Hi fastlane crew, I have an original bore 186s block that I want to recondition back to stock and want to know what the original cylinder head part number should be as I only have the block. I am wondering if there is any difference between the standard 186 cylinder head and the 186S cylinder head (my question assumes that they are different).

I am also wondering if anyone has an authentic 186S cylinder head that they might be willing to sell?

Thanks in advance!

htprem

Hi HK1837, thanks for the comment. So the part numbers were the same regardless of wether the engine was an "S" or not. I have read in the past that the cylinder heads on a 186s had upgraded valves and/or valve springs - or is that a "furphy"?

Cheers

htprem

Luckily the car its going into does not have aircon!

htprem

If you are doing one up I imagine you'd be putting hardened seats, new valves and new springs so as Warren says just grab any head with the cast numbers as I posted above.

Durwin, i've only ever seen one A/C head as well, on a HT Kingswood sedan 186 auto.

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If we all had the same (good) taste, who would buy all the Fords?

Hi Warren, that is both helpful and confusing! I get everything about the physical difference between the 186 and 186S cylinder head assemblies as you have described. I thought the casting number was
actually the part number. I am also aware that the head is somehow
date coded, but am not sure how. So does the part number appear
anywhere on the cylinder head assembly, or is it purely used for
'paperwork' purposes? Or put another way, how do I know if I have an authentic 186s cylinder head other than checking the springs and valves?

Does that mean if I have a standard head, that I can convert it to a 186S cylinder head by upgrading the valves and valve springs?

Thanks for your comment

htprem

Hi hkdave,
Did your cylinder head come off a 186 or 186S?
Cheers
htprem

That is correct. There is no difference at all except for the exhaust valves and springs. Part number rarely appears as a casting number. Heads are date coded.

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If we all had the same (good) taste, who would buy all the Fords?

Date code will have the something like D159. D is the month A through to M equals January through to December (no I). The last digit is the year (9=1969). The middle digit is the day of the month, in this case 15th. So just look for a head 0-3 months earlier than the build of your car, if you want to get that anal with it. If not just get the right cast number.

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If we all had the same (good) taste, who would buy all the Fords?

I can't remember what the clock is. Something to do with time of day or which shift. Date codes also changed from US formal to Aus format later in HQ as well, so the letter is in the middle. Other bits on HK-HG always used Aussie format, just look at your steering box or column.

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If we all had the same (good) taste, who would buy all the Fords?

Thanks for all the feedback/comments. The part numbering stuff is pretty intriguing. I think I will just grab a "stock" 186 head with reasonably accurate date coding and upgrade it to suit 186S. Seems like the smartest way forward!

Cheers

htprem