Original Message
RE: 390 FE engine codes/casting numbers, help
By Dave Shoe - 05/03/2004 9:13:59 AM; IP 216.243.176.34
If the VIN number was stamped on the front of the block, it is probably not a factory stamping, but may be a stamping done by the car owner to assure the block didn't get misplaced at a rebuild house. Factory VIN stampings are typically located at the rear of the engine, when done at all.

Assuming the number is not a scam decoy installed by someone wanting to "suggest" it came from a 428 car (maybe a car build sheet was available which would suggest the VIN referenced a 428, so the number was stamped to falsly suggest it came from that car, who knows), you can find the window sticker of the VIN number by buying one from Kevin Marti, as he is licensed by Ford with the original info for cars of those years.

A Marti Auto window sticker is probably not on your agenda, since you don't own the car, you can check application of the block by doing a "dill bit" check (measuring the water gap between cylinders using drill bit shanks as feeler gauges and comparing with other FE and FT blocks - use the forum search to learn about this)

At any rate, there are more markings and features on your block which will identify it's original application. For now, it's safe to assume it can be used in 390 applications, though a sonic mapping of the cylinder walls will be desirable, if you wish to learn how far the block can be overbored. Many 390s are good for a reliable +.030", but a few have been stuffed with different cylinder jacket cores and can handle a larger overbore.

Shoe.
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 390 fe engine codes/casting numbers, help -- Eric H, 05/02/2004
Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=21286&Reply=21284><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<a href="#" id="anchor21286" onclick="return false;">RE: 390 fe engine codes/casting numbers, help</a>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Royce, <i>05/02/2004</i></font><script type="text/javascript">
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 RE: 390 fe engine codes/casting numbers, help -- Royce, 05/02/2004
Collapse <b>RE: 390 FE engine codes/casting numbers, help</b>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Dave Shoe, <i>05/03/2004</i></font>RE: 390 FE engine codes/casting numbers, help -- Dave Shoe, 05/03/2004
 Factory VIN-stamp locations can vary, quite a bit. [n/m] -- Mr F, 05/03/2004
Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=21298&Reply=21284><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<a href="#" id="anchor21298" onclick="return false;">VIN number locations?</a>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Fred, <i>05/03/2004</i></font><script type="text/javascript">
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 VIN number locations? -- Fred, 05/03/2004
 Here's some background reading on VIN locations... -- Mr F, 08/22/2004
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