Where is the cylinder head casting number on a Ford?
On Ford engines, the cylinder head casting number is stamped on the exterior of the head and identifies the head design, production year, and plant. In practice, you read it by inspecting the outer surface with the valve covers off; the exact spot varies by engine family.
Locating the stamping on Ford cylinder heads
Many Ford heads carry the casting number on the exterior surface; look for a stamped string on the area that sits near the valve cover edge. The number is typically near the edge of the head and can be on either the intake side, the exhaust side, or the front/rear corner depending on the family. Clean the surface before reading it, as grime can obscure it.
General placement rules
As a general guide, check the outside of the head at these common zones: along the top edge near the valve cover rail, on the side facing the exhaust manifold, or near the front or rear corners of the head. The exact location varies by engine family, so scanning the entire outer surface is recommended if no number is immediately visible.
By Ford engine family (typical locations)
Below are typical locations for commonly encountered Ford V8 families. If your engine differs or has been rebuilt with aftermarket heads, the stamping may be elsewhere or replaced.
- Windsor family (289/302/351W): The casting number is usually stamped on the outside of the head, commonly on the passenger side toward the middle of the head or near the valve-cover edge. It is visible with the valve covers removed and the head clean.
- FE family (390/427/428): Look on the head’s outer surface, often on the side facing the exhaust manifold or near the timing cover; the number is usually on the upper exterior portion of the head.
- Cleveland family (351C): The casting number is typically found on the exhaust-side exterior surface of the head, near the outer edge where it meets the exhaust port.
- Modular family (4.6L/5.4L): On most modular heads, the casting number is machined into the outer side of the head, near the front/top edge and may be partially obscured by other components; a careful wipe and light photo helps reading.
Reading the number and cross-referencing with Ford production catalogs or trusted databases will confirm the exact head design, year, and specifications. If the head has been swapped or rebuilt, verify with part numbers stamped elsewhere on the block or by comparing the valve-cover-to-head stamping.
How to read and verify the casting number
Once you locate the marking, note the alphanumeric sequence, which typically includes a prefix indicating the engine family or year, a middle section identifying the head design, and sometimes a suffix showing revisions. Use a reliable Ford casting-number reference to match the code to the correct head design, production years, and vehicle applications.
Tip: If the head is painted or corroded, use a degreaser and wire brush carefully to reveal stamping. Take high-resolution photos from multiple angles to make cross-referencing easier, and if in doubt, consult a Ford parts catalog or a veteran engine builder.
Summary
Ford cylinder head casting numbers are stamped on the exterior of the head, with the exact spot varying by engine family. Common areas include the outer sides near the valve-cover edge or near the exhaust port. Locate, clean, and photograph the stamping, then cross-reference with reputable Ford casting databases to identify the head design and compatible applications. This helps with restoration, replacement parts, and ensuring compatibility in builds.
