flathead v/8 questions??

I found this photo on the Vintage Shots threat. I am wondering what year(s) this engine was used and also the piece that has the arrow pointing to it; what is that for? I notice that the motor mount bracket is separate from the water pumps on this engine. Thanks for any info.
John

 

Id say that’s a prototype for the upcoming 32 … note were the starter is - the exhaust ports - water manifold -..................................................

 

I think the arrow is pointing to a vacuum clutch arrangement. Lots of cars used them in the early 30's

 

Google what the pic says. It's a prototype or model. Very unusual.

 

Thanks for the quick responses.
John

 

Motor appears to be a 1932 version.....the tall coil, the 2 blade fan, trans rear mount is the 1932 only style. The servo linkage does appear to operate the clutch release shaft from the RH side. Odd location for the starter would have had to cause the trans cover to be enlarged. Definitely looks like a prototype of some kind.

 

Definitely unusual.....The exhaust manifolds are an interesting piece. How was that vacuum clutch servo set up ?

4TTRUK

 

Those exhaust manifolds look odd but they would sure help it to stay cooler rather than having the exhaust ports run through the water jackets. Maybe Henry should have kept them on the production engines

 

Proto-type according to a wise old man by the name of Higgby Jinkins,