Engine Identification
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New User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Arizona
Engine Identification
Hey guys, sorry I'm new at this but I have a '72 F250 crew cab with a 390 V8 that I have to rebuild. If its the original engine I need to keep it in the truck because its a rare truck but I don't know how to tell if its the original... Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
"Rare"? Are ya referring to the crewcab itself or the engine? What is your criteria???
You really won't be able to tell if it is truly original because Ford, with very few exceptions like the K-code Mustangs and a few others, never stamped VINs on engine blocks.
The best you will be able to determine if it is "period correct" through casting/engineering numbers on the various parts and pieces. Sometimes it can be further reasonable deduced if it uses a rope seal at the rear main, original exhaust manifold bolts and washers (they usually get lost or replaced with incorrect hardware), and other hardware that appears like they have never been turned since it rolled off the assembly line. Even then, the results are based on an educated guess.
Btw, 360FEs become a 390FE when vehicles are put up for sale. You'll need to do the dowel measuring trick at BDC and TDC through a spark plug hole. A 360 will be like 3.50 inches and a 390 at 3.75 inches or so.
You really won't be able to tell if it is truly original because Ford, with very few exceptions like the K-code Mustangs and a few others, never stamped VINs on engine blocks.
The best you will be able to determine if it is "period correct" through casting/engineering numbers on the various parts and pieces. Sometimes it can be further reasonable deduced if it uses a rope seal at the rear main, original exhaust manifold bolts and washers (they usually get lost or replaced with incorrect hardware), and other hardware that appears like they have never been turned since it rolled off the assembly line. Even then, the results are based on an educated guess.
Btw, 360FEs become a 390FE when vehicles are put up for sale. You'll need to do the dowel measuring trick at BDC and TDC through a spark plug hole. A 360 will be like 3.50 inches and a 390 at 3.75 inches or so.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Arizona
I say rare because of my build sheet. It shows 1 of 900 with my trim code. Most of them built that year were long beds and 4-speeds for city and railroad crews. Mine is a 390, short bed, factory dual tanks, front discs, factory air, factory dual tanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
So, how many shortbed F250 crews were produced in '72?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Antelope Valley ,CA
like others said , Ford didn't " number match" their vins to engines and such on most of their vehicles , so all you can do is make sure your engine is date coded correctly for the build date of your truck .
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
for the build date of your truck .Engine block cast, then placed outside to season, then shipped to engine plant to be finished.
Completed engine shipped to assembly plant where it is banked until required.
So, from the foundry mark date code that the block was first cast, it could be between three months to a year before engine installed in vehicle!
1970: First use of Safety Standards Certification Label. Has the production date printed on it.
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