IDing an Engine ?
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 31
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I Know This Sounds Stupid
Sorry for the stupid question guys but this is my first FORD Truck. Is there a number somewhere or somewhere I can tell exactly what size engine I have. I was thinking that I have an 390 but now I'm not sure. 352 maybe? How can I be sure short of tearing apart the engine.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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The 352,360,390 all had the stamping 352 on them.
Between the 360 & 390 > To tell the difference for sure you have to measure the stroke.
That's the ONLY way I can think of.
There are casting numbers in all those casted parts so if you can find them.... post them
You didn't mention what year truck you have.
Between the 360 & 390 > To tell the difference for sure you have to measure the stroke.
That's the ONLY way I can think of.
There are casting numbers in all those casted parts so if you can find them.... post them
You didn't mention what year truck you have.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
From: Urbandale, Iowa
Not a stupid question, Pete. You can use measure the stroke using a wire or dowel, and a black marker. Pull a spark plug and stick the wire (romex works good - nice white plastic cover) or dowel on the piston while using a socket and ratchet to turn the engine while holding a black marker against the wire/dowel where it enters the spark plug hole. (Having a friend help is a requirement). The wire or dowel needs to stay in contact with the piston throughout the cycle. After turning the engine one cycle, you should have a measurable line on the wire/dowel.
You now know what your stroke is. If the stroke is 3.50, you either have a 352 or a 360. If it is 3.78 you have a 390.
The only way to measure your bore is to pull a head, which means the intake must come off first.
Also, can you give us the VIN on your truck? That will help in determining what the truck came with originally.
There is usually a casting date cast into the block, right by the oil filter mount - that can tell when the block was cast. If it is later than the model year of the truck, you have a replacement engine. Post that and we can decode it as well. Also, the casting of the heads can be helpful - they are between the middle two spark plugs on the head.
Casting numbers are not always proof of build dates, etc. and these old trucks could have most anything in them, but if your truck is a 67, and you have C8AE heads (cast in 68), then you know you have newer heads....
You now know what your stroke is. If the stroke is 3.50, you either have a 352 or a 360. If it is 3.78 you have a 390.
The only way to measure your bore is to pull a head, which means the intake must come off first.
Also, can you give us the VIN on your truck? That will help in determining what the truck came with originally.
There is usually a casting date cast into the block, right by the oil filter mount - that can tell when the block was cast. If it is later than the model year of the truck, you have a replacement engine. Post that and we can decode it as well. Also, the casting of the heads can be helpful - they are between the middle two spark plugs on the head.
Casting numbers are not always proof of build dates, etc. and these old trucks could have most anything in them, but if your truck is a 67, and you have C8AE heads (cast in 68), then you know you have newer heads....
