Series 1 engine/head numbers

[Bernie2015]

Hi All,

I am planning to replace the head on my 1966 OTS. I have located a head and the numbers starts 7E as it should but has 5 numbers following that prior to the -9 and not 4 like the one I am replacing. The block is also a 7E followed by 4 numbers -9. Does anyone know if this head is just later in the production run or is it for another model?

[mgcjag]

Hi Bernie....this may help..also google search E type engine numbers. https://classicregister.com/id-guides/h ... 8l-and-42l Steve

[Bernie2015]

Hi Steve,

thanks for the reply. I looked at both of your suggestions before putting the post up but couldnt find anything specific about engine runs. Perhaps someone on the forum will have some specialist knowledge about this subject.

[mgcjag]

Hi Bernie...from the link i posted above 2+2 numbers 7E followed by 5 numbers. Begining 50001....Steve

[Bernie2015]

I've just re-read the document and see what you mean, many thanks. I trust the info is reliable? Any ideas where I might find a 4 number head with a 7E prefix? I have put a post in wanted section. I wonder if its worth waiting for the correct head and would make a difference to the value of the car to have a 2+2 head on an OTS?

[Bernie2015]

Also a little confusing is the head I was planning to put on with five numbers is in the 11000s which is numerically before 50001?

[mgcjag]

Hi Bernie....you wont have a matching numbers car so cant see it will make a difference on value.....looks like they are on the way down anyway.....Steve

[mgcjag]

Bernie...why not post a few photos....im sure members here will give you more info... Steve

[44DHR]

Bernie,
4.2 Series 1 E Type engines could have either a 4 or 5 digit number after the 7E prefix depending on their date of manufacture.
My late 1967 FHC has a 5 digit number. Just quickly looking in Philip Porters “Jaguar E-Type, the definitive history” book for a clue to when the numbers went to 5 digits, under his section on production changes, he lists a change in March 1967 to engine number 7E10009 for a modified oil sump seal, right up to December 1968 for engine number 7E17865, so this should help.
Regards,
Dave

[mgcjag]

Bernie..have a look here...looks like some ots had 5 digits http://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?car=1E16813

[Bernie2015]

Thanks I must get that book - it makes sense now. The previous head on the car matched the engine number (not the data plate) but is irrepairable so quite annoying to have different numbers on head and block now, not to mention devalueing the car. However it's unlikely I will find a 4 digit head in the near future and I want the car on the road. A mine of information as always thank you chaps.

[christopher storey]

It really won't devalue the car at all. Given that in the recent RM sale they had the effrontery to actually state in the sale particulars that on one E type a different block had been fitted but re-stamped to match the head you can see that these so-called matching numbers are not worth the alloy / cast iron they are stamped on !!

[Bernie2015]

It matters to me. And who can realy say what someone would be willing to pay for a genuine matching block and head. I know I would certainly pay more and I'm sure that would apply to many.