[Tigers] big valve 260

[Thomas Witt]

>>> It would be great to confirm the Ford part configuration of all these 
>>> engine groups but I believe that is just " Wishin' and Hopin' ".<<<

I just want to encourage the list to relay any engine information you have 
to Ron.  For years he has been diligent to compile information that has been 
brought forth. And, he has freely given back whatever he can offer when 
asked.  So, the next time you have a valve cover off or your starter out it 
would be great to record the various engine core numbers and forward them to 
him. Maybe he can ultimately generate a book titled...,  the "Core - Ron." 
:-)  It would be a great compliment to "The Book of Norman."

Tom Witt


> Jim
>    I don't have an absolute answer for this.   I have one source that
> indicates the C4OE-A heads were introduced in July - Aug 1963 for the 1964
> Ford model year.   If this is the case all Tiger 260 engines could have 
> the
> larger valves.
>
>    I have another source that indicates the C4OE-A heads were introduced 
> in
> Feb 1964.   This would mean that Tiger engine groups T15KL, E7KL and G13KA
> could have the C3OE-B head with smaller valves.
>
>    I have very little information in my Original Tiger Engine Study on
> these first 3 engine groups.  I have 1 entry for a G13KA engine; it does
> have C4OE-A heads with a date code of 3M13 = Dec 13, 1963; this would
> indicate that most or all of the G13KA engines have the C4OE-A heads with
> larger valves.
>
>    I have no information about the T15KL engine.   I'm not sure that any 
> of
> them have survived.   Some of the early stories and writings about the 
> Tiger
> indicate that there were some early engine problems.   This leads me to
> believe that maybe those engines had the C3OE-B heads with the smaller
> valves or it is very possible that the English expected these Fords 
> engines
> to easily rev to 6000 RPM as was common with their engines; the stock 260
> engine would generally break at that RPM.
>
>    I also have no confirmed information about the E7KL engine group.    I
> only have my theory of the part configuration.    If anyone has an 
> original
> 260 from one of these 3 early engine groups I would be glad to hear from
> you.  It would be great to confirm the Ford part configuration of all 
> these
> engine groups but I believe that is just " Wishin' and Hopin' ".
>
>    Unfortunately the only way to see the casting number on the heads is to
> remove it from the engine to see the number on the underside.   The date
> code is cast into the head under the valve cover but without the casting
> number it only give you the date.
>
> Ron Fraser
>
>
>
> Ron,
>
> You wrote;
>
> " ....... I know many people look at the 164 HP spec for the 260 and
> immediately want to upgrade to the 289. The 164HP rating only applies to
> the early 260 with small intake valves. The later 260 with larger intake
> valves was never rated by Ford but I'm sure it is in the 185 HP realm. 
> Also
> Alex Gabbard build up a 260 with a stroker kit and a bunch of other 
> goodies
> resulting in around 350 HP, not bad for a 260.
>
> Did all  Mk 1 Tigers have the big valve 260? If not, when is the break
> point?
>
> Jim Armstrong
> Mk 1A
> 382002083
> LRXFE