Hot Rods Identification Flathead engine

Hey guys,

My friend has to go to inspection for a vehicle registration for his model A with V8 Flathead, now he needs to know what year and HP for that engine. I tried the HAMB but could not find it, the number is *S54I* I Googled but the 54 and the I, I could not figure out what year, hope you guys can help. The number is between the intake and the driver head on the block.

 

Photos of the engine will help more than the numbers.

 

some pics, engine was used for emergency ower

 

That is the coolest pully ever! Be cool to run a blower with that! If I am correct '38-'48 24 stud flathead (59A), you can tell the difference from the 32-37 motor by the row of bolts on the bottom of the head and center water outlets. Hp was 85 in '38 and a whopping 100 in '48.

 

For inspection they need some kind of proof from the internet, if that is true... from what year and how much power it will produce. But may be these emergency generators have different numbers.

 

Does it have a 59 cast in the top of the bellhousing ? In not, it is most likely an 85 hp engine from 1938 to 1942, unless it was a 99A which would be an early Mercury, not near as many as the 85 though.

 

it has an 18 on the bellhousing

 

I'd like to see that. Never saw one with a cast number 18.

 

Van Pelts has about all the information you could hope for .

Tommy

 

Try your question on fordbarn. Once you figure out the year go to VanPelts site for the hp, http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_specifications.htm

Charlie Stephens

 

The engine is allready in the car and therefore is the number not visible anymore

 

Thanks for your input, I will try Ford Barn and van Pelts.
Does anyone know if industrial engines have different nummers?

 

I know that Chrysler manufactured industrial flatheads during that period.

 

Is it 18 or 81? My 1940 85 hp block has 81A cast into the top of the bellhousing...

 

You could be right, the info came from a friend, maybe he switched numbers, numbers are not visible anymore, because engine is already in the car.