Hello I just bought a 76 f100 supercab and need to find out where the vin number for the motor is itself. Using the vin number off the frame, it should have a 360 2bbl but it has a 4bbl so I would like to find out the actual size. The guy said it was a 390 so now that makes curious on what is underneath the hood, thanks for any help.

 

All FEs mysteriously become 390s when they're put up for sale!

I don't recall Ford ever applying/stamping etc. VINs to blocks... that's a GM practice. The best you can do is read the Engineering ID cast on the block near the starter.

60s and I believe early 70s Ford engines had a metal ID tag bolted to the intake that were more often discarded or lost over time. I'm not sure when the practice ended.

You're have to measure the stroke to determine whether it is a 360 or 390. Do a search in here using the key words "360", "390", and "difference". I'd do it for ya but I gotta get going on housework.

EDIT: OH, Welcome to FTE!!!

 

Welcome aboard.

All 352/360s become 390s on sale day!! Ain't that the truth!

I'll save you the trouble HIO. FE's can't be identified by looks or casting #s. The 360 and 390 are exactly the same except for the rotating assembly. You'll have to measure the stroke to know more of what you have.
352=4.00"b x 3.5"s
360=4.05"b x 3.5"s
390=4.05"b x 3.784"s
406=4.13"b x 3.984"s
410=4.05"b x 3.984"s
427=4.23"b x 3.784"s
428=4.13"b x 3.984"s

Cylinders are numbered from front to back with the passenger side being #1-4 and the drivers side #5-8. Remove the spark plugs from the #1 and #4 cylinders.(it's easier to turn it over if they're all out but you don't have to). Insert a wooden down in cyl #1 and bring it to TDC. Mark the depth on the dowel. Now put the in #4 and mark the depth in the same fashion. Measure the distance between the two marks. This is your stroke.
3.5"=352/360
roughly 3 3/4"=390, a 406 or 427 is almost an impossibility to just find.
roughly 4"=410/428

If you get 3.5 or 4 then the you'd have to pull a head to know the final cid.
Could be a 4bbl 390, or someone could have just swapped on a 4bbl intake and carb on a 360.

 

i just bought a 1976 f100 ranger xlt either the driver door or the vin tag has been changed their is no vin plate under the hood either i was wondering if anyone knew of any other places their would be a vin number that i could run to make sure i dont have a stolen truck before i find outh the hard way

 

The alternate location for the VIN is on top of the right front frame rail, generally btwn the crossmember and the radiator core support.

The other VIN is danged near impossible to see with the cab in place. It is also stamped on the right frame rail but is located under where the passenger sits.

 

thanks i will check for it tomarrow it made me think when i noticed the vin tag for a 1977 f150 on a 1976 f100

 

well i just looked their is no vin tag on the right frame rail on top i was hopeing to to have to pull the cab up but i would rather know for sure what i have