Technical I need help to identify my flathead V-8

I know that on the 49 to 53 engines, there is a 3 or 4 digit set of letters and numbers on the back passenger side of the intake manifold surface to tell when the engine was manufactured. ( at least that's what I've been told )

Here is a photo of that area on my engine. There is a square with a 77 in it and the letter " R " ?



Closer view.



It has S 884 cast on the passenger side of the bellhousing mount.


I would appreciate it very much if someone could clear this up for me.
Thanks .. Ray

 

That's a wives' tale. Some states required a serial number stamped on the block too, but it was rare to be done to flatheads.

But, the "R" does mean it's a "race" engine.

 

I'm sure you're right about that. This was suppose to have been used in a dragster back in the late 50's and early 60's.

 

More likely "refurbished" than "race"!

 

No, no, no! This is how the old “wives tales” come into being. The R simply paint the engine red! No other colour will give as much HP.....

 

Don't know what I was thinking ... I actually thought someone here could help me out ?

 

Chill a bit, guys are having some fun on your behalf. I’ve read there are ways to sorta figure out what era a Ford FH v8 was from, but there’s no way to tell the year/month/day, it was made.
That said, all replies about “R” are so wrong.
Everyone knows that “R” is for reverse. Geesh.

 

Thank you. That answers my question.

 

All good.
What is the engine destined for? The fellas on the FordBarn may be able to help you with some info/advice, etc as well. Look at the EV8 section.

 

Thank you. I'll check that out.
It's going in this.

 

Sorry I was trying to be cute. As they said, all blocks from 49 to 53 are pretty much the same, with no real way to tell what they came in. And it won’t make any difference. Only true difference that might make you want to change is the later valve seats were ground directly in the block. It’s common to cut and install new seat inserts.

 

No problem. Like I said, you may just be right about the " R ".
I see on that chart that Rick Fisher posted that the letter " R " stands for the #9.
do you suppose that the R on this block would mean it's a 1949 ?

I was just trying to figure an actual year for and if it was a Ford or a Mercury it but not knowing that isn't a problem at all.

Ray

 

I was hoping you were going to put it in that GMC in your avatar!

 

If you google your question and add hamb at the end you will find hundreds of threads. Ive tried the search function in the site and find it less helpful than google

 

Mac Vanpelts web site h as a lot of information.
flathead_specs-90to125late.htm

John

 

I wonder if that’s all inclusive, or for some years? I’d think if every FH V8 had that done, there would be more knowledge about it?
I don’t hunt out FH V8 info though.

 

I agree

 

R, Matey...

 

Those sideways pics mess with me on my phone.

 

Stupid question. It's an 8BA. Get a life.