Water inlet

[Great Lakes Greg]

I have a '23 engine, and a new Brassworks '15-'16 radiator. It's pretty obvious my later water neck is not compatible with the earlier radiator. What date range do I need to shoot for to get the right neck, and does anybody happen to have one I can buy? As always, thanks experts.

 

[stevests]

There's a decent repro available from any of the vendors - '09 - '16, I believe.

 

[29spcoupe]

If it is a 23 engine, you have a high head trying to mate up with the brass radiator. If I remember correctly, the only way I was able to make them mate up was to cut the outlet for the block so it would fit to the radiator. You could try to find a low head to replace the high you have now, but they are rather expensive. You would also be taking a chance that it could have a crack or would have to be milled flat.

 

[redmodelt]

You should be able to use the 09-16 outlet (correct term) on the high head. The flange on both the low and high head should be in same place. The correct fitting is more horizontal. Ball part on a decent low head is around $50 to $150 plus any shipping.
https://www.modeltford.com/item/3004.aspx
https://www.modeltford.com/item/3004B.aspx

 

[Great Lakes Greg]

It is an aftermarket Z head, so I am kind of stuck there. I just ordered the early outlet from Snyders. We'll see if it works, or if I need to "tune" it up a little. Thank you greatly for all of the input. I have done a few ground up's on Model A's, but am quite a novice on these early Fords.

 

[stevests]

Both low & high cylinder heads measure 3" from surface to center of outlet bolts - so using the low head outlet will work just fine.