Engine ID

[AlexCobra]

Hi Experts,

I got my hands on a old 2001 Cobra International build, but no information on the engine whatsoever.

I found various tags and markings on the engine, but no complete serial number, this is becoming an issue with the licensing authorities.

Here is what I can read on it so far in various areas:

C6ME
5K19
5K22-A
W
352
A
V
19 DIF

I will post some pics, I am not sure if this is a 289, 352 or 390 engine.

Any help is appreciated ! (p.s. there's nothing written behind the starter)

[Barnsnake]

They should be aware that Ford almost never stamped a vehicle number on an engine (in the U.S. anyway). Casting numbers are all you have.
The C6ME is an FE block casting from a 1966 model or later. (Used in many configurations. Bore and stroke likely needed for full I.D.)
5K19 is 9/19/1965 (would mean 1966 model production)

Any more will need to come from one of the FE gurus.

[AlexCobra]

5K22-A is stamped on the tab just under the oil dipstick and there is an 'A' stamped on the tab above the starter.

The date code 5K19 was on a little plate and all the other numbers mentioned are casted.

Any FE gurus care to put in their 2 cents ?

Any reliable source I can show the police to prove there is no part number stamped on the engine and that it's 'normal' for a Ford FE engine ?

Thanks !

[Wbulk]

If the 352 is cast in the front of the block it could be a 352, 360, or 390 or several others. They all used the 352 cast block. The stroke was different on the 390.
Added:
Then there were also the 330 and other FT truck engines that used the 352 casting block. The C6ME could be a 330,359,361,389, or 391 FT truck engine I believe. The date code would be 11-19-65. 5=65, K=11 month, 19= the day. Who knows what you have. But it does look like you have a FT truck engine.

[blown]

c6me is a 66 390 or 428 those are the only 2 that used that block # the way to tell is lift it and look at the flywheel it will have balancing weights if its a 428 if not its just a 390 both are excellent motors.also the heads will have a 4 bolt pattern on the exhaust ports if its a 428 cj

[FWB]

use a stick, a thin one to measure the stroke through the spark plug hole.

3.78 = 390
3.98= 428 or 410, with a 65 casting date probably not a 410

[Barnsnake]

Actually, we were both wrong on the date for 5K19. It's 10/19/1965. They skipped "I" and I can't count.
In either case, it's 1966 model production.

The casting numbers on the heads would certainly help ID the engine, if you're convinced they are original to the block. They should be externally visible between the exhaust ports (near the center as I remember).

As far as an "authoritative" confirmation that Ford didn't stamp vehicle numbers into engines prior to 1968, maybe someone at Ford could help. A statement from a noted engine builder might also suffice. Frankly, I'd think a government agency tasked with checking engine numbers should have figured it out by now. Any chance you're dealing with a newbie?
BTW.... Certain Shelby and special high performance packages were sometimes stamped.

[Wbulk]

I did more research and stand corrected. Of the FT engines it can't be a 330 because it has the 352 casting so it has to be 352 or larger. In addition to FT truck engines the following FE engines also had the C6ME casting number.
68-76 360
66-76 390
66-67 410
66-70 428

[AlexCobra]

I measured through the spark plug hole and it's definitely a 390.

Now I have to get some kind of statement from Ford about non existing serial numbers prior to 1968.

I talked with the police again and I'm hoping someone with more experience will come to the same conclusion.

Thanks for all the great help :-)

[Dwight]

I'm sure this is not the first time they have licensed a 390 Ford motor.

Dwight