Worth mentioning ... one more time.

[Hoop]

The production of insert (LB) engines began in late 1935 for introduction in the 1936 model year, October 1935. Both insert and babbitt engines were used throughout 1936.

The belief that LB engines were introduced mid-year is so wide-spread that it is repeated on the internet much more frequently than the correct introduction date.

"The Early Ford V8 as Henry Built It", Francis and DeAngelis, Page 21.

[Lawson Cox]

When will they ever learn this ?

[ford38v8]

This is certainly not an isolated case. The practice of a previous proven design running past the introduction of later designs was common. This serves several functions, One: An exact cut off date is almost impossible to achieve, Two: a slower, controlled release of a new design alongside the old provides engineering feedback in a less critical manner.

[petehoovie]

Was the durability of the Babbitt superior to that of the insert?

[Hoop]

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This isn't the most important subject, BUT if you happen to be an "early 30's" flathead guy, it can be very interesting.

For those not familiar, '32 thru '36 engines look a lot alike ... all being 21 stud with the water pumps on the heads. Before '36 production, the mains were babbitt only. In '36 they introduced inserted main engines along with production of babbitt engines.

If you are a restorer and don't want/can't find a babbitt rebuild, one of the inserted engines is the trick (Loose Bearing, LB.)

Pete, the babbitt is a good engine. A good rebuilder may be harder to find. Anyhow, guys seem to just want inserts. Even with Model A's, there's aways a certain desire for conversion to inserted mains.

Because they look so much alike, LB's will appear in earlier, carefully restored cars. One of mine is now in a buddy's beautifully done '34 coupe; only a really knowledgable guy could spot the small difference.

So .... recent questions have been asked about 1935's having inserts as well as concern for accuracy of early 1936 restorations. Answer is 1936 cars with production starting likely in September 1935 could have either engine.

The engine I mentioned above in the '34 coupe came out of a 1936 which was the very first SBC install I saw in the late 50's. The engine sat for about 60 years with the original transmission still installed. The number was October 1935.