I've long been trying to locate the engine ID # supposedly stamped on my Ford 390... coupla years ago I told a mechanic that "C5AE-A" was stamped on the front p***enger side o' the block, near the motor mount, but he said it was too-few characters. Just happened to be wrenching 'neath it earlier, thought it was worth inquiring about, again. Anyone know if that's a legit ID number, and can interpret it? I'm sure C5 means '65, but unsure 'bout the rest. OK, back to wrenching I go... thanks for any help! BTW- the illustrated instructions on those Lokar kickdown cable kits could use work. I can't tell if I missed a step when hookin' it up to my C6. Anyone have it hooked up to their C6, and have an actual picture I could go by? I'll go snap a pic real quick of how I have it now...
Ford parts have casting numbers that are not (entirely) related to the part numbers. C5AE indicates the part was originally intended for a 65 big car (Galaxy). The suffix A used to delineate between different parts built for the same kind of cars. Without a local genius, I am afraid the numbers don't tell you much.
Well hell, that's SOME info, thanks! I've also read that some T-Bird motors had the engine ID #s only on the valve covers, and I bought this one with aftermarket chromies, so I could just be SOL. I wonder if it was the same with Galaxies, too.
When new, these motors had a tag on them, usually on the intake, or temp sender. Over the years, they disappear, so then you dont know what you have. There are part #'s on other things, such as the heads, intake, rods, etc that can help tell you what it is. A C5SE would be a Tbird part, but was on alot of others. A C5AE is Galaxie or full size, as previously stated. For the most part, Ford used up whatever they had left from previous years, so its common to have different years in the same motor... As for determining its a 390, or 352, check the bore.
Thanks, guys! The bore & stroke were found to be 390 when the heads were off for rebuilding. That cast # was on the block itself. The two-barrel that use to be on was a '65, too, heads are '64. So if "SE" is for T-Birds, would "AE" be for Galaxies? Curiouser and curiouser, y'know? It's always been interesting gaining more pieces to the iden***y puzzle. The guy that sold it to me (in '01) claimed it was a 429, but the "352" stamp on the front and the vertical water neck mounting coulda begged to differ.
A 429 is a totally different motor. A 428 was the same "FE" motor. I believe all 352, 390, 428, and even 427's say 352 on the outside, thats why you need to measure. The balancer and such is different on the 428, so a guy that knows his **** will spot that. All 429's and 460's say 460 on them on the outside too. It pays to buy a couple of books for these motors, as they really break down all the info shared here. But I dont mind helping either..
Here's shot of the Lokar kickdown hooked up to the C6 (with the header collector in the way). At upper left are two threaded inlets, though for what I can't figure out. I bought the truck without a kickdown in it, so wouldn't know if there more missing (original)linkage parts. Is there a bracket that should mount there, right near the bellhousing? I've known it's an FE mill for awhile (not a 429, etc.), but with all the mixed parts on it, I can't wait to build a 428CJ to the side, later this fall. Just to do a different one, myself, and to know for myself the origins of the parts. And to have myself to blame, o'course...
Day-amn I wish I had light to get a better pic o' that C6 setup, when I get home. Will get a better one taken tomorrow. Just can't figure out what those two threaded inserts (to the left) are for, and if I need them for this cable set up. Anyone know?
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