Engine Identification

[Xorbia]

My 59 Tbird coupe is a H code.
THe number 4020 is on the left side of the engine.
I can't find any info (so far) on this number.
Can anyone advise?
Would like to be sure the engine is a 352.
Many thanks.

[Woobie]

The casting number for the engine block is on the passenger side behing the generator. From lying on the floor the numbers will be upside down.

Then there will be casting numbers for the cylinder heads as well as the intake manifold.

If that is what you were asking.

[Woobie]

My 59 Tbird coupe is a H code.
THe number 4020 is on the left side of the engine.
I can't find any info (so far) on this number.
Can anyone advise?
Would like to be sure the engine is a 352.
Many thanks.

Guess we'll never know

[Joe Johnston]

You can roughly measure the stroke with out tearing the engine down by using a plastic straw through the spark plug holes. Mark and measure the distance when piston is at bottom of stroke. Going from memory (which is always a bad thing in my case) I think a 352 will measure about 3.5" to the spark plug and a 390 is about 3.75". PLEASE Google the stroke length and how to do this as I am probably wrong and hopefully someone else on the forum will correct me!

[jopizz]

Joe is correct about the measurements. That's the easiest way to tell what cubic in. engine you have. I use a wooden dowel but anything similar will work.

John

[GTE427]

In this case where he is trying to confirm the 352 in a 1959. If the date code indicates a 1959 casting, by default this wouldn't be a 390 as they didn't exist in 1959, whereas both blocks existed in the sixties. Not sure of the 332, thinking this was a 1958 engine. Suggesting this quick method vs measuring stroke. Does this make sense.

[jopizz]

Would like to be sure the engine is a 352.

This is what he originally posted. It sounded like he was unsure of exactly what he had or if it had been replaced at one time.

John

[Joe Johnston]

Would like to be sure the engine is a 352.

Good to see I had a few functioning memory cells. Did a bit of googling and found a rough measurement of the stroke for a possible 332 would be about 3.25". As mentioned easy enough to get an opinion with out tear down by roughly measuring.

[simplyconnected]

I agree with all about measuring the stroke. Here are the differences in FE engine strokes:

332 cu in (5.4 L) FE 3.300 in (83.8 mm)
352 cu in (5.8 L) FE 3.500 in (88.9 mm)
390 cu in (6.4 L) FE 3.784 in (96.1 mm)

Notice they are all nearly 1/4" different. So, put your timing marks on TDC and pull both #1 and #4 spark plugs. Use a stiff rod. Stick it down each cylinder and mark it. Measure between your marks for the stroke because when #1 is up, #4 is down.

1/4" is actually quite a bit. You can tell if your marks are over 3.3" or over 3.5". - Dave

[pbf777]

The date code as cast in the block may be found on the external surface above the pan rail and below the oil filter adapter (left/driver's side). Often caked in sludge deposits and even once cleaned may still be illegible due to poor casting. This would provide the date in which the block was cast, build dates generally followed within several weeks (3-6 wk.?).

Scott.

[GTE427]

A commonly used interchange is the FE 360, 3.50 stroke.
Less commonly used interchange is the FE 330 & 361, 3.50 stroke.

To be certain on an assembled engine, casting numbers & measurements should be used.

[Woobie]

A commonly used interchange is the FE 360, 3.50 stroke.


To be certain on an assembled engine, casting numbers & measurements should be used.

Forgot about the 360. 352 stroke 390 pistons. And also very plentiful considering an FE.

[Xorbia]

Been out of action for a while. Thanks for info supplied, much appreciated.
Will review shortly.

[NC Tbird]

Dumb question:
What engine code is a 1960 352ci ?
Is it a "Y" or an "H" ?
Other?

[jopizz]

352 - "Y"
430 - "J"

John