I am an F-Code newbie but I recently purchased a 57 F-Bird clone and I need some help regarding identifying the parts.  I should point out that this car was last touched in 1974 according to the previous owner, who I know well enough to know that he couldn't tell a lie to save his life.  What I do know is that the engine and supercharger set up came out of an F-Code passenger car.   That being said, I have had some conflicting information and I was hoping that some of you experts could help me out.  

Both of these heads have the EDB-D casting numbers on them near the intake manifold ports however the combustion chamber surfaces have casting codes that are not identical.  What if anything can you tell me based on the pictures?  Are there date codes on these?  If so where and how do I read them. What do the markings indicate? What are these heads worth?  What is an intake worth, or correct carburetor?  What is the whole package worth?  

Does anyone have any input on what this stuff might be worth?  I know it always comes down to what someone is willing to pay, but I have heard a bunch of numbers and I don't know what is realistic.   Ive heard tell of $5,000+ for the heads alone, Ive also seen them go as low as $4,000.  The intake on the other hand I have no idea.  I have been offered $1500 and $2,000 but I couldn't say if that is low or about right.  And now Ted mentioned that the carburetor might be the most valuable part and now I don't know what to think.  I would really appreciate any guidance you guys can offer.  I am not trying to inflate the market into outerspace but I also want to get a good value for the parts with out either party being ripped off.  Any wisdom you can share would be incredibly helpful!  

You've got to determine what you've got parts-wise.  The original '57 passenger car supercharged engine would not go into the 'Bird you've purchased.  Assuming that 'Bird style components were used to install the engine, you've got to determine if they are original Ford replacement components or later non-Ford reproductions. 

Presently, (today) for 'F' code 'Bird applications...
- new (reproduction) air cleaner housings are being made and sold,
- reproduction bracketry has been available in the past...some in aluminum, some in cast iron,
- new (reproduction) 'Bird standard transmission and automatic transmission crankshaft front dampers are available for sale
- original 'Bird tach drive distributors can be re-fitted with re-worked distributor plates to mount dual points per original, re-stamped to display the 'Bird S.C. i.d. number (only the suffix letter has to be changed).  I don't think that original spec S.C. distributor springs, distributor cams, and vacuum advance chambers are being installed in these clones.
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What's are the parts worth?  To the person who is restoring a true 'F' 'Bird or 'F' passenger car, who is missing these parts...IF the parts ARE original and IF the parts have production dates, it becomes important that the dates on the parts are pre the production date of the car being restored.  IF all the info. fits, the parts can bring t-o-p dollar from that buyer.
 
For someone who is building a clone for nostalgia purposes or sanctioned racing, they still may pay a serious dollar, but not as much as the individual building a numbers-matching museum type car.
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IF I were looking to sell what you have, I would contact someone who has dealt with this stuff extensively and KNOWS what they're looking at and WHO they might turn to for a sale that would be related to the restoration of a high end car.  The following individuals KNOW '57 Ford supercharged engine parts and assemblies.

Don Hyde, Plano, TX   Fax: (972) 423-4636
Amos Minter, Dallas, TX   email - amosminter@sbcglobal.net
Jim Weatherly, Fullerton, CA   phone 714 525-9477
Gil Baumgartner, Fairfield, CA   email - gilbaum@inreach.com
Felix Natoli, Perry, NY  email - Natolibird@aol.com

Hope this helps . 


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

Just as an FYI I struck a deal to sell the two heads intake and Carb for $7500. I will be delivering the parts to him at about 10am today. With that I have one other person offering $8,000 but I am sticking with the first buyer as he has been helpful to me in the past. All of the parts are in the condition they were in when I pulled them.

I just wanted to let you guys know what they went for, thanks for all of the help!

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart)