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Old Apr 6, 2014 | 10:56 PM
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Question Help decoding engine serial number

I have a transplant motor that was 'supposed' to be from a 71 truck, I can't get the casting number from the block but there are numbers stamped on the top of the block between the intake and bell housing. Those numbers are GCFD 1158, I will be trying to do a rebuild as I am noticing an excessive amount of smoke coming out the breathers but need to know what to get before I start the tear-down. Any help would be great!
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 07:40 AM
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Unfortunately casting numbers are the only thing that will privide any indication of the vintage of a motor, and even then you have to visually verify the engine family. Block casting numbers are down near the starter somewhere so clean that whole area real good, sometimes the numbers aren't raised very high so any amount of dirt will cover them, and post up pics of the motor if you can.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 09:46 PM
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Falt tappet block numbers are above the starter. Roller blocks are on the driver's side flat(angled) forward of the bellhousing.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 12:36 AM
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Found some help!

I found a site that was able to give me some info based on the partial vin number that was stamped on the top of the block. The site is: Decoding '73-'79 Ford Truck VIN Tags - FORDification.net The only thing I can't tell know is what actual model it came in but it is a 79 302 from Ontario Truck. Casting numbers would have been nice but since I was putting in a water pump the floor was wet and still too cold to crawl on in Michigan. Thanks for the replies I will be looking for the casting numbers as soon as it warms up!
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 09:32 AM
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If it is a 79 block, it'll be a D8VE-6015 with either an A3 or A3A suffix. The A3A has the big main caps like the Mex and 289 Hi-Po blocks.
 
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