S-Coded Engines

I've been here on the HAMB for about a year now. My question: What is the signifigance of an S-code engine. What is a S-code engine? I can imagine it is something to do with numbers matching, however I am really a stickler when it comes down to knowing information and I've been researching data on the internet for the past 2 hours and have not had a good explanation. Any great valid information is welcomed. Thanks

 

Like an S code 390 Ford?

 

Like an S Code Boss 429?

 

Yeah, I think. I've been reading an article in Hemmings and it is talking about an S-code engine in a 67 Fairlane and I'm trying to figure out what the S-code significance is?

 

In 66 , S code was 390 335 hp. I think it went down to 330 in 67.

 

Ford used letters in the VIN to signify which engine and it's HP that was put in that car when it left the factory. A "K" engine code in a 65 Mustang means it came with a 289-271 HiPo. At a dusty car show, you'll often see where people wipe the VIN # on the inner fender to see if that HiPo Mustang actually is a HiPo Mustang. They are looking for the letter K in the VIN#.

The letters are not consistent so always check the code for the year and model of the car you are interested in.

 

Here's the list of code letters for the more interesting 67 fords. R code is the holy grail, you'll never find one....

 

specifically, the "S" code Ford engines from 67-69 were all slightly higher HP than the other 390 offerings. They included special "GT" heads that were really nothiong special other than the fact that they had more exhaust bolt holes so that you could use a tighter to the engine exhaust manifold so it would fit in the fairlanes and mustangs. They also came with a special 4bbl carb, heavy cast iron intake, distributor, cam and aircleaner. There maybe a few other differences, buit that's the main stuff. A 67-68-69 390 block will be identicle and indistinguishable from any other blocks other than the date codes and casting numbers. The big ticket items on these engines are the carb ($400+), the airclenaer ($400+), the intakes ($150) and the heads with the special bolt pattern to fit the Mustang/Fairlane only exhaust ($200-$500). Unless you are putting one in a Mustang or Fairlane, there is no real reason to spend a dime more than a regular 390 engine becuase you won't need the special exhaust bolt holes in a larger car. You can just use headers or the log style exhaust.

Similar 64-68 T-bird engines or other full size car 390 engines can be bought all day long running for $300+. If you DO find a 67 T-bird 390, grab the aircleaner. It's worth about $350 to guys who convert them to Mustang shaker bases.

 

A friend has an R code `67 Fairlane,same owner since 1970.