heads

[1963turnerjohn]

My 41 originally sported a set of prewar Edlebrock block letter flatheads - last week I was going to have them refit - everything was installed and engine fired. The #2 cyl filled with water - we immediately switched it off with no damage.
We found a very small pin hole that was not evident prior to installation in the area above the inlet valve of #2 cyl. So when using original heads - have them pressure tested and magnafluxed ( for cast iron ) and zyglo ( alloy heads ) to save yourself time and money!

I decided to procure a set of newly made Edlebrock block letter heads to replace my worn originals - I am very impressed with Edlebrocks quality and appearance. They are also made in the USA - just where they are supposed to be!

Hope this cautionary tail helps one of you fellas out.

Best
John

[Old Ford Addict]

I have a set also and an original pair that im restoring.
The new ones are very nice but I wish they would have tried a little harder to make them look like the old ones

[1963turnerjohn]

It would be nice if they were 100% per original , though most of the new made period heads have some deviations for any number of reasons - since I drive my 41, the new ones are perfect and of sound construction. I am retaining the original set for history sake, only as they belonged to the car originally.

It may be a good idea to pre-pressure check your orig set to see if they are sound prior to install - may save you from having the issue I went through.

[19Fordy]

John, Why didn't you repair the pin hole and reuse the heads?

[1963turnerjohn]

I contemplated welding and remachining the combustion chamber, but I have 2 reasons , I want to attend a local reliability run next weekend ( so time is tight ) and the cost would have been almost 1/2 that of new heads ( using a pro shops services ) / and since I drive my 41 the new heads offer a period look and reliability. I am keeping the orig set though and will get them fixed up

[Tim Ayers]

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Originally Posted by Old Ford Addict

I have a set also and an original pair that im restoring.
The new ones are very nice but I wish they would have tried a little harder to make them look like the old ones

Curious, what are the differences?

[Old Ford Addict]

Yes I’ve pressure checked (first thing always)
This started when I spotted a single one in the front window of a local thrift store.
I went in and ended up with it for 50 bucks and started watching eBay for another single.
So now I have a pair with little corrosion for cheap …. after years of looking at many very rotten pairs.

[Old Ford Addict]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Curious, what are the differences?

The new ones letters are smaller and old ones have one temp sender hole

Minor details I know but easy to spot if you have an old pair

[Reisterstown Ray]

Could you give me some info on Zygol mentioned in your post? Regards, Ray

[1963turnerjohn]

Zyglo, long accepted as the standard industrial penetrant test detects cracks, pores, leaks and other defects open to the surface in solids - metallic or otherwise. Under the high-intensity Zyglo Black Light you see cracks and defects as glowing signals - even ones you'd miss entirely by any other penetrant test method.

[Robert Dip]

Since I am a bug on having the real 'old stuff', the newer versions are not the same appearance wise. No big deal, but, in my own rules, I am only to use the old stuff. The ones I use are the script lettered ones. I bought a new set, but I was not happy to see that they were quite different. Over time, I found the original good heads...a lot of time searching and spending $$$...but I am happy ( crazy me ) The older ones have a much thinner fin and the script is smaller and not machined flat. Just thought someone could use this info also. Robert

[Ol' Ron]

Now don't forget to check piston to head clearance (.045/.050). This will improve the economy and increas throttle response. Might even let you use smaller jets .

[Reisterstown Ray]

Thanks for the info on Zyglo. Regards, Ray

[Mr_Coupe]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Curious, what are the differences?

I don't think there is a difference other then they look like the original style on the outside. Am I right. If not I would love to know!!