1949 Spitfire Engine

[Tom Skinner]

Dear Forum Members,

Can anyone tell me if the numbers on the head of a Spitfire 6 Cylinder Engine

are a diagnostic as to what year the engine is? Or if it is a 250.6 cu. in., or otherwise, say a 230 cu. in., ETC.

The Numbers on the Head of the Motor are 1313826-2 near Cylinder #2, with nomenclature of NI near the rear of the engine.

If this Motor is a 1948, 1949, ETC. Motor.

One more question. Are 1949 Spitfire Sixes interchangable with 1948 Spitfire Sixes?

Tom Skinner

PS. I know of a Vin Number List that Identifies Years and Models of Chryslers,

but I do not know if engine numbers have such a list.

[greg g]

The more telling numbers are on the engine block on a boss above the generator, right below the cylinder head block interface. It should start with a C followed by 2 digits that represent the model number, then the sequence digits.

The numbers on the head indicate the casting sequence for the head not necessarily for the engine assembly.

You can measure the stroke of the engine and determine its displacement. In the center of the head over #6 cylinder is a screwin pipe plug. Removing this gives you access to the top of the piston. Insert a piece of stiff wire about 8 inches long. By rotating the engine manually, you can measure the movement of the wire and determing the stroke. With this info you can determine which engine you have. Don't forget to put the plug back in before starting the engine again.

[Plymouthy Adams]

being a spitfire of that era I would say you have a 251 and other than a lightening bolt and raised letters..it is just a standard engine.

[Don Coatney]

Spitfire heads were only used on Crashler engines. So the head you have will work only on long block engines. It will not work on American made Dodge and Plymouth cars.

[Tom Skinner]

Thanks for the information!

I realized the numbers on the block were what I needed after I hung up the phone with the seller of this engine, however, I am really just needing the intake, and exhaust manifolds, not the whole motor although if I drive 10 hours in my pick up truck to buy it the whole things comming home.

Tom