360/390 question
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bancroft, MI
360/390 question
Are there numbers on the engine that will identify what year the engine was made?
I was told by the PO that its a 390. I have not verified that. She also stated it is not the original engine.
What else can I find out from engine numbers?
Thanks
I was told by the PO that its a 390. I have not verified that. She also stated it is not the original engine.
What else can I find out from engine numbers?
Thanks
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
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From: south louisiana
Nothing other than the year the block was cast. As far as casting numbers go, different displacements used the same block castings (i.e.: 360, 390, 410) That's if there are casting numbers (lots of 68-69 castings lack an engineering (casting) number. Measuring the stroke will give you a rough idea as to what engine it could be.
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From: Bancroft, MI
Nothing other than the year the block was cast. As far as casting numbers go, different displacements used the same block castings (i.e.: 360, 390, 410) That's if there are casting numbers (lots of 68-69 castings lack an engineering (casting) number. Measuring the stroke will give you a rough idea as to what engine it could be.
I'm going to measure the stroke soon to verify its a 390. As soon as I can afford it I'd like to put an intake/carb and headers on it.
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Do measure stroke. I had every reason to presume my newly acquired 75 highboy was a 360. Measured for giggles anyway. Turned out to have 3.75" stroke. Damned thing doubled in value just sitting there.
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From: Bancroft, MI
Hey guys. Better late than never I guess. The code on the block is 9M20
I also got a code off the heads by the lifters when I had the valve covers off. 5A14
They look like 2 different date codes.
So do you think the block is a 69. The heads maybe 75? How do you tell the decade?
Thanks
I also got a code off the heads by the lifters when I had the valve covers off. 5A14
They look like 2 different date codes.
So do you think the block is a 69. The heads maybe 75? How do you tell the decade?
Thanks
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From: Big Sky Country
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Big Sky Country
The two dots represent a "second decade" casting, iirc Ford used the two dot system from 69 until the end of the production run in 76 to distinguish the later blocks from the earlier 59-66 blocks.
It was somewhat redundant as the 59 blocks would have a B9AE number cast as well as the date code, so it wasn't really needed.
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Senior User
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From: Bancroft, MI
Thanks Montana. OK a 69 block and 65 heads. Confirmed its a 390 yesterday by measuring the stroke. Now I need to figure out what headers and intake to get.
What do you think of this? Offenhauser 360 Aluminum intake
What do you think of this? Offenhauser 360 Aluminum intake
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
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From: south louisiana
I see two dots, making the block a 69
The two dots represent a "second decade" casting, iirc Ford used the two dot system from 69 until the end of the production run in 76 to distinguish the later blocks from the earlier 59-66 blocks.
It was somewhat redundant as the 59 blocks would have a B9AE number cast as well as the date code, so it wasn't really needed.
The two dots represent a "second decade" casting, iirc Ford used the two dot system from 69 until the end of the production run in 76 to distinguish the later blocks from the earlier 59-66 blocks.
It was somewhat redundant as the 59 blocks would have a B9AE number cast as well as the date code, so it wasn't really needed.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Big Sky Country
That's correct. I was focused on the year and forgot about the Dec. 20th casting day...
It could possibly even be a 71 model year block if it sat around for 9mos, but Ford typically used these blocks within 3-6mos after casting.
It could possibly even be a 71 model year block if it sat around for 9mos, but Ford typically used these blocks within 3-6mos after casting.