Engine tag... 390GT?

[69TORINO-T]

Hi, Hoping you folks can help me out with some information. My engine tag is as follows. Top line: 390 69 1 Bottom line: 9 C K 383 S The engine isn't the original in my Talladega. The intake appears to be a 390GT. The heads come back with casting numbers that don't preclude the possibility that there 390GT. Date codes are all 1969 so I suspect it's a factory Ford replacement or from a Mustang donor. No 428CJ unfortunately. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Dave 69 Torino Talladega, 79 Ranchero street rod

[RICK LAKE]

69TORINO-T Dave not trying to blow you off but the FE forum would be the better place to go. Try Royce on there. He worked for Ford a long time and has alot of info. Rick Lake

[Woodz428]

The Talledega came with a couple of engine options other than the 428CJ. The 390GT was available in early '69 on most of the Mid size and smaller cars but was eliminated by mid year. The '69 version although called a GT engine was far less than the earlier versions as they were then focused on the 428. The '69 engine 390 has an Autolite carb instead of a Holley, a milder cam and a low rise intake. I had one in an early '69 Mach I. They are a pretty rare beast considering the low production and the demand for the CJ. I will have to look at some of the old T data to see if a 390 was available, but it wouldn't surprise me if the production was started in late '68. If the production date of the car is in 1969, I doubt it's original. The brochure from the factory list the 428 as standard, but I know that I saw 2 back in 1969 that had 351W from the factory.I believe that was the base engine contrary to the brochure specs.

[69TORINO-T]

Hi Rick, Thanks for the suggestion. I will post there tonight. Woodz428, I know this isn't the original engine. One of the previous owners some how destroyed the 428 that was stock to this car. I have no details as the previous owner past away a long time ago. I do know that the Cyclone Spoilers came with other engine options and at least 2 versions were styled for and named for famous race drivers. I haven't studied the Mercury's that closely. The best I can figure is this is a crate engine from Ford or a transplant from a Mustang. Things sure do suggest that maybe this is a "S" code motor. Thanks again for the reply, Dave

[Dwight]

Dave are you refering to the reverved S on the back of the block? Or the vin code?


Dwight

[69TORINO-T]

Hi Dwight, The engine tag is under the bracket for the ignition coil. I have a GT390 intake, and the head casting number suggest it has GT390 heads (yet to be confirmed). When I replace the starter I will try and get the block numbers. The "S" code 390 is a hi performance, high compression 4V engine. Found in some Mustangs in 1969. Thanks, Dave