Engine code riddle

[Guillaume69 150]

Hi guys!

 

Here's the deal: friend of mine got his hands on a 351W. Casting number is D2AE-6015-BA, so 72-73 Mustang. May be. Now on the same block, we have a portion of a VIN: "4U128545". I know "4" could mean a 72-73 Grande, but what is the "U" for? Not a 351W engine code for sure... We are trying to figure out which car this engined originally belonged to.

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

G

[1969_Mach1 333]

I didn't know Ford ever stamped part of the VIN on the block.  I could be wrong.  I always thought numbers matching on Fords referred to date codes.

[Guillaume69 150]

VINs were stamped on Mustang blocks starting in 69. On trannies too. I can't tell you how long they did it for, though.

 

http://1969stang.com/forum/index.php?/topic/50788-1969-gt-sportsroof/

 

G

[jmlay 80]

U engine code would be a 6cyl...

[Midlife 814]

The U code for Mustangs is the 6 cylinder, but could be other V8 engines for other Ford/Lincoln/Mercury models.  The casting number indicates the base engine, but that block may have been used for several years afterwards.  My bet is that it came out of a 1974 car.

[Guillaume69 150]

Yeah, I too knew the U code as a L6. I checked Falcons, Torinos... Same thing. I did check 74, but no luck so far.

 

[cobra3073 24]

Contrary to some of the data on the "Net", I am pretty sure the 351W did not come in the 1972 Mustang.

 

Everything I have seen "eyes on" or gleaned from authoritative publications, i.e. Hollander Interchange Manuals and Kevin Marti's books show only 351C motors as being originally installed in the '72 Mustangs.

 

I do not believe this block is originally from a Grande. It could be from any number of Ford or Mercury vehicles.

 

...and Yes, Ford blocks since around 1970 do "generally" have a partial VIN on the back of the block.

 

BT

[Vicfreg 773]

The engine is likely a 1972 351 Windsor from a Ford Galaxie.  The "A" in the casting code means it is for the Full Size Ford Car line, so not a Mustang Engine.  The 1972 Galaxies came with the 351 Windsor 2bbl.  

 

It is a really good block though..   One thing to be aware of is that the 1972 blocks have a higher deck height than the 1969 through 1971,  as they lowered compression in 1972 to meet emissions standards,  and did not want to have to change the pistons or rotating assembly to do that. 

 

As the others have pointed out, the "U"  code on a Ford VIN would be a six cylinder, but who knows how that got there.....

[Guillaume69 150]

Thanks guys!

 

Now what do you think this engine is worth?

 

G

[cobra3073 24]

As I am sure you are aware, there were a LOT of these engines produced across the Ford lines. It is not as if they are rare.

 

I would suggest that a great deal would have to do with the condition of the engine (and not trying to be "funny") and what someone is willing to pay for it. There are so many folks offering Windsor-based small blocks as complete engines or short blocks that I wouldn't think an original 351W would be worth very much in most parts of the country.

 

Now a days, it is a LOT cheaper (in most instances) just to order a crate motor unless one is building it themselves. That, of course, would be different if someone is trying to restore a "number matching" vehicle for some reason.

 

JMHO.

 

BT

[barnett468 418]

The U has nothing to do with the car or engine code . . It is where the engine was cast.

 

U = Louisville Kentucky.

 

If the bore is standard it might bring $300.00.

 

The A does not mean that it came in one model only . . There are thousands of Mustang engines that have an A.

 

All that letter indicates is what branch of Ford did the design or tooling of that engine . . It is basically for internal accounting purposes only.

[1969_Mach1 333]

I didn't know Ford ever stamped part of the VIN on the block.  I could be wrong.  I always thought numbers matching on Fords referred to date codes.

So then was my first post in this thread correct or not?

[barnett468 418]

I didn't know Ford ever stamped part of the VIN on the block.  I could be wrong.  I always thought numbers matching on Fords referred to date codes.

 

FORD is complicated.

 

1965 thru 1967 all K engines got a vin stamp unless they were made in Metuchen.

 

In 1968 many got a stamp but the Cobra Jets almost always got a stamp.

 

In 1969 on up, many got a stamp but the Cobra Jets and BOSS cars almost always got a stamp.

,

[henkster 19]

Check out www.mustangtek.com maybe they can help

I have a 70 coupe with the original engine it has the last 5 of the vin on the back of the engine. The date stamps on her where from 1971. Try to explain that one!!!