Help with Engine year Identification
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 252
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From: Tualatin OR
Help with Engine year Identification
Hey guys I have a 78 250 ranger 4x4 with a 460. I had a bunch of help with figuring out what the engine came out of from numberdummy who was beyond helpfull. But i lost touch with him before i could get a few more questions answered.
We're fairly positive its from a 75 to 79 econoline. The block has the casting number D1VE-6015-A2B. And i was wondering if its possible to decipher the exact year from this because I want to make some additional upgrades to it like a new distributor, ect. And they like the exact year for that when you search it. I think it would be helpful to have a make/model/year for when i search and Im having a bit of a hard time finding performance parts for a 75 - 78 E350 haha any alternative make/model/years that use the same engine?.
Thx for any help you can give guys.
We're fairly positive its from a 75 to 79 econoline. The block has the casting number D1VE-6015-A2B. And i was wondering if its possible to decipher the exact year from this because I want to make some additional upgrades to it like a new distributor, ect. And they like the exact year for that when you search it. I think it would be helpful to have a make/model/year for when i search and Im having a bit of a hard time finding performance parts for a 75 - 78 E350 haha any alternative make/model/years that use the same engine?.
Thx for any help you can give guys.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
With Fords it not that simple. Ford used the same casting numbers for years. D1 means the casting mold is the '71 design, it has nothing to do with what year the block was cast or the engine manufactured.
There is no really accurate way to tell what year engine you have. Ford doesn't put VIN numbers or any other way of identifying the engines on their blocks.
There is no really accurate way to tell what year engine you have. Ford doesn't put VIN numbers or any other way of identifying the engines on their blocks.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Tualatin OR
With Fords it not that simple. Ford used the same casting numbers for years. D1 means the casting mold is the '71 design, it has nothing to do with what year the block was cast or the engine manufactured.
There is no really accurate way to tell what year engine you have. Ford doesn't put VIN numbers or any other way of identifying the engines on their blocks.
There is no really accurate way to tell what year engine you have. Ford doesn't put VIN numbers or any other way of identifying the engines on their blocks.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Try posting in the big block 385 engine forum. I'm not an expert on the 460's. The only major change I know of is the earlier engines are internally balanced and the later ones are external (counterweighted flywheel and damper).
There are several websites dedicated to the 460 and performance, they should have plenty of information you can use.
There are several websites dedicated to the 460 and performance, they should have plenty of information you can use.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Uh huh... 
Block casting numbers: D1VE-6015-AB, -AB1, -AB2:
Installed in: 1971/73 429 Passenger Cars / 1971/78 460 Passenger Cars / 1973/78 and some 1979 F100/350's / 1975/78 and some 1979 Econolines.
In mid-year 1979, Ford changed the 460 block, its casting number is D9TE-6015-AB.
It uses a weighted spacer, the D1VE blocks do not. The flywheel (flexplate) and harmonic balancer are different than was used with the D1VE blocks.
1979 changeover: Since this was a running change, there is no before/from a certain serial number or production date.
The D9TE info does not apply to Passenger Cars, because 1978 was the last year they were available with 460's.
You cannot go by casting or part number prefixes to ID what year/vehicle the parts fit! Ford just does not operate this way.
Ford used the same casting/part numbers for years, and...Ford is in-famous for replacing (updating) 10's of 1000's of part numbers every
year.
Block casting numbers: D1VE-6015-AB, -AB1, -AB2:
Installed in: 1971/73 429 Passenger Cars / 1971/78 460 Passenger Cars / 1973/78 and some 1979 F100/350's / 1975/78 and some 1979 Econolines.
In mid-year 1979, Ford changed the 460 block, its casting number is D9TE-6015-AB.
It uses a weighted spacer, the D1VE blocks do not. The flywheel (flexplate) and harmonic balancer are different than was used with the D1VE blocks.
1979 changeover: Since this was a running change, there is no before/from a certain serial number or production date.
The D9TE info does not apply to Passenger Cars, because 1978 was the last year they were available with 460's.
You cannot go by casting or part number prefixes to ID what year/vehicle the parts fit! Ford just does not operate this way.
Ford used the same casting/part numbers for years, and...Ford is in-famous for replacing (updating) 10's of 1000's of part numbers every
year.
New User
Joined: Sep 2008
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This is why you should listen to NumbersDummy and not me. This is interesting info to me as well. I have a block stamped D5 in my 66 F100.
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
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From: iowa
Also to add to ND most things like a dist are not going to make any difference for any of the years unless your looking for an exact replacement.
The reason they want the exact year is if your motor had points or electronic ignition and a few other minor things BUT if your upgrading say a points TO an electronic you do NOT want the exact year or you will get another points distributor.
There is very little you need to know the exact year for unless your trying to retain a factory stock situation. The general years like ND told you your motor is close enough for any parts you will need and want to buy.
The reason they want the exact year is if your motor had points or electronic ignition and a few other minor things BUT if your upgrading say a points TO an electronic you do NOT want the exact year or you will get another points distributor.
There is very little you need to know the exact year for unless your trying to retain a factory stock situation. The general years like ND told you your motor is close enough for any parts you will need and want to buy.
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