Charlie

While your parts information is accurate,you have the applications turned around.

The extra parts you describe only were installed on the DSO engines from the factory.

The normal 270 H.P "E" code engines did not received this treatment.The 285 H.P. "E" code engines are believed to have received the beefed up valve train and the broached heads.

The regular 300 H.P. blower engine did not receive the upgraded valve train, only the optional camshaft DSO engine got the heavy duty parts.

The exception to the rule would be IF the parts were dealer installed as per a TSB that was put out.

As you have previously mentioned "some will argue about this".

Oldmics

Hmmm... Here's another thing I've been told is a component of the original 'E' code 312 engine...

The valve spring assemblies on ALL '57 'E' code and 'F' code engine cylinder heads are different than all other '57 y-block offerings.

When you take the valve covers off, look for:
- single valve springs w/ an inner damper (no damper on all others)
- one piece steel valve spring retainers (not the usual two piece style)

The valve spring retainers (by my understanding) look like the retainers presently available on eBay motors. Use the eBay search function to display item number 331006615876

There are other regulars on this Forum like Oldmics who should be able to confirm this for you.

Hope this helps!

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

you might want to check the cam when you dismantle the engine, the E code used a different cam.

 lincoln/merc. y-blocks &mel's                                                               bucyrus, ohio.

You might also look at the Teapot carb numbers. For the ECG-D manifold, the Holley list numbers on the back flange of the carb are expected to be 1434 and/or 1437. If the carbs numbers are correct, then the carbs facing forward or rearward will be clue to if the intake came off of Thunderbird or car/Ranchero/station wagon. If the carbs are facing the rear, there should be a bellcrank between the carbs to move the throttle linkages to the passenger side of the engine.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Charlie,
Thanks for all the info. Looks like I need to get out in the garage and do a little investigating.

Regards,
Bruce

The valley pan most associated with being from a '57 'E' has a concave flat section to permit the mounting of the aluminum intake on the cylinder heads.

Some say that there were some early production '57 'E' engines that used the late '56 Ford model year, over-the-parts-counter-only, 2x4 power pack application only, flat valley pans. Some argue about this stuff...

If you go to eBay motors and use their search function, search for item 3310770277519. This is a quality reproduction. NOTE: When eBay item 310770277519 opens, toggle the 'sold' picture, then scroll down the page to see the original listing and the pictures that are part of the seller's description.

Another repo Ford 2x4 valley pan that is presently listed on eBay is item number 350857983663

None of the usually identified as '57 'E' style concave flat section valley pans are presently listed on 'E' bay and I don't have a picture to post.

Regards,


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Dan and Slumlord's points are good ones. First, determine if the engine is a 312. Only 312s came from the factory with the 'E' set-ups. Next, determine how many of the 'E' components you've got. When these set-ups get moved around from vehicle-to-vehicle, often some items are forgotten.

Slumlord mentioned the valley pan and fuel filter canister. Another less obvious component that should have been moved is the distributor. The serial number on the housing of the 'E' is unique. The different number was assigned because the 'E' distributors' have a different secondary spring in the centrifugal advance mechanism to produce a different advance curve. Also, different shims were used in the 'E' distributors' vacuum advance canister to compensate for the reduced vacuum signal produced when there are two carbs feeding the engine.

1957 Ford dual quad distributor serial numbers:
FEH 12127-C passenger car 'E' code
FEJ 12127-B 'Bird 'E' code w/ tach drive unit

Other '57 Ford distributor numbers
- FEH 12127-A 292 passenger
- FEK 12127-A 312 passenger
- FEH 12127-E 312 passenger - supercharged only - dual points
- FEJ 12127-A 292/312 'Bird - w/ tach drive unit
- FEK 12127-B 312 'Bird - w/ tach drive unit
- FEJ 12127-D 312 'Bird - supercharger only - dual points - w/ tach drive unit

Hope this helps!

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Supercharged, thanks for the info on distributor id. Next question, what makes an E valley pan unique?

Thanks,

Bruce Martin

In answer to your original question. As stated it is possible to identify it as a 312. To my knowledge there is no way to positively identify it as being an original E engine. If it has the E valley pan, fuel filter and any other original E parts other than the intake in the trunk, there is a good possibility that it could have been an E engine. Still no way to prove that the block was an E that I am aware of.

The previous owner bought the car with the dual quad setup installed. He had it removed and installed a 57 single 4bbl intake with a 600 cfm edelbrock. because he wasn't happy with the way it ran. I'm going to pull the motor over the winter to detail the engine compartment and reseal the engine. I'll find out if it's a 312 when I pull the pan. Thanks for the input.