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Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Drivetrain => Topic started by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 25, 2015, 07:49:07 AM

Title: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 25, 2015, 07:49:07 AM
A friend is looking at a 68 Mustang and sent me this picture of a block stamp located to the rear of the intake on a pad.  I can't make any sense out of it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 67gtasanjose on December 25, 2015, 08:21:49 AM
302? 351W?  Could use a bit more pictures or info.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 25, 2015, 09:43:02 AM
Ok, here is the intake manifold. There is a 4BB 4100 on the intake. He was told there is a "302" raised number under the valve cover. This is all I have at this time. I can try to get more information later if need be. Thanks!
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: ruppstang on December 25, 2015, 10:08:38 AM
I am not sure but I think it is a 302 out of a Torino. The K was a assembly plant for Torino's maybe in Kansas City.
Marty
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 25, 2015, 11:02:22 AM
I was thinking the 1K could be November 1971?
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: carlite65 on December 25, 2015, 11:17:17 AM
i believe that is a partial vin. no date codes in it. the last 6 digits are the serial #. marti auto works can tell you more about it.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 67gtasanjose on December 25, 2015, 11:52:30 AM
You ask us to identify the block, then give images of the intake manifold. Though in one image, there is what looks a lot like an aluminum engine tag, which may or may not match the block itself, it would be a whole lot more help to see a final assembly date from the front of the engine (near timing cover at head gasket machined boss) and a casting date of the block with casting number (near starter area)

See if you can obtain any of those images or characters from those locations.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: JKWilson on December 25, 2015, 11:57:58 AM
It appears the engine is a hodge podge of parts based on your photos. The intake is a 66-67 289 4v manifold. The carb is off of a '64 390 with 4 speed. If there's a "302" casting in the valley of the heads, then generally they're 302 heads, though WHICH 302 heads they are would be in question. Based on your photos there's no way to tell what block it is.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 25, 2015, 12:05:50 PM
Yes, I believe the last 6 is the sequential number of cars built. We we're hoping that somebody might be able to extrapolate what the block is by the sequential number or recognize the typeset. The typeset does look too crisp for a vintage Mustang era engine block!  We know that the starter has to be removed or otherwise get down and dirty to find the casting numbers, but that is impractical at this time. I took a picture of the engine tag but can't find it, I'll keep looking. If I remember, the tag said 289, Canada, c code, which didn't match the heads or intake or carb. I'll try and get more information, I think there is a video but again, I 'm looking for it. Thanks guys, I'll be back shortly. All of you are great to help us, we appreciate your efforts.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 25, 2015, 12:35:15 PM
Okay, I have these of the valve cover area, sorry that we can't be of more help.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: Coralsnake on December 25, 2015, 02:56:36 PM
1 is the year as in 1971

K is the assembly plant

That is called a derivative VIN ( vin w/o body and engine code )
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 25, 2015, 04:19:48 PM
Thank you all. I'll get more information off the engine next week.

 I read that the 302 heads came with a rocker style in 68 that other years did not use. I am confused as to what the difference is. Something about the stud or rail that other years did not use.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: JKWilson on December 25, 2015, 07:19:09 PM
Thank you all. I'll get more information off the engine next week.

 I read that the 302 heads came with a rocker style in 68 that other years did not use. I am confused as to what the difference is. Something about the stud or rail that other years did not use.

The heads in the pics are '69 302 heads. The casting date code (9A30), in the second picture shows it was either a '69 or '79 head. Without a casting code it needs to be narrowed further. Since the '79 heads used stamped steel rockers, that narrows them back to '69 heads. Obviously the "302" casting shows them to indeed be 302 heads. The issue with the rockers you're referring to concerns the style of rocker arms and how they're attached. From '68 until the late 70's the heads used a cast rocker arm with a stud in the head. After that they used a stamped steel rocker that was held with a bolt. There are some other nuances with the stud equipped heads, but not worth going into great detail for this explanation.

Since the intake won't fit on a 351W, your block will be either a 289 block or a 302. I'm willing to bet a 302. That's only a guess though that can't be substantiated without any other block info.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: ruppstang on December 25, 2015, 07:48:14 PM
A cording to Corral Snake the 71 date code would make it a 302, there were no more 289s after 68.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 70cj428 on December 25, 2015, 08:41:02 PM
My guess on the block ... A 302 out of a 1971 midsize mercury built at Kansas City

The Carb... an Autolite 4100 off a 1964 390 police car

The intake and heads, as mentioned above (67 289 4V intake, 69 302 heads)

Sounds like a common, pieced together small block.

(Google is your friend  ;)  )

JMHO, John
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: jwc66k on December 25, 2015, 09:10:01 PM
My guess on the block ... A 302 out of a 1971 midsize mercury built at Kansas City
Or a Torino.
Jim
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 70cj428 on December 25, 2015, 09:53:24 PM
Quote



Quote from: 70cj428 on Today at 07:41:02 PM

My guess on the block ... A 302 out of a 1971 midsize mercury built at Kansas City



Or a Torino.
Jim




VIN starts with 5 , Torinos start with 1   99% sure 5***** is a Mercury VIN
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 25, 2015, 11:44:12 PM
Oh you guys are good! The KANSAS plant made f150 trucks from 1957 to current and mercury and mavericks from 70 to 79. I guess it's a 302. I will get further info in a few days on the heads and block casting numbers. I looked into google, but as you all know, there is mis information out there and I take you guys as the final word on these matters, thanks again!
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: jwc66k on December 26, 2015, 12:05:44 AM
VIN starts with 5 , Torinos start with 1   99% sure 5***** is a Mercury VIN
You are probably correct. I thought the "5" vs "1" was a Dearborn thing. Hey, it's Ford Motor Co.
Jim
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: J_Speegle on December 26, 2015, 08:01:31 PM
1 is the year as in 1971
K is the assembly plant
That is called a derivative VIN ( vin w/o body and engine code )



+1 According to the book its from a car built at Kansas City plant in 71


Think that makes if a possible Comet, Maverick, or possible truck
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on December 27, 2015, 08:15:34 AM
Did the truck 302 have special features such as a 4 bolt main other upgrades that would make it desirable for performance upgrades?
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: WT8095 on December 27, 2015, 10:56:14 AM
VIN starts with 5 , Torinos start with 1   99% sure 5***** is a Mercury VIN

According to all the sources I have seen, that is correct. First pic is from the 68 Cougar/Fairlane/Falcon/Montego/Mustang shop manual, second is from the 65/72 L-M MPC. In various other shop manuals, parts catalogs, and service specifications books, the example Mercury VINs always show 500001.

Mavericks were Ford, not Merc, and trucks used a letter + 5 digit number, so those possibilities can be eliminated.
Title: Re: WE NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY THIS BLOCK PLEASE.
Post by: JKWilson on December 27, 2015, 01:18:36 PM
Did the truck 302 have special features such as a 4 bolt main other upgrades that would make it desirable for performance upgrades?

In a word, no.