How do I identify a Ford cylinder head?
A Ford cylinder head can be identified by its engine family cues, cam/type of valve train, and most reliably by the casting numbers stamped on the head. Start by locating any head markings and cross-referencing them with Ford’s official catalogs or reputable automotive databases.
In practice, you’ll want to confirm whether the head comes from Ford’s older OHV (pushrod) designs, like Windsor or Cleveland, or from the later DOHC (dual overhead cam) families such as Modular and Ecoboost. Visual clues, the location of camshafts, and the exact casting codes together provide a reliable identification path. This article walks you through a structured approach you can use whether you’re repairing, rebuilding, or swapping a head onto a Ford engine.
Core clues that reveal Ford roots
Use these observable features to determine if a head belongs to Ford and roughly which family it’s from, before you confirm with casting numbers.
- Cam train style: If you can see two camshafts on top of the head (or you note timing gear/chain towers at the head), the head is DOHC and likely from Ford’s modern Modular or Ecoboost family. If the head is part of an OHV layout with pushrods and rocker arms mounted on the head, it’s more typical of Ford’s older Windsor or Cleveland designs.
- Valve train era indication: Older Ford V8s (Windsor/Cleveland) are traditionally 2-valve-per-cylinder OHV designs. Modern Ford engines (Modular, Ecoboost) use more advanced configurations (DOHC and multiple valves per cylinder) to support higher outputs and efficiency.
- Visual port/deck features: DOHC heads tend to show more complex port layouts and multiple cam towers, while OHV heads have a simpler deck and rocker arm arrangement. These cues align with engine families but are not a substitute for a casting number.
- Spark plug and exhaust port layout: While not universal, some Ford heads place spark plugs and ports in distinctive arrangements that align with particular engine families. Compare with reference images for the target family when in doubt.
Using these cues helps you quickly narrow down the head’s likely Ford family, which then makes the casting-number verification more efficient.
Reading and cross-referencing head casting numbers
Casting numbers are the most reliable way to positively identify a Ford head, provided you locate and interpret them correctly.
What casting numbers look like
- Casting numbers are typically stamped or molded into the head on flat areas near coolant ports, the deck, or along the sides. They are usually a combination of letters and digits and may be accompanied by a date code or engine-family code.
- Some heads also carry a separate block of numbers that can indicate the original engine application, year range, or production batch.
Note that casting numbers alone can sometimes be ambiguous without corroborating details (port shape, sealing surfaces, or valve train layout). Always cross-reference with multiple sources when possible.
How to cross-reference accurately
- Take clear photos of all markings, including the front, sides near exhaust ports, and the gasket surface. Include any date codes or stamping near the intake/exhaust ports.
- Use official sources first: Ford Parts catalogs, factory service manuals, and Ford Tech/Owner resources often have casting-code lookup guides.
- Consult reputable databases and communities that specialize in Ford head castings (forums, technical wikis, and published head-casting guides). Compare the exact casting code, intake/exhaust port patterns, and bolt-pattern compatibility.
- Cross-check with your engine family and year to ensure the head will work with the block, intake, and exhaust manifolds you intend to use.
With casting numbers, you can typically verify the engine family (e.g., Windsor/Cleveland vs. Modular vs. Ecoboost) and narrow the year range and application fairly quickly when you reference reliable sources.
Additional visual cues and verification tips
Beyond casting numbers, look for these physical cues to confirm the head’s Ford lineage and compatibility.
- Camshaft location and count: A DOHC head will show two cams per bank and multiple cam bearing caps visible from the top; an OHV head will have a single cam location within the block and rocker arms on the head.
- Port and valve arrangement: DOHC Ford heads often display more intricate port layouts and may have smaller, more numerous ports per cylinder compared with older OHV head designs.
- Spark plug orientation: Some Ford DOHC heads use side or top-of-combustion-chamber spark plug placements depending on design; this can help distinguish families when combined with other markings.
- Gasket surface and bolt pattern: While not definitive on its own, the gasket surface shape and head bolt pattern (number and layout) should match the target engine family and block.
These checks help you build a coherent picture of the head’s origin and suitability for your project, especially when casting numbers are hard to read or damaged.
Where to verify information and reliable resources
To minimize guesswork, rely on authoritative sources and trusted communities for confirmation.
- Factory service manuals and official Ford parts catalogs for your engine family and year.
- FordParts.com or official dealership databases for cross-referencing head casting numbers and compatible applications.
- Reputable automotive databases and well-regarded Ford forums or enthusiast communities that publish head-casting lookup guides and photos.
- When in doubt, consult a qualified machinist or engine builder who has experience with Ford cylinder heads and can physically verify compatibility and condition.
Relying on multiple sources reduces the risk of misidentifying a head, especially when dealing with interchangeable parts across generations.
What to do if you’re identifying a head for rebuild or swap
Use a practical checklist to ensure compatibility and assess condition before purchase or installation.
- Inspect for warpage, cracks, and corrosion around ports and the deck surface. A straightedge and feeler gauges can reveal flatness issues that affect gasket sealing.
- Check the valve seats, guides, and spring seats if you plan to revalve or fit new springs. Compare with the intended cam and spring specs for the target engine family.
- Verify compatibility with your block, head gasket, and intake/exhaust manifolds. Even identical-looking heads can have different coolant passages or bolt patterns that affect fitment.
- Document casting numbers and markings before disassembly to ensure you can reassemble with correct hardware and gaskets.
Thorough inspection and proper matching of parts reduce the risk of fitment issues or cooling/sealing problems after installation.
Summary
Identifying a Ford cylinder head hinges on a structured approach: start with clear visual cues about the cam train and engine family, locate and read the head’s casting numbers, and cross-reference those markings with authoritative Ford resources. Supplement casting-number checks with careful inspection of the head’s ports, gasket surface, and bolt pattern to confirm compatibility with your block and intake. When in doubt, consult service manuals and experienced engine builders to ensure accuracy and reliability.
