Thread: t bird motor

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Hi I got a motor out of a 61 t bird C1AE and it looks like a Q also the number
44 is stamped in big numberspits a 4v motor but it have that 44 cast into it what can this be or is it anything at all? i know it a 390 from 1961 is there anything else i can look for?

Well you can compare the casting number and date codes to see if it's numbers matching. A lot can be changed over 40+ years. The early stuff was pretty tight time wise as far as date codes. I've also seen the early stuff was better cast. Smoother and overall just nicely cast parts. Nothing really rare or unique. Those engines used the cam button and spring on the inside of the timing cover for cam retention. You can tap the holes and use a later style thrust plate if it hasn't already been done. Also the early engines used generators vs alternators. There is a hole on the right lower front of the block you'd need to machine to use stock alt and mounting brackets. Or C.R.A.P sells a nice aftermarket gen to alt conversion bracket that's a bolt on item and you don't need to mess with the hole. Early blocks also used 2 bolt motor mounts vs the later pattern. Easy fix depending on the application. Last the heads have the 8 bolt vertical exhaust manifold pattern. Could be a issue in a later shock tower car with stock exhaust. You can see if the block has the STD or HD cranksaddle area and support webbing. Nice if it does but no biggy if not. Not sure what else you need to know. Post if there's something specific I missed.

G.