Help with information on FE Block

[Kramer]

I am looking into a block for my cobra and saw something I may purchase...

Can anyone tell me where I can get information on what these block codes mean. The tag I have seen reads as follows:

Upper tag: D3AE 6010 AA
Lower tag: C8AZ G 427 HP

One more question, how can I confirm that these tag id numbers go with this block?

I noticed the cross bolter mains, but cannot say I can tell you a lot more (just don't have the knowledge to offer more information)....I plan on reading up more tonight so perhaps later I can offer more details.

Kramer

[blykins]

The top tag I believe is the cast number for your heads....1973 year.

I would assume the bottom tag is the block cast number.....1968 cast date....but I can't find any reference for an AZ-G part number.

I'll keep looking.

[Woodz428]

You say that you are referencing a tag, if so then you need to look at the engine to verify it. The heads have the # cast between the center exhaust ports and the block has it cast into the side. I can't reference the # you listed either, but often times the casting is not precise and is misread.

[Kramer]

All I have is the block (its is NOS 427 so I am told)....so there are no heads. I can't see the top in as the block is upside down...where should I look for other block identification?

[blykins]

There are cast numbers on the block....instead of metal tags.

Look on the passenger side of the block near the front of the block.

It should have something like C5AE-A (for example) cast into the block.

[Kramer]

I have heard of NOS blocks not having block codes and I don't see anything I can identify on either side. Perhaps it is just a service block that was never used? I am going to do some more research...learning as I go..I did notice it had screw in freeze plugs if that means anything.

[Dwight]

Maybe this pic will help. The block numbers are on the side of the block below the headers. In this pic the motor is crank up and the date code is shown, 1967 Jan 20.
Dwight

[Woodz428]

If you could post a pic of the block , that would help. While crossbolts are a plus, they can be added to a non crossbolt block. A few pics of the inner and outer block will go far. With the casting # initially posted it would surely be a side oiler if it is a 427.

[Michael C Henry]

C8AZ-G Says it is a 427 service block with higher alloy content, year is shown as 72 so says the Ford Performance Parts Identifier pg45
basic casting number is 6015

[Woodz428]

Mike,
Thanks for the info, I have made a note in several of my books that were lacking that.

[Kramer]

I am going to take some pics later and post them but after reading post from others it appears that a lot of service blocks did not have casting numbers on them.

Dwight, thanks for the pics..I will use that as a reference when I check out the block..if that is all the information you had, how did you know what block you had?

Thanks again everyone..pics coming soon.

Kramer

[FFR428]

The C8 tag is the original Ford service part number. The D3 tag denotes it's a 73 service block. The 6010 is the number for a bare block only. 6015 is a production block used in a car,truck etc... You are right that many service blocks have no casting numbers. As long as you can id the block in person to verify it's a NOS sideoiler you should be fine. I'm sure the block is a pretty penny. Some service castings have been known to have some issues so you might want to have a competent shop check it out. There might be a reason the block is still NOS. But it also could be fine you just never know and better to be safe.


G.

[FFR428]

Another way to tell it's a 70's casting is the first number in the date code (location as shown above) will have 2 dots under it. The dots showed up in 69 and were used till the FE went out of production to tell the 60's and 70's castings apart.

G.

[Dwight]

Kramer,
the casting number are located in another place on the block. My 428 block had a "S" on the back of the block. Rare 428 motor with the correct date code for a '67 GT 500. All the marking on a block can tell you something about it.
You need to order a book "High Perforamnce Ford, Engine Parts Interchange" by George Reid isbn 1-884089-33-x about $22 retail. It cover Ford engines from 221 to 460 cid. Nice book with lot of information.
Dwight

[Kramer]

Thanks Dwight....if I wanted to get more FE information (specific to the 427) are there any other recommendations...(I heard about another book by a man named Steve something...but I can't remember the last name.)

I would really like to use a 427 sideoiler for my Cobra project and b/c I only know a little bit about cars I want to read everything I can. If there is any kind of 427 side oilers for dummies, I am in .

[FFR428]

"How to rebuild Big Block Ford engines" by Steve Christ is maybe the book your thinking of?

G.

[1NCE BITN]

Dwight is right for the reference #But I saved you some $ on ebay I looked it up for you: High Perforamnce Ford, Engine Parts Interchange" by George Reid. Punch in this # in the search engine 1-884089-33-x Cost is between $10-15! Hope this helps!

[Kramer]

I checked out the block today...will post pics as soon as I figure out how to do it....Letters (like those in Dwights picture)appeared to be 2(with the two dots) J 2 9.....about that is a big E?

does that help any of you more educated than me?

[FFR428]

2J29 is a 72/Sept/29th date code. The big E is the mold ID number.

[1NCE BITN]

Kramer, This one is on ebay also:"How to rebuild Big Block Ford engines" by Steve Christ. Punch in Steve Christ in the search engine $12+