Decoding Engine for 1967 Mustang conv

tkgreenwald · 09-26-2009

I want some help decoding engine codes on my '67 mustang.

Block: D20E-6015-AB, date code 3E4A
Manifold: C50E-9425-A
Heads: both cast with "289" under valve cover. DS date code 5C18 (5 could be a 6, not real clear), PS date code 7C17.
Carb: C5ZF-D
Dist: C80F-12127

Seems like this engine was pieced together from many different era cars. The one that seems to not fit is the block with a '73 date code.

Veronica · 09-26-2009

Hello.

You are correct. It was pieced together. The only component there that might actually be original is the passenger side cylinder head.

thetvirus · 09-27-2009

In the date code 3E4A, what does the A stand for? should be 1973 april 4th... what is that A?

tkgreenwald · 10-23-2009

Is there an easy way to figure out the following:

camshaft type
stroke (is it stock)
compression (type A higher premium fuel type engine)
hardened valves for unleaded fuel

Is there an easy way to get the data without pulling the engine apart?

Veronica · 10-23-2009

Hi again.

Realistically, no, there isn't. What that block came with originally from the factory as far as cam specs and stuff go could have been changed a dozen times by now. The motor was pieced together with all sorts of components. The heads didn't come with hardened valve seats, but, it is very common for people to add them during a rebuild or a valve job. Did these heads have that done to them? There is only one way to find out.

Boomyal · 10-23-2009

The C5ZF-D is a '65 carb. As stated, unless the valve seats, which were just part of the head casting, had been cut out and replaced with hardened seat rings, then no, they are not hardened.

67ragtopStang · 10-24-2009

I think this is right.

Block - 1972 302 CID Torino
Intake - 1965 Fairlane
Carb - 1965 Mustang
Dist. - 1968 Fairlane / Torino
DS Head - 1965 March
PS Head - 1967 March

This site was helpful:

Decoding Ford casting part numbers

Ivy66GT · 10-24-2009

Don't get too carried away with that 3rd digit in the casting number. All 289, 4-barrel manifolds for 1965 had the same number no matter what kind of a Ford they were in. It just as likely was a Mustang manifold as from a Fairlane. The DESIGN was for a Fairline but they used it on anything. Basic items like a block or a manifold were not specially designed for every model.

Similar cautions apply to the other items in the list except I think I would I agree that the carb was a Mustang only application. It was probably originally bolted to the same manifold that is in there now.

Just looked in the book. The C8OF distributor was used in '68 on the 2V 302s for all models. The 4V 302s in '68 used a C8ZF for all models. There were three variations of either type ID'd by a trailing letter after the 12127 which just means Ford distributor.

tkgreenwald · 10-25-2009

Thanks for all the info.

Is there any compatibility issue with the combination? I feel like opening up the engine to get a look at the crank to see the stroke and valves/seats to see if the have been replaced. I know this is lots of work but I need to clean it up anyway and stop and oil pan leak.