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I bought a 1978 f150 for my son to rebuild and we are having trouble deciding what engine it has. I need help decoding the vin so we know where to start buying parts. Vin # X15hkbe1296
Are you getting this vi# off the paper title, the frame, the dvrs side door inner edge Warranty Plate or off the Safety Certification sticker (white sticker)? FYI the door and that tag can be changed VERY easy. And a PO engine swap is always a possibility, what about just ID'ing the engine?
Engine Identification: 351C/M/400 335 series: 8 bolts in rectangular valve covers. Timing chain housing is part of block. Thermostat housing on block. Exhaust bolt holes diagonal. 351M/400 335 series: intake is 12.7" wide the 351C is narrow. The 351M and 400 are identical externally, only internal parts examination can tell them apart. 351W/302/5.0L 6 bolts on trapezoidal valve covers. Thermostat housing on intake. Exhaust bolt holes horizontal. 429/460 385 series: 7 bolts in rectangular valve cover 352/360/390/427/428 FE series: Intake goes under valve covers.
The 351W and 351C did not come stock in 73-79 trucks. Some of them have been "transplanted". Decoding '73-'79 Ford Truck VIN Tags - FORDification.net Series- X15- '77-'79 2 wheel drive pickup (F150 Super Cab)
Engine- H-'77-'79 V8 351M 2-bbl 5.8 Litre
Assembly plant code- K ='s- Kansas City
Numerical Sequence of Assembly-Consecutive unit #- be1296
