Any info on this 260 block?

Barnfind62 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-22-2015, 07:57 PM

Found a rare barn find 1962 Mercury Meteor covered in dust really nice 4 door 3 on the tree original...and has the 260 which is the "F" code on my vin the first number in my vin is a 2 which indicates it's a 62 number state she was made in KC in Nov. My manifold numbers are C20E-9425 what run was this block....super thanks to the experts here...great site!!

Clois Harlan · #2 (**permalink**) 01-23-2015, 09:14 AM

Make sure it is NOT a 221 V8 which was also a popular option that year. Looks just like a 260/289. As a teenager I had a 62 Fairlane 500 w/ a 221 V8. Very good little engine that would accept all the 289 upgrades.

DanEC · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-2015, 10:52 AM

I didn't know the 221 was sold to the public or the brain cells registering that fact died a while back. New trivia to learn (or re-learn) here every day.

Barnfind62 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-23-2015, 10:00 PM

Yes it's a 260 the 5th digit in the vin is the engine on mine it's a F which indicates from Ford on there pdf file a 260 I agree 221 engines look just like a 260 and vise virsa but the vin letter states what came stock from the factory..any help?

legenmetals · #5 (**permalink**) 01-23-2015, 10:23 PM

Decoding Ford casting part numbers

legenmetals · #6 (**permalink**) 01-23-2015, 10:28 PM

The 260 had a part number cast in the back of the block above the top bell housing bolts and just below the intake manifold rear gasket location. I'm not sure what you are asking but the F indicates 260 c.i.. The link above has some good reading on part numbers for Fords. Here's a shot of my 260.

legenmetals · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-2015, 10:31 PM

You can click on the picture and blow it up (the picture not the engine) and see the location of the numbers. The cast date will be on the side of the block.

legenmetals · #8 (**permalink**) 01-23-2015, 10:40 PM

I just looked up your profile and noticed you just registered, welcome aboard.

Barnfind62 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-04-2015, 05:03 PM

Thank you sir for the welcome and really nice work on the 260 block bet the shell is the same. Thanks for the help Metals on where the DNA is on my 260 block need to get my belly and a mirror up in there I'll look behind the manifold on the block get a brush and light cleaner so all the block is readable if there stamped on the upper. I'll get those numbers if I have to hire a skinny kid...

Thanks again for your time

Cheers

Barnfind62 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-05-2015, 04:35 PM

I'm trying to put dates together when Ford released those early 1962 260 blocks and when Shelby got his run of course mine is the stock 164hp but run in 62. I know extra 260 blocks were put in production cars in late 1962 by order only but I don't know when all I read is mid-late 62..trying to solve a classic question but my stamped numbers will tell..next post I'll have em

Barnfind62 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-05-2015, 05:18 PM

Got the block numbers here they are 020E - 6015J any help

Barnfind62 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-10-2015, 10:21 PM

Update,

The date stamp is 2C16 on the date but I still have a question. What month has anyone seen at the earliest stamped date so is there a 2B16 or a 2A16 or did Ford start with C or March on the builds of the 260 either the 260HP or the standard 260 164hp..

Thanks

Dan Case · #13 (**permalink**) 02-11-2015, 05:17 AM

Casting date or assembly date? Casting dates are cast into the blocks in raised letters. Assembly dates are stamped into machined surfaces. The typical engine assembly date might be a between a few days to months after the casting was produced with a week or so being typical. Bob Mannel's book is a fantastic technical resource for 221/260/289 Ford engines and I highly recommend it for anyone working with these engines. There is not a table in the book listing when manufacture of individual parts started and stopped but Bob frequently mentions time frames that significant things were introduced into the assembly of new Fords. He indicates that the 260 engine was introduced in February 1962.

The XHP-260 (Ford lab built prototype performance engine) that remains unrestored and almost completely intact does not have an assembly date code stamped or painted anywhere. It started off being engine #2 but was renumbered #4. The block has both serial numbers on it. Only some of the prototype parts used in the engine had any kind of date code for their fabrication on them. The few dates that there were are widely scattered. One key protoype part was dated early May 1962 so engine assembly had to be mid May 1962 or later.

Barnfind62 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-11-2015, 10:55 PM

That's as good as it's gets thanks Dan you know your 260 blocks vin DNA on the car is Nov 11th but all in all it's a C2-J block 1962 which I would safely say not many left in all original with 36,000 wanted to really know if it was casted when Shelby had the 260 run from Ford in 1962.

Dan,

Many thanks for the time and great time frame info enjoy you car