Just completing full restoration 1960 MKII 3.8. Alas head found to be rotten & best shop in SoCal tried valiently to re weld but uncovering wider corrosion and head declared junk.
Will a 4.2 head match up (water passages etc)? Having real difficulty locating good 3.8 head but several sellers "believe" 4.2 head would match up...if so would ALL 4.2 heads work or perhaps only selected years/head numbers?
Grateful for technical advice
Curt Cronkhite
Submitted by curtcronkhite@… on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 18:43
Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 10:06
Sent to Saloon Forum but...3.8 vs 4.2 Head Compatible?
The water passages are different on the 4.2 vs the earlier heads with the exception of the straight port heads used on the 150S and the 3.8 XKE. The later 4.2 heads are also longer in the back with extra water passages that will hang over the back of the block. Other issues include the drillings for the rear seal plates on the head. Not sure why you are having trouble finding a good head, the early ones are not that unusual.
Thank you Dick
A seller has come up with rough looking head serial # ZA 1421-9
He believes off a Mark X or at least a 61-62 sedan.
Do you know if this head would fit? all other conditions being in order.
RE MKV DHC...looking for water manifold/rail...too many ol Cats to care for.
If you have handle on 3.8 or the V manifold or where to direct me.
Many thanks