How do you identify a numbers matching 5.0 ?

Roughneck

Can anyone confirm there are serial numbers stamped on the block? The 60 & 70's era blocks had the #'s stamped on the rear of the block where the rear of the intake mates up. Just wondering if any of the gearheads out there know the location of the stampings for the 86-93 5.0's.

I am curious as these cars go up in value if a numbers matching car can be accurately determined.


I have closely inspected my naked block while it is out of the car and have found no stampings. After talking with several Ford mechanics they said that it is common that some blocks will escape the stampers. Just wondering if anyone else has seen this or has located the Block Serial #'s.


Thanks.

TWF_John

Joel,

I know you and I have discussed this before via email but I thought I would post some information from that discussion in case people wanted to know more:

The "Official Ford Mustang 5.0 Technical Reference and Performance Handbook" says this:

"Mustang engine blocks and transmission cases are stamp-keyed to the vehicles VIN. This order-sequential number is the same number as the last six digits in a vehicle's VIN. Located on a semi-finished horizontal flat at the upper right rear of the block, between the intake manifold rail and the casting's bellhousing face, a typical stamping also contains the last digit of the model year, the model code letter ("Z" for Mustang), plus some engineering code numbers."

The "Catalog of Mustang ID Numbers 1964 1/2 - 93" has this:

"There are several steps to identify the engine for originality. They are as follows:

The First is the casting number

The Second is the date code

The Third is the engine identification tag.

The Fourth is by the sequence number stamped into the engine block. On most engines, the VIN number is stamped on the driver's side at the rear of the engine block below the cylinder head. Staring in 1968 Ford stamped the engine block with the first 2 digits and the last 6 numbers of the VIN number. If the engine is original to the car the VIN number will match these 8 digits."

Maybe numbers matching isn't just for the classic owners. Hopefully, with this information, some people will be inspired to check theirs out. Although, they are supposed to be hard to see with the assembled engine in the car. I know I will once mine comes out of storage.

John