FE Block Numbers

clayfoushee · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 08:48 AM

Could someone please tell me a good site to research FE block numbers? I'm looking at a short block with the numbers 88/352 (88 on top, 352 on bottom), stamped on the upper left corner of the block.

KobraKarl · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 09:24 AM

Clay,

Dont know where a web sight is , but those are not the numbers you need, Look for the cast in # just below the deck of the the #1 cylinder..

KK

clayfoushee · #3 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 09:38 AM

Thanks Karl, I'll take a look when I get it on a lift. I assume you mean under the headers.

REDSC400 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 09:57 AM

Take a gander here....

http://www.aacncclub.com/

also a nice write up on all FE parts and casting numbers and tag numbers can be found in the marvelous book titled...

High Performance Ford Engine Parts Interchange (S-A Design)
by George Reid

This is a must have reference for the FE enthusiast.

Hope this helps.

xlr8or · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 10:33 AM

Clay,
Send an email or call George at Gessford Machine. He has a posting on his website somewhere with the FE casting numbers for head, blocks and intakes.

Scott

bmalone · #6 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 10:36 AM

FE Forum

As mentioned you will need the casting numbers.

RiverRacer · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 01:05 AM

Keep in mind that no matter what site you go to, or what lists or reading material you invest in at least 30% of it will be wrong. There is NO SUBSTITUTE for a Caliper or Micrometer(and an engine that is torn down and in measurable parts) when looking for an FE to build on. I can't tell you how many people call me each month wanting to know why their 427 Block has no Oil Relief Valve hole in it(390), or HP cast into it(360) or 'P'(352) or no Crossbolts(332) or yadayadayada 'like all the pictures' when the guy told them it was a Side Oiler. If it is too good to be true, it probably is. Spend accordingly. Just some advice. Dennis, DSC

clayfoushee · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 08:10 AM

Thanks RR, your observations confirm exactly why I'm asking the question. The motor in question is in my car, and which was represented and sold as a true side-oiler (and commanded the appropriate price). So far, everything people have told me to look for are checking out as legit, but since the motor is together and in the car, I'm looking for definitive evidence.

I crawled around under it last night, and saw some numbers appearing to be stamped upside down on the side of the top-left cylinder. Too fuzzy for me to make out with blurry vision and poor light. I need to get it on a lift, so I can view them from different angles, with good light, and with my glasses at the proper focal length.

clayfoushee · #9 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:08 PM

KK and other FE block number experts,

Finally got my lift installed and attempted some shots which are attached. All the visible block numbers are on the driver's side, on the front of the block one, under the head and one above the oil pan.

clayfoushee · #10 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:21 PM

And another,

clayfoushee · #11 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:27 PM

And last, can anyone identify date of manufacture?

Tom Kirkham · #12 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:33 PM

First you cannot tell a side oiler from just part numbers. The marine or industrial blocks used the same castings. The blocks were drilled as top oilers so you will have to look.

1. All 427 haveCross bolt mains, look for bolts just above the pan rails

2. All side oilers had screw in Freeze plugs, but then again so did some industrial and marine blocks

3. Side oiler blocks have plugs in the side of the block where the "side oiling" oil passages were drilled.

Something else to keep in mind is that service (ribbed) blocks are worth less money due to core shift problems. The early blocks are also much harder to find. Ask Computer Works how long he has looked.

clayfoushee · #13 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:33 PM

Apparently, the important one was too big....trying again.

Tom Kirkham · #14 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:35 PM

Clay from pic #2,

You have a 427, Side oiler

clayfoushee · #15 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:41 PM

Thanks Tom....did you scroll up higher than the picture before your post? There is one that shows crossbolt mains, etc. above the pan rail. I think I see all of those things you mentioned, and others confirmed that it is a side-oiler. I'm just looking for date of manufacture.

Tom Kirkham · #16 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:44 PM

I cant read the numbers. Can you read them for me?

KobraKarl · #17 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 10:57 PM

Clay,

Of course Tom is correct, you have a side oiler....BUT......you must look on the passenger side just below the head on the # 1 cylinder .....take a flashlight lay on your back and look up.....it will be there...it will probably be C_AE-_ example is: C5AE-H

Good luck KK

Tom Kirkham · #18 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 11:09 PM

KK,
The third picture is the date code for when the block was cast. I just can't read it.

KobraKarl · #19 (**permalink**) 01-02-2004, 11:24 PM

Tom,

I always have a hard time with the numbers next to the oil take off. The ones on the # 1 cylinder usually seem to be cast in better relief, even if they dont give the exact date.

KK

Ron61 · #20 (**permalink**) 01-03-2004, 06:40 AM

Tom,

On most FE engines, the D/M/Y code is also stamped on the tops of the heads under the valve covers. They are normally easier to read and that is where I finally found mine. If they are the heads that came with the block then they should match. After looking there, I could see the ones on the block were the same, just very difficult to really be sure of as I didn't have the engine out of the car.

Ron



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