? Is there any way to comfirm that the vin number of my 1984 f150 351 H.O matches the block casting numbers? the reason I ask is I am curently having mine rebuilt, and I want to make sure they don't try to put in a unknown block. they seem shadey .

 

I don't think the vin correlates to the block.

If your worried that they may try and switch out your block with another, write down the casting number and then stamp some type of identifing mark on the block your self. Then when you pick it up check to make sure it is still the same one.

 

It won't be the casting number. It will be a stamped number that an assembly line worker stamps onto the block, if it has one. I am not sure where it would be, but I am guessing it probably does have one for criminal prosecution purposes. Over the years the gov has mandated that more and more pieces of a vehicle have the vin number on it. For example, that's how they trace these u-haul trucks when they are used as bombs. They will find the vin somewhere on some piece of metal.

P.S. I just found this on the web.

From '68 and up, all engines are stamped with the VIN at the back of the block (on top, behind the intake manifold). If the seller claims it's the original engine, check the VIN. Casting date codes and numbers are also a good way to confirm originality.

 

Hi scrappy.IIRC,HO engines did not come in trucks.

Leo

 

Yes, they did

 

I agree, I was driving the one I own less than an hour ago.

 

yeah me too lol

 

The 351/5.8HO of concern here only ever did come in trucks... LOL
Heck, I think other than one year of SVT cobra, a 5.8 HO(Including Lightning) was a truck only thing.

 

scrapy here. Just an update, as I was afraid they told me the new block was doing the same thing. it was to late to get the casting Numbers off the original block before I left it. its a long story sence dec- 07 . Anyone who hears of a way to track the casting numbers with Vin please let me know.!!!! The orignal block was rebuilt but had a problem, after changing everything the second block was put in. My reward will be the Co. name I used.

 

I have pulled a ton of engines and I don't remember any with the VIN stamped on the block except for my Boss 302 Mustang. There are VIN's on most new car frames, body, doors and other places and maybe even the engine but that is much newer than 68.

Unless you have something really rare, a block change is not a huge deal, just inspect the work and threads before you accept it.

Kenny

 

casting numbers on the block are located on block behind the starter you can see partial numbers while starter is in place. Can the Vin number be matched to the block casting number is the ????? to varify if it is the proper numbers matching vehicle.

 

All you can tell by casting number is if the block is from the right time period for the vehicle. There are date and time codes cast into the engine/heads and the production should be within 3 months or so of vehicle production.

I have never figured out what the big deal is with a "numbers matching" vehicle unless it is rare. For the rest of the drivers out there if it is the original size/design engine does it really matter if the original threw a rod or was a factory replacment?

Kenny