[rdmcalli]

It is my understanding that with Ford part numbers for heads, blocks, manifolds, etc. C is 1960s, D is 1970s, etc. and the corresponding number is the year of that decade. For example:

C5=1965
D3=1973
E7=1987
F2=1992

I think this went on through the 1990s. Then the last letters of the part numbers are revisions from the original part of that year.

My question is this: Did this numbering system apply to the electronics stuff, like ECM and MAF as well? When did Ford stop using it?

[FoxChassis]

That applies to almost any Ford Motor Company part. The numbering system was changed either in the late '90s or the early '00s.

[shakerhood]

You can Google that and it will go further into the part telling you what Vehicle and if it is Electricial, or Suspension, ect.

[WITELITENIN]

Try this:

--------------------------------------------------
Ford Part Numbers are divided into 3 sections:
a) Prefix, b) Basic Part Number, and c) Suffix.


a) The 4-digit Prefix breaks down as follows:

1. The 1st digit of the Prefix is the decade, for example:
A = 1940s, B = 1950s, C =1960s, D = 1970s, etc.


2. The 2nd digit of the Prefix is the year within the decade,
for example:
1 = 1st year, 2 = 2nd year, etc.


3. The 3rd digit of the Prefix is the model, for example:
A = full-size, D = Falcon (later Maverick), F = foreign/Trans Am racing,
G = Comet (later Montego), H = Holman & Moody HiPo parts, J = industrial,
L = Lincoln, M = Mercury, O = Fairlane (later Torino), P = Autolite
(Motorcraft), R = Rotunda (generic), S = Thunderbird, T = truck,
U = Econoline/Club Wagon van, V = Lincoln, W = Cougar and Z = Mustang.


4. The 4th digit of the Prefix is the Engineering Department,
for example:
A* = Chassis, B* = Body, E* = Engine, F* = Engine Accessories,
J* = Autolite, P* = Automatic Transmission, R* = Manual Transmission,
and W* = Axle.
NOTE: * = Used in Casting Part Numbers (see below for more details)
M** = Holman & Moody Service Parts, X** = Muscle Car Parts,
Y** = Lincoln/Mercury, Z** = Ford.
NOTE: ** = Used in Service Parts Part Numbers (see below for more details)


b) The Basic Part Numbers are divided into numerical groups, for example:

1000 = Wheels, 2000 = Brakes, 3000 = Suspension & Steering,
4000 = Axle & Driveshaft, 5200 = Exhaust, 5300-5400 = Front Springs &
Stabilizer, 5500-5900 = Rear Springs, 6000 = Engine, 7000 = Transmission,
8000 = Radiator, Grille, Cooling & Belts, 9000 = Fuel/Oil Gauges,
10000 = Charging & Instruments, 11000 = Starting, 12000 = Ignition,
13000 = Lamps & Horn, 14000 = Wiring, 15000 = Accessories,
16000= Molding & Ornaments, 17000 = Safety Equipment (Jack, Speedometer,
Washer, Wipers, Mirrors, Bumpers), 18000-18100 = Shocks,
18200-18700 = Comfort-Convenience Equipment (Floor Mats, Heater, etc.),
18800 = Radio & Antenna, 18900 = Speakers, 19000 = Gasoline,
19100 = Fire Extinguishers, 19500 = Custom Accessories & Car Care,
19600-19900 = Air Conditioning, etc.