352 or 390?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
352 or 390?
I have an engine in my garage that I was told was a 390. After reading some posts I am not sure if it is or not. Maybe a 352 or a car 390? The heads are c7ae-a which one web site says is for a car. There is a '352' imbosed on the rear, which says it is a fe block, correct? It also has a '48 dip' or '48 dif' above the oil port. What do I have? Thanks
Needsmorecoffee.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,624
Likes: 2
From: CT
The blocks casting numbers should be on the driver side of the block. That said not all FE blocks have casting numbers. Some of those that do use a generic number that is cast into differnet bore blocks. So casting numbers are not always the best way to ID blocks. You can check the blocks date code to timeframe the block. The date code is below the oil filter adapter on a small angled part of the block. Look for a number/letter/number(s) sequence. Ex 8J20. Also note if there are two dots under the first number of the date code. This denotes a late 69 and later 70's casting. DIF is for Dearborn Iron Foundry where the block was cast. Unless it's a 70's service 428 casting I'd say it's a 68 or earlier casting. DIF did not cast smaller bore blocks after 71. These were done at MCC Michigan casting center. The 427 and 428 blocks remained cast at DIF until they stopped production on them around late 73 I believe. As far as it being a 352 or 390 get the numbers off the crank or use the dowel trick to measure the stroke. Either will confirm what crank is in there. 2U, 3U are a few of the more common 390 crank numbers. Cranks do not always have a full part number on them like blocks, heads etc....
G.
G.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Thanks for the information. I will look around the block for the date, and do the dowel method.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer