1950 NH / VH Barrels ?

[g.hester1]

Hello Ariel experts,
Is there an easy way to identify if a barrel is a 350 0r 500 without dismantling the engine .
I have been offered a bike which is a mismatch 1955 Frame and running gear with a 1950 bottom end and gearbox .
Any ideas ,casting numbers ,fins etc.
Regards Graham

[Simon.Gardiner]

Is the barrel the exposed push-rod tunnel type or does it have cast-in push-rod tunnels?
Exposed push-rod tunnels, the VH barrel has a massive base flange (1" thick I think), the NH has the much thinner base flange (much much less than 1" thick!)
Cast-in push-rod tunnels, someone will know the numbers of fins on each but the VH has a 5th head stud (and nut) between the push-rods, exactly like the barrel base has. The NH has the 5 cylinder base studs but only the usual 4 head studs/nuts.

HTH

SG

[g.hester1]

Thankyou Simon,
That is just the right info for me confirm what's what with the bike.
It has exposed tubes so I will have to check the flange thickness .
Once again Thanks
Graham