Engine interchange manual

Two basic C blocks two-bolt and four-bolt main were produced with a variety of casting numbers visible above the starter. This information enables you to identify these blocks without removing the oil pan. We do know these blocks had thicker cylinder walls and decks, along with four-bolt mains. The bad news is they were rejected and returned to Australia due to casting-core shift problems and sold on the Australian market.

The C block employs the same bore spacing and bolt hole positioning as the W. However, this is a different block entirely, with smaller 2. The C block suffers from oilingsystem inadequacies, which tend to starve main bearings.

Thermostat location for the C, M, and M is in the block as shown due to a dry-intake manifold design. This coolant flow restrictor must never be removed. Australian blocks have a cast-in restrictor. Not all C engines produced in Australia had blocks cast in Australia. Blocks produced both in and for Australia were used for both and ci engines. Ford Australia-produced Cleveland blocks are identifiable by their castin thermostat coolant flow restrictors instead of a brass insert like the North American C.

The M-block has a 1-inch-taller deck height These items, when copped from a C, do not always interchange. Everything from a modest 5. Here, I touch mostly on street hardware. It was a long time coming and basically a replacement for the MA50 Sportsman block, which was in production for many years. The C block has this oil pressure sender location on top at the back of the block unlike its W cousin. Most of the time, it is plugged. Some engine builders use this location to enhance oil flow with a feeder line.

Unlike the W, the C has this steel timing cover—instead of a castaluminum cover. If you find an out-of-spec Mexican block, you may still use the main caps on a good block. Remember you must have a qualified machine shop install them and then line bore or line hone to proper dimensions.

Never just install these caps without doing proper machine work. Like the W, Ford put C casting numbers and date codes here above the starter. Expect to see a partial casting number on the C as well as W blocks to come later on. Despite the belief Mexican blocks have a higher nickel content, these blocks have been weighed against their U. Refining this technique came from years of practice developing durable NASCAR blocks that have a fierce reputation for reliability.

What is different from the s is computer aided design CAD used in casting modeling. Although this process saves Ford a bunch of money, it also means less metal. Cylinders are siamesed to make the block stronger. Although the new Ford Racing Boss block has had some teething problems, it has panned out to be one of the best aftermarket blocks these folks have produced in a long time.

The Sportsman block was an excellent value and still is if you can find one new or used. I discuss the MA50 Sportsman block because there are plenty out there, new and used. At pounds, the Sportsman block offers nodular iron architecture with wide two-bolt main caps.

These blocks can be stroked to ci. Ford Racing Performance Parts suggests no larger than 4. The A50 Sportsman block is a great direct replacement for the common — 5. Mission and budget determine which block you choose. Without any doubt, the A50 Sportsman is a more practical block for street and strip. You can throw hp at this block without spending a fortune. Screw-in oil gallery plugs are an excellent block modification because they eliminate the risk of popped plugs and zero oil pressure. The seasoned Ford engine builder understands what it takes to make a great engine even better.

This is why some of the best Ford engine builders around were consulted for this book. The most important improvements you want to make are cooling and lubrication. Oilingsystem improvements include chamfering oil passages and using restrictors where necessary to improve oil volumeand flow to important areas.

Here are the two basic bellhousing bolt patterns side by side. On the left is the smaller 5-bolt bellhousing used through with , , and engines. On the right is the larger 6-bolt pattern from on. Note a larger transmission bolt pattern as well with the 6-bolt, which also includes the smaller — transmission bolt pattern. There has been a lot written and said about Ford Mexican blocks through the years. It has been said Mexican blocks have higher nickel content.

But when experts weighed both U. More of a general engine performance guide. Read More. We're a staff of VW enthusiasts who are passionate about our hobby. We are committed to offering the best parts at the lowest prices, and we pride ourselves on fast, affordable shipping. We started out in as Karmann Ghia Parts and Restoration and quickly became the world's largest supplier of restoration parts and accessories for Karmann Ghias.

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