need help with engine ID, tried search with no luck

[gstanfield]

OK, I tried searching for my answers, but just couldn't find what I need. contrary to how my question may sound, I am not a total newbie. I have even built a couple of 385 series engines(as well as a few dozen other engines) The trouble is my engine manuals are all back in GA awaiting the time I can get them out here to WY along with the rest of my project vehicles, rare engines, ect. Ok, actual question. I have a '79 F150 that came factory with a 400/2bbl. Residing under the hood now is a 385 series of some sort. I was told that it is a 460, but know that it could also be a 370 or 429. I cannot remember where the numbers are on these blocks and it's pretty grungy so I'd prefer not to go around scraping crud off the entire engine. The intake says D0VE on it, but didn't find anything else. On the upside, the engine runs great, fires right up even in subfreezing temps and is getting a little better than 10mpg even with it in need of a tune-up. Thanks for any help in determining just what lies under the hood of my truck. Thanks, George

[mcdonaldm]

the block number is above the starter, but it won't tell you what size of engine you have. it won't even really tell you the exact year of the engine either, just narrow it down to certain time frame. the 3 most common blocks are the D0Ve, D1VE and D9TE blocks. there was also a C8 and meybe a C9 block used, but the three previous ones are the most common out there.

the 429 and 460 shared the same block, heads, manifolds, etc. the only difference between the two is the crank and pistons.

to determine the actual cid of the engine you will either have to measure the stroke thru the spark plug hole or take the pan off and check the casting number on the crank.

the 370 used a different block, but you can tell if it is a 370 or even a industrial truck 429 by the larger crank snout and cast iron timing chain cover (not 100% sure that all used this, but most did)

rgds
Mike

[gstanfield]

Thanks Mike. I was afraid I would have to mesure the stroke. That seems to be the stadard for most engines (from the time period) really, with a few exceptions out there. I'll just pull a plug and measure away.

Thanks,
George