BLOCK LETTER EDELBROCK HEADS FOR 8ba

[Charles Brock]

I have a set of cast aluminum BLOCK LETTER EDELBROCK heads for a '49 - '53 motor.
The heads are stamped F 8 M 8.5. I know the M 8.5 stamping identifies these heads as Mercury with a compression ratio of 8.5. I assume that the F8 stamping represents the production date of June 1948.
In addition, the left side head does not have the oil filter mounting holes.
Does anyone have any information as to the history of these heads. I assume these are very rare. Thanks

 

[BrianCT]

F 8 Ford comp. 8to 1

 

[OLD...BILL]

Are you sure there for 49 / 53,, very rare with block letters, and where is the water outlet ? Top front or center top?...........OLD...BILL

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

I think early versions of the late flathead used the same type filter and mount as the 59A, with the kind bolting to the little separate cast stnds coming a couple years later...so Edelbrock in block letter days would not have known about those future provisions.

 

[Charles Brock]

Yes, these are for '49/'53. The water outlet is top front. Thanks

 

[Flathead Fever]

I too have a pair of late model block letter Edelbrock heads. They are definitely rarer than the earlier heads. I have an ad from a September, 1948 Hot Rod magazine announcing the new heads.

The “F8” stands for Ford 8:1 compression and the M8.5 is Mercury 8.5:1 compression. The extra stroke of the Merc crank raises the compression ratio. There are also street and race heads. The race heads are thicker and the compression ratio is designed for blocks that have been relieved. The street heads use the stock length studs or bolts, they are thicker at the top than at the bottom (see photo) and are designed for stock blocks that have not been relieved.


Jerry