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#1 Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 8:49 pm
by garcormack
Dear All
I don't believe my cylinder head is original to the car (1963 series 1 3.8 fhc) and guess that the numbers/letters on the head could help identify its origins.
The numbers/letters are
ZB-3445-8 at valley front
A in valley middle
AA476 at valley rear.
Could anyone help or point me in the right direction?
Many thanks
Gary
#2 Re: Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 9:45 pm
by cactusman
Pretty sure original heads are four digit numbers prefixed by R or RA. My 62 car is R5xxx....others will know for sure though. Pretty certain there are engine number lists in the knowledge base but can't seem to find them for the moment......David...help

#3 Re: Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 10:19 pm
by rswaffie
I think that head may be from a MK10.
#4 Re: Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 10:44 pm
by Geoff Green
#5 Re: Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 11:09 pm
by garcormack
Thank you all
The ZB prefix implies a Mk 10 although the A designation doesn't support this. The 8 at the end does suggest an 8:1 compression ratio.
Gary
#6 Re: Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 9:24 am
by christopher storey
The A and the AA number will merely be a foundry batch identification , and has no significance at all. Definitely a 3.8 mark X head . Note that the -8 may not be applicable any more ; the CR is determined not by the head, but by the pistons i.e. the heads are identical irrespective of the CR of the engine, the small domed pistons being 8:1 and the large domed pistons 9:1
#7 Re: Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 9:26 am
by garcormack
Thank you Christopher
Much appreciated
Gary
#8 Re: Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 9:28 am
by christopher storey
Gary : note that I have added info about the CR, which may or may not help you !!
#9 Re: Cylinder Head Numbers
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2019 12:08 pm
by Sarthe72
R1798-9 is the correct number on mine. VSE had (but no longer of course) blank new heads they machined and stamped with your correct number if you wanted. I don't know of anyone making new cylinder heads today, but I am sure someone here does.
