3.8 engine number(s)

paydase · Post by **paydase** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 6:23 pm

Hi everybody,
I just purchased an S1 FHC 3.8 of 1964.
The car is apparently in good shape (bodywork, drivetrain, etc.) and would need only limited restoration, mainly a new painting (seems that there is no rust that would require sandblasting of the shell).
It's a matching numbers, except the bottom of the engine (block) that would come from a Mk 10. Seems that the block may have been damaged but the original engine number is engraved in the cast cylinder head. Impossible to track back to the date when such damage occured (Californian car brought to France in 1987 by the previous owner, who doesn't know).
Finally, the current engine was completely restored in 1992 and has had very few miles since then (about 5000). At that time, the crankshaft was rectified and re-machined down to so-called 3rd "cote" (don't know the english name, sorry). I was told that for all XKE 3.8 engines, there is still the possibility of a 4th and ultimate "cote", in case. Anybody could confirm?
Cheers,
Serge

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 7:44 pm

Serge : if the block is from a 3.8 litre Mark 10, it will have a Z or ZA number, which you should find stamped on the block above the oil filter head casting . It is quite possible that such a block was used because Mark 10s were of no particular value in the 1990s . If it is the original cylinder head it should have the number stamped on the rear face of the front wall. The grinding of the crankshaft sounds as though it has been taken down to a .030 inch undersize ( referred to as 30 thou undersize ). I think it is possible to go one further undersize to .040 inches, but you may have difficulty getting bearings, and really the crankshafts are as tough as old boots, and a further regrind should not be necessary unless the engine has suffered some very serious damage

paydase · Post by **paydase** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 7:54 pm

Thx for your feedback, Christopher
Yes, I was told that the block may have a different number (couldn't verify it yet as the car is still in France).
And yes, the original engine number, RA4774-9, is stamped on the cylinder head.
Finally, thanks for your confirmation of the possibility of an ultimate undersize regrind (only in case

). I intend to take lovely care of my cat!

Pim · Post by **Pim** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 2:27 pm

paydase wrote: It's a matching numbers, except the bottom of the engine (block) that would come from a Mk 10.

Hi Serge,

In what way is it 'matching numbers' if not all numbers match? Seems a little bit like 'untouched, except for the restored areas' ...

Post by **1954Etype** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:41 pm

if it isn't the original stamped engine block, head and gearbox, it isn't matching numbers. The flywheel was also stamped but I don't think most people would include this.. The engine and head can be re-stamped but the give away is the date cast into the block.

paydase · Post by **paydase** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 6:28 pm

Pim, Angus,

I'm happy though as I bought the car as a good value purchase in its current condition for being used/enjoyed rather than for an investment.

Post by **1954Etype** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 1:14 am

And that is exactly why you should buy an E-Type! I am thinking about selling mine and buying a cheaper one - I might get too scared to drive such a valuable car!

Durango2k · Post by **Durango2k** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 8:02 am

I in fact sold my pagoda for being Too expensive and booooooring, kept the SM and the E - Type (2+2) just for the thrill....

(Some People never learn :-) ).

Carsten

paydase · Post by **paydase** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 10:36 pm

May I ask those knowledgeable to tell me if all the 3.8 blocks of the XK engines that were put on E-Types, Mk 10s, and other Jags at that time are all the same or if they may differ by anything and eventually, what: any possible differences in the casting, crankshaft, rods, pistons, cooling conduits, oil pump, studs, plugs, etc.?
I have no intent to replace my block but I would like to understand if the engine that is now on my XKE, with a 3.8 XKE engine head and a 3.8 Mk 10 block is fully equivalent to what was initially there in terms of engine specs and perfs (apart from the number engraved ;))?
Thanks for your help.

PeterCrespin · Post by **PeterCrespin** » Tue Dec 31, 2013 4:26 am

paydase wrote:I have no intent to replace my block but I would like to understand if the engine that is now on my XKE, with a 3.8 XKE engine head and a 3.8 Mk 10 block is fully equivalent to what was initially there in terms of engine specs and perfs (apart from the number engraved?).

Depends if the pistons have been changed but otherwise yes.

All 3.8 long blocks are basically the same if you are using the E-type ancillaries like pulleys, mounts, oil filter block, distributor etc. as well as the original straight port head.

Pete

paydase · Post by **paydase** » Tue Dec 31, 2013 10:30 am

Thanks a lot, Pete.
I know the pistons were changed during the restoration that took place in 1992 (5000 miles only were run since then) and I will verify on the bill what kind of pistons exactly, but I would guess that they are similar to the original pistons.
I will also check that the ancillaries were kept (I would also say probably yes, or similar) as they took care of keeping the cylinder head.
Serge

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