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Where is the casting number on a Ford FE cylinder head?

The casting number on a Ford FE cylinder head is typically located on the front of the cylinder head, near the engine block. This number provides important information about the specific cylinder head and can be useful for identifying the correct replacement parts or verifying the authenticity of a used cylinder head.


Understanding the Ford FE Cylinder Head


The Ford FE engine was produced from 1958 to 1976 and was used in a variety of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. The FE cylinder head is a crucial component of this engine, as it houses the valves, spark plugs, and other critical engine parts. The casting number on the cylinder head can provide valuable information about the specific head, such as its size, flow characteristics, and compatibility with other engine components.


Locating the Casting Number


To find the casting number on a Ford FE cylinder head, follow these steps:



  • Locate the front of the cylinder head, near the engine block.

  • Look for a raised, cast-in number on the surface of the cylinder head.

  • The casting number is typically a 4- or 5-digit code that identifies the specific cylinder head.


Once you have the casting number, you can use it to research the cylinder head's specifications and ensure that you are using the correct replacement parts.


Importance of the Casting Number


The casting number on a Ford FE cylinder head is important for several reasons:



  • Identification: The casting number helps identify the specific cylinder head, which is crucial when sourcing replacement parts or verifying the authenticity of a used cylinder head.

  • Compatibility: The casting number can indicate the cylinder head's size, flow characteristics, and compatibility with other engine components, ensuring a proper fit and optimal performance.

  • Restoration: For those restoring a Ford FE engine, the casting number can help determine the correct cylinder head for the specific engine model and year.


By understanding the location and importance of the casting number on a Ford FE cylinder head, you can ensure that you are using the correct parts and maintaining the integrity of your engine.

Where is the casting number on a Ford FE head?


A majority of FE blocks have either a '352' or a backwards '501' cast into the front of the block. With the exception of a few hi-performance 428 blocks, most all other FE blocks are identical externally.



How are my cylinders numbered?


The numbering system for cylinders is generally based on the cylinder numbers increasing from the front to the rear of an engine (See engine orientation below). However, there are differences between manufacturers in how this is applied; some commonly used systems are as listed below.



Where is the head casting number located?


HEAD CASTING NUMBERS
The head casting number is located on the top of the cylinder head. The valve covers must be removed to find the number.



Where is the serial number on a cylinder head?


The stamping is usually located on the end of the casting above the accessory bolt area just below the valve cover rail. We have stamped some heads on the exhaust side of the head as well. The numbering system only identifies the casting model and the year the head was made.



How do you read a Ford head casting number?


Numbering Convention
Ford's part number convention generally follows the format of a four-digit casting code, followed by a four-digit basic part number, which will be “6090” for a cylinder head, followed by the revision version.



What is the casting number on a Ford FE engine?


Blocks

4TE-C'64 - '77/ 330MD c.i.d.Medium Duty Truck
C4AE-F'64/ 390 c.i.d.Police Interceptor, High Performance, Solid Lifters
C4ME-F'64/ 390 c.i.d.Police Interceptor, High Performance
C5AE-A'65/ 390 c.i.d.
C5AE-B'65/ 390 c.i.d.Police Interceptor, High Performance, Solid Lifters



How do you identify cylinder heads?


Cylinder heads may be identified by their casting number, located between the #4 and #5 pushrods. General identification is as follows: 850-1100 heads have a heater tap at 90 degrees to the centerline of the engine. The space between the thermostat housing and the valve cover is small, at 1/16"



How do I decode a Ford Casting number?


A = 1940s, B = 1950s, C = 1960s, D = 1970s, E = 1980s, F = 1990s. The second digit will be a numeral, and will represent the year within that decade (i.e. C2 = 1962; E7 = 1987). The third digit is usually another letter, but can also be a numeral in rare cases, and it signifies the vehicle the part was designed for.



How to identify a cylinder head?


Cylinder heads may be identified by their casting number, located between the #4 and #5 pushrods. General identification is as follows: 850-1100 heads have a heater tap at 90 degrees to the centerline of the engine. The space between the thermostat housing and the valve cover is small, at 1/16"



Where are Ford engine casting numbers?


usually the casting number is down where the starter goes, on the passenger side of the block near the bottom at the back of the block.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.