Ford PRE X-Flow

Ford Pre-Crossflow Engine

The Ford pre-crossflow engine is an early overhead valve (OHV) inline-four engine developed by Ford UK. It was used primarily throughout the 1950s and 1960s before being replaced by the more efficient crossflow design.

Common Engine Sizes:
997cc
1098cc
1198cc
1340cc
1498cc (commonly referred to as the "1500")

Applications:
Ford Anglia 105E
Ford Cortina Mk1
Ford Classic
Ford Capri (early models)
Lotus Cortina (based on the 1500 block, but modified with a twin-cam head)

Distinguishing from Crossflow Engines:
In a pre-crossflow engine, both the intake and exhaust ports are on the same side of the cylinder head. In a crossflow engine, introduced by Ford in 1967, the intake and exhaust ports are on opposite sides, which improves airflow and overall efficiency.

Production Period:
The pre-crossflow engine was used from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. It was replaced by the crossflow version of the Kent engine, starting with the Cortina Mk2 and Escort Mk1.