I have had a 1976 f150 for a bit over a year now and I'm not sure how to identify the engine in the truck. I'm pretty positive it is an FE but I would like to find out whether it is a 360 or a 390. It has a 4bbl carb on it which the 360's never came with so either it has some after market modifications or it could possibly be a 390. Are there any tests I could do to find the displacement and would the casting numbers on the block tell me anything about it? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Welcome to FTE!

If the intake extends under the valve covers you have an FE. Plugs like so: //\\ are also a clue.

Block casting numbers will not tell you much as the 360 and 390 used the same block.

There is the "wire down the hole" method described here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...questions.html

Is there a casting number visible on the intake manifold?

 

Thanks for the information. I'll be sure to check out that wire method and determine with what I'm working with. I don't know if there are casting numbers on the intake manifold and I'm not around the truck right now to check. What would those casting numbers indicate for when I'm able to check it out in the future?

 

The casting number would tell when the part was revised, and what it was designed for in the first place. You have a '76 vehicle, so if the manifold casting number is C6AZ or C3AZ (unlikely) you could safely assume it was added after the fact.

Also, it would be iron.

 

Pull the oil pan, look for the "2U" stamped into the counterweight section of the I think it's around the 2 cylinder.

OR take a shot at measuring the stroke though a spark plug hole.