Engine Number

gstsaver · Jul 17, 2018

Hi Guys,

Just registering my car and I am told I need an ENGINE NUMBER. Apparently it isn't the 'Casting Number' but an actual engine number.

I have looked in the repair manuals, online, everywhere and can't see where this can be.

This is to register my car in Australia. The guy doing it doesn't know where it would be on these cars but is sure it would have one.

Any suggestions ??

General karthief · Jul 17, 2018

There should be a smooth flat spot on the top, rear of the block by the intake wall, it has a number that is stamped and may be hard to read, I think it is on the right side, which would be the drivers side down there.
@FoxChasis can confirm this when he checks in or some one else that knows

gstsaver · Jul 17, 2018

Thanks ! But do you know how to actually view it. I can feel it back there but can't seem to see it no matter how I contort myself or use my phone as a camera (I get the first digit only with my camera) ?

General karthief · Jul 17, 2018

It's hand stamped, take mechanics mirror and a bright light.

Mustang5L5 · Jul 17, 2018

All Ford engines since 1968 have had a VIN or partial VIN stamped on the engine. For the 302 it's the rear of engine where the intake manifold meets the block.

It's usually the last 8 digits of the VIN. If your engine was replaced at some point, the replacement won't have this stamped on it. Sometimes machine shops mill it off when rebuilding an engine. In that case, buy yourself a few punches, and punch in the last 8 digits of your VIN on the block in this location and call it a day.

There's also a partial VIN stamped on the trans

RangerJoe · Jul 17, 2018

If they just need a number, without looking themselves, could you just give them the last of your vin?

Ioe

Mustang5L5 · Jul 17, 2018

RangerJoe said:
If they just need a number, without looking themselves, could you just give them the last of your vin?

Ioe

That's probably what I would do, but since I tend to imagine worst case, I would think the only way this could be an issue is if down the road some official needs to check the number. They look and see that the number is different (engine was replaced) and now they want him to prove he acquired the engine legally or something odd like that.

I only say this because I was recently privy to someone trying to recertify a salvage vehicle here in MA. The inspection process dealt less with safety, and more with proving the replacement parts for the (water) salvage car were obtained legally. Needed a papertrail for all the replacement parts and such. Total PITA

Prob never happened, but yeah..i'd assume it was last 8 digits of vin. I'd still take a peek.

gstsaver · Jul 17, 2018

So the number at the back of the intake wall on the right hand side isn't the engine number ?

Mustang5L5 · Jul 17, 2018

I dunno. What's an ink wall? I don't know what that term refers to

What year car are we talking about here anyway?

gstsaver · Jul 17, 2018

1987 Mustang - meant to say intake wall - as per first reply. Is it definitely the last 8 digits of the VIN ?

Mustang5L5 · Jul 17, 2018

Unsure. Need to see what location you are referring to.

But yes, last 8 digits of vin are usually what is stamped. It's hand stAmped, I have a transmission taken from a car where the first two digits were stamped reveresed...so mistakes happen

gstsaver · Jul 17, 2018

Still can't find it...on the back of the engine by intake it wasn't there--thought it was but was just some exhaust number part I was seeing.

Mustang5L5 · Jul 18, 2018

Then just buy some punches and punch the last 8 digits of your vin into the area shown above. If your engine was rebuilt or replaced at some point, the number won't be there.

I be a majority of the Mustangs in the US don't have an engine number that matches their car, or one that's even present due to 30 year or so of swapping engines, rebuilds and crate motor installs.

gstsaver · Jul 19, 2018

How would I possibly get into that area to punch some numbers in without removing a lot of parts?

General karthief · Jul 19, 2018

Your just gonna have to bite it. I doubt you can get back there without removing the heater hoses, throttle body and possible the upper intake, not that much work, and you may find it has numbers already, mine are barely visible.

gstsaver · Jul 19, 2018

It is actually on the left side of the car from the PIC so heater hoses aren't in the way but upper intake needs to come off and maybe a few other bits and bobs
Just bought a super bright narrow beam inspection light so will try with that and the mirror first

General karthief · Jul 19, 2018

Right, errrr, I mean correct, been a while, good catch.

gstsaver · Jul 20, 2018

Yes ! After a can of Heavy Duty Degreaser and contorting my body across the top of the engine I was able to positively locate the numbers.
The picture was a huge help.
I can't get a picture of mine as there is too much on the way..but now I am AOK as I can show the VASS and Roadworthy guys !

deathb4dismount · Jul 21, 2018

Mines been ground off

General karthief · Jul 21, 2018

Possession of stolen property

Engine Number

Member

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Member

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

I leave the horn on while driving

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Member

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Member

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Member

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Member

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Member

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Member

Crap, didn’t realize my crotch was in that picture

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

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