engine casting numbers

jonnyscotti · Aug 10, 2005

Looking into buying a 1969 mustang and the guy says that it has the original engine in it. Where are the casting numbers so I can make sure? And when I get the numbers how do I decode them? Thanks

Sincerely, Scotti

D.Hearne · Aug 10, 2005

The block numbers are located above the starter. As is the date code. But don't be surprised if the casting #'s seem to indicate that the block was for a different application, such as a fairlane or galaxie. Many parts used in Stangs were originally designed for different applications. The only certain way to tell if the block was original to the car, is if the serial number was stamped into the block, and as far as I'm aware of, the only Stangs that had such numbers would be the limited production cars like the Boss's or Shelby's. The date code would also simply indicate if the block and any other parts with these numbers were mfg. before the production date, if they were correct parts for the car.

jonnyscotti · Aug 11, 2005

thank you very much for the information

Timmy · Aug 11, 2005

If it's a 390, it may not have one. Mine does not. I'm told that is common on 390 blocks in 68 and 69

Tim

geordie · Aug 11, 2005

Use this handy chart to decode all of the Ford part numbers. For example a 1968 200 6 head part number: C8DZ-6049-C

The first two digits indicate the decade and the year;
A = 40's
B = 50's
C = 60's
D = 70's
E = 80's
F = 90's
G = 00's

So the first two digits indicate that it is a "C" 60's and a "8" so that tells us it is a 68 head.

The third digit designates the vehicle model line;
A = Ford full size (Galaxie)
B = Bronco (70-75)
C = Torino/Elite
D = Falcon
E = Escort
F = Pinto, Maverick, Late model Falcon
G = Early Comet (61-68), Montego, Cyclone (69-76)
H = Medium & heavy duty truck
J = Industrial
K = Edsel
L = Lincoln (58-60)
M = Mercury
O = Fairlane (62-68), Torino (69-76)
R = Capri
S = Thunderbird
T = F series or Bronco
U = Econoline van
V = Lincoln
W = Cougar
Z = Mustang

So the third digit indicates that it "D" was off a Falcon.

The fourth digit designates the engineering group;
A = Chassis
B = Body
E = Engine

Or if it's a service replacement part;
M = Ford Motorsport or FFRP
X = Original Ford racing program/Muscle Parts
Y = Lincoln-Mercury
Z = Ford

So the fourth digit indicates that it was a "Z" Ford replacement part.

The next 4 numbers (6049) indicates the Ford "group number" for a head

The last digit "C" on the end of the part number indicates that this part was in its third revision. If revised again it would turn into a "D" and so on. When they reach the end of the alphabet they started over with AA, BB and so on as shown in this "example" part number: D7BE-6090-AB.

Our example part number C8DZ-6049-C decodes as;

C8 = 68
D = Falcon
Z = Ford replacement part
6049 = Head group part number
C = 3rd revision

D.Hearne · Aug 11, 2005

geordie said:
Use this handy chart to decode all of the Ford part numbers. For example a 1968 200 6 head part number: C8DZ-6049-C

The first two digits indicate the decade and the year;
A = 40's
B = 50's
C = 60's
D = 70's
E = 80's
F = 90's
G = 00's

So the first two digits indicate that it is a "C" 60's and a "8" so that tells us it is a 68 head.

The third digit designates the vehicle model line;
A = Ford full size (Galaxie)
B = Bronco (70-75)
C = Torino/Elite
D = Falcon
E = Escort
F = Pinto, Maverick, Late model Falcon
G = Early Comet (61-68), Montego, Cyclone (69-76)
H = Medium & heavy duty truck
J = Industrial
K = Edsel
L = Lincoln (58-60)
M = Mercury
O = Fairlane (62-68), Torino (69-76)
R = Capri
S = Thunderbird
T = F series or Bronco
U = Econoline van
V = Lincoln
W = Cougar
Z = Mustang

So the third digit indicates that it "D" was off a Falcon.

The fourth digit designates the engineering group;
A = Chassis
B = Body
E = Engine

Or if it's a service replacement part;
M = Ford Motorsport or FFRP
X = Original Ford racing program/Muscle Parts
Y = Lincoln-Mercury
Z = Ford

So the fourth digit indicates that it was a "Z" Ford replacement part.

The next 4 numbers (6049) indicates the Ford "group number" for a head

The last digit "C" on the end of the part number indicates that this part was in its third revision. If revised again it would turn into a "D" and so on. When they reach the end of the alphabet they started over with AA, BB and so on as shown in this "example" part number: D7BE-6090-AB.

Our example part number C8DZ-6049-C decodes as;

C8 = 68
D = Falcon
Z = Ford replacement part
6049 = Head group part number
C = 3rd revision

Two things to remember with what you've posted here: You'll never find a part with a "Z" cast(or stamped) into it in the forth digit, that's the "part" number, not a casting number. Second, just because the third digit indicates the part was designed for a certain car (or truck) in mind, doesn't mean that's what it was installed in by the factory originally.

mitchcj1 · Aug 12, 2005

I had a related question, I got my heads off today and the heads have 302 stamped on them, but the block under the manifold says 289. Whats up with that?? I have the build sheet but its REAL hard to make out, faded and such. I was just wondering what the engine actually is??

D.Hearne · Aug 13, 2005

mitchcj1 said:
I had a related question, I got my heads off today and the heads have 302 stamped on them, but the block under the manifold says 289. Whats up with that?? I have the build sheet but its REAL hard to make out, faded and such. I was just wondering what the engine actually is??

That will depend on what crank is in it. Same bore for both. The difference in cubic inches was the stroke. 2.87 for 289, 3.00 for 302. 289's also had slightly longer rods. Both used the same pistons.

FallujahMedic · Aug 13, 2005

D.Hearne said:
That will depend on what crank is in it. Same bore for both. The difference in cubic inches was the stroke. 2.87 for 289, 3.00 for 302. 289's also had slightly longer rods. Both used the same pistons.

now I have a similar question. I have a 390, but the guy I got it from says it has a 427 crank and intake manifold. what gives with that? also said something about it being a leftover ford 427 that went into a merc as a 390. confusing I know.

D.Hearne · Aug 14, 2005

The390 and 427 used the same stroke cranks. Bore on the 427 was much larger at 4.23". 390 bore is 4.05". The 427 block was a different casting with larger bore sleeves, you cannot bore a 390 out to 427 size, even if you did without poking thru the sides, the walls would be paper thin. Both use the same intake manifold, with the exception of the SOHC 427 and High Riser 427. 390 heads will fit on a 427, but not all the 427 heads will work on a 390 because of their larger valves. They will physically bolt onto a 390 block, but the valves would hit the deck when opened.

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