How to identify E7TE head?
The E7TE head is a type of automotive engine head that is commonly found in various Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. Identifying the E7TE head is important for maintenance, repair, and replacement purposes. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to identify the E7TE head.
What is the E7TE Head?
The E7TE head is a cylinder head design used in certain Volkswagen and Audi engines, particularly the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines. It is known for its robust construction and is often used in high-performance applications. The E7TE head features a unique design that sets it apart from other engine heads, making it important to correctly identify it for proper maintenance and replacement.
How to Identify the E7TE Head
To identify the E7TE head, you can follow these steps:
- Inspect the Casting Number: The E7TE head will have a casting number that starts with "06B" or "06C". This is the easiest way to identify the head, as the casting number is typically stamped on the top or side of the head.
- Check the Valve Cover: The E7TE head will have a valve cover that is different from other Volkswagen and Audi engine heads. The valve cover will have a distinctive shape and may have the "E7TE" designation printed on it.
- Examine the Spark Plug Orientation: The spark plugs on the E7TE head are oriented in a specific pattern, with the plugs positioned at an angle rather than in a straight line.
- Measure the Cylinder Head Dimensions: The E7TE head has specific dimensions, including the overall length, width, and height, that can be used to identify it. Comparing the measurements to the manufacturer's specifications can help confirm the head type.
By following these steps, you should be able to accurately identify the E7TE head on your Volkswagen or Audi engine. Proper identification is crucial for ensuring the correct parts are used during maintenance and repair work.
How can I tell if I have Vortec heads?
You can identify Vortec heads by checking for an 8-bolt intake manifold pattern (versus the older 12-bolt pattern), center-bolt valve covers, and specific casting numbers ending in '062' or '906'. Other telltale signs include a raised, rectangular intake manifold surface and a distinctive heart-shaped combustion chamber.
This video explains how to identify Vortec heads by looking at the bolt pattern: 43sCUTTER'S PERFORMANCEYouTube · Aug 26, 2020
Key identification features
- Intake manifold bolt pattern: Look for an eight-bolt pattern on the intake manifold, which is a significant departure from the older 12-bolt pattern used on most other small-block Chevy heads.
- Valve cover bolts: Vortec heads use a center-bolt design for the valve covers.
- Intake manifold surface: The intake manifold surface on Vortec heads is raised and rectangular.
- Casting numbers: Find the casting number on the inside of the head. Look for numbers ending in 062 or 906.
- The 062 casting is common and features three triangles on the front, while the 906 casting has a single "hump" marking.
- Combustion chamber shape: Vortec heads have a distinct, heart or kidney-bean-shaped combustion chamber with an area for improved flow near the valves.
- Spark plug location: The spark plug is located closer to the center of the combustion chamber.
- "Sawtooth" casting marks: Some Vortec heads have a "sawtooth" or triangular pattern cast into the end of the head.
This video shows the 8-bolt intake manifold pattern on Vortec heads: 1mSummit RacingYouTube · Oct 16, 2012
How to tell if you have GT40P heads?
You can identify GT40P heads by looking for four vertical casting marks on the front of the head, a "GT40P" casting stamp (often on the intake side below the valve cover), and a spark plug angle that protrudes at nearly an 80-degree angle. The presence of a four-bar mark on the head's end differentiates them from standard GT40 heads, which have three bars.
This video shows the location of the four bars that identify GT40P heads: 57sFlorida Cracker KustomsYouTube · Mar 26, 2024
Key identifiers
- Casting marks: Look for four vertical hash marks or bars on the front end of the cylinder head. Standard GT40 heads have three bars.
- Stamping: Check for "GT40P" cast into the head, most often found on the intake side below the valve cover. Other identifying stamps like "P" or "GTP" may also be present.
- Spark plug angle: The spark plugs on GT40P heads are set at a much steeper angle, protruding almost straight out from the side of the head. This is a common source of header fitment issues, requiring specific headers designed for this angle.
- Intake/Exhaust ports: GT40P heads typically have a 1.84-inch intake valve and a smaller 1.46-inch exhaust valve, with a smaller combustion chamber (58−6158 minus 6158−61 cc) compared to standard GT40 heads (63−6663 minus 6663−66 cc).
- Thermactor tube provision: Unlike standard GT40 heads, the GT40P heads from an Explorer do not have a hole for the thermactor (air injection) crossover tube.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences in spark plug angle between GT40 and GT40P heads: 50sKASL CustomsYouTube · Mar 12, 2023
What are the specs of the e7 heads?
E7TE heads are cast-iron cylinder heads from Ford's 5.0L V8 engine (1987-1993) with a combustion chamber size of about 61.5 cc, intake valves of 1.78 inches, and exhaust valves of 1.46 inches. Key specifications include a 127 cc intake port and 44 cc exhaust port. They are considered a low-performance head with room for improvement in the exhaust ports, which can have a "smog bump" that can be removed.
This video demonstrates the flow characteristics of E7TE heads: 1mRichard HoldenerYouTube · Nov 18, 2020
E7TE head specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Combustion Chamber | ~61.5 cc |
| Intake Valve | 1.78 inches |
| Exhaust Valve | 1.46 inches |
| Intake Port Volume | 127 cc |
| Exhaust Port Volume | 44 cc |
| Stock Peak Flow | Intake: ~166 CFM, Exhaust: ~112 CFM |
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Performance and modifications
- Performance limitations: E7 heads are not high-performance heads, and improvements are possible, especially through porting.
- Exhaust port: The exhaust ports are a common area for improvement, often containing a "smog bump" that can be removed for increased flow.
- Intake port: While less restricted than the exhaust, the intake ports can also benefit from cleanup, particularly in the bowl area and around the valve guide boss.
- Overall: They are a budget-friendly option for a basic engine build, but most aftermarket aluminum heads will outperform stock E7s.
This video discusses the horsepower output of E7 heads with a cam upgrade: 55sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Jun 28, 2022
How do you read a Ford head casting number?
To look up a Ford cylinder head casting number, find the number stamped on the head, which is often located above the exhaust manifold on the side of the engine. For older models or some specific engines, it may be under the intake manifold or valve cover, requiring some disassembly to see. Once you have the number, decode it using a resource like MustangTek to determine the design year, vehicle, and engine it was for.
Locating the casting number
- Modern heads: The number is frequently found on the side of the head, near the spark plugs, and above the exhaust manifold. It might also be on the end of the casting, just below the valve cover rail.
- Older or specific engines: On some models, the number is only visible after removing the intake manifold or the valve cover, as it's located on the underside of the head or in the valley.
- Side-specific: Some heads might have the number stamped on the exhaust side, while on others, it's on the intake side.
- Date code: A separate date code, which indicates the month, day, and year of casting, is often found under the valve cover.
Decoding the number
- Numbering convention: Ford casting numbers typically follow a pattern: [Decade Letter][Year Number][Vehicle Code][Engine/Part Number].
- Decade: The first letter indicates the decade (e.g., 'C' for 1960s, 'D' for 1970s, 'E' for 1980s).
- Year: The number following the letter indicates the last digit of the year within that decade (e.g., C5 would be 1965).
- Other digits: Subsequent letters or numbers specify the vehicle design (e.g., 'S' for Thunderbird) and the engineering division (most often 'E' for engine).
Additional tips
- Look for online resources: Many websites specialize in decoding Ford casting numbers and can provide specific information once you have the number. Engine Labs is another good resource.
- Be prepared to disassemble: If you can't find the number on the exterior, you may need to remove the intake manifold or valve cover to locate it.
