While block part numbers can help identify most engine sizes correctly, there are a few exceptions. A good example is the FE family of engines. For example, it is possible for the 390, 410 and 428 to share the same part numbers on an engine block, (i.e.: C6ME-A)
Ford Fe Casting Numbers Blocks
Ford’s part number convention generally follows the format of a four-digit casting code, followed by a four-digit basic part number, which will be “6090” for a cylinder head, followed by the revision version. The fuel pump and oil filter are on the driver's side of the engine. Most of them have either '352' or a mirror image '105' cast in the front driver's face of the block just below the head deck. The FT heads, intake and exhaust manifolds are just different enough that they are. Chevy 'W' Motor 348-409 V-8 Casting Numbers. Important: If you don't know where to look on your engine for all of the casting numbers, casting dates and suffix codes, see Chevy V-8 Casting Number Locations page 1 and page 2.
How is this possible?
It takes several individual parts to form and cast an engine block. As engineering changes occurred throughout production, subtle changes were made to some of the individual sections that formed the casting, while others did not require a change. For example, as the FE family grew to include others engines, the section of the block containing the 352 casting did not forego any early engineering changes and remained in place as other FE engines were conceived. This explains the 352 part number found on many FE blocks that are larger than the 352 V-8 engine, including some 390s and 427s.
How can you tell a 428 from a 410 or a 390?
The surest way is to remove the cylinder heads and measure the bore. 390s and 410s had a standard bore of 4.05” while the 428 possessed a standard bore of 4.13”. However, this will not tell you if you have a 390 or 410 if the part number on the block corresponds to both. You must take a step further and examine the crankshaft for markings as the 410 used a 428 crank.
Note the most common 390s could not be bored to 428 size, (i.e.: 4.13”) due to the thin cylinder walls and interference with water-jackets. However, the 390 Police Interceptor and GT blocks had thicker walls between each cylinder bore. Interestingly, some of these beefy 390s were machined to 428 specs for the first line-up of ’67 Shelby Mustang cars.
390 Fe Casting Numbers
Ford Fe Crankshaft Casting Numbers
221, 260, 289, 302The 221, 260, 289 were originally designed for the Fairlane and produced only in the Cleveland engine plant from 1962-1965. The 1964 289 casting number for all 289s was C4OE-6015-C (later an F suffix). In 1965, this number was changed to C5AE-6015-E for the 289 2V, 4V and Hi-Po (note the change to full size Ford designation and 6 bolt bell housings). In mid-year 1966 the Windsor plant also began producing 289s. The casting numbers for these were (C6AE-6015-C with a '289' and 'WF' in the lifter valley. In 1967 both Cleveland and Windsor produced 289s using earlier year casting numbers but with updated date codes. These two blocks were interchangeable, but there were probably some minor differences. Near the end of the 1967 production run, Cleveland ran out of 289 blocks and substituted their new 302 block, C8-OE-6015-A and marked with 302 in the lifter valleys. This block wasn't intended to see action until 1968. Note these 302 casting numbers returned to the intermediate size Ford or Fairlane lineage. Hence, a late model 289 coming from the Cleveland plant might have a 302 block with 289 innards. The Windsor plant had an abundance of 289 blocks for 1967. In 1968 Cleveland only made 302s, while Windsor continued with the 289s. It appears Windsor also tooled up for 302s but the plug was pulled before they got to make any. They did however, design and produce a 302 block that was used on 289s after the stock of 289 blocks was depleted. The number was C8AE-6015-B with 302 marking in the lifter valley. At the very end of the model year some additional 289 blocks must have been discovered as the older C6AE-6015-C blocks appeared again. In 1969 Cleveland continued with 302 production. Windsor dropped 289 production and took up the 351. In 1970 Cleveland came out with its newly designed 351. In short: C8OE-6015-A is a 302 block from Cleveland from a 1967 289 or a 1968 or later 302 (check date code). There is no code stamped on the block itself that can be used to identify the cubic inch displacement of the block. Casting numbers can be helpful, but some blocks used several different casting numbers, and in some cases, one casting is not interchangeable with the other. Engines are identified by a tag attached to the engine. This tag is used on all late 1964-1970 models and located under the coil attaching bolt. On the tag is the displacement, assembly plant, model year, change level, engine code (useful in identifying high performance engines) and date of production. This tag is easily lost or replaced with a fake tag, so don't rely solely on the tag for identification. Cylinder HeadsCasting numbers for cylinder heads may change from year to year. For example, the code may be cast as C6ZZ-A in 1966 and C8ZZ-A in 1968 even though they are the same cylinder head. Special heads are required with emission controls from 1965-1966 for the emission system to operate properly. Beginning in 1967, all heads have provisions for emission control systems. Casting numbers are usually the same or nearly the same as the part number. Cylinder heads cast with a '5' as the second digit were most likely installed in a 1966 model. | Pictures courtesy of Cruce Motor Rebuilding
The casting number is located where the starter bolts up to the bell housing. Removal of the starter is necessary to see the number 390FE V-8 Big Block The casting number is located where the starter bolts up to the bell housing. Numbers can be horizontal or vertical. In some cases, they are not there at all! 1965 model 289 Head Head casting number is under the cylinder head. 1965 model 289 Head Date code location is under the valve cover. |