Topic: 1969 FORD Mach 1 390 FE QUESTIONS

[STAUBY38]

I have been trying to do research on my 69 Mach 1 which has a 390.  There is a million articles out there with a lot of contradicting information.  I am looking for someone who has a wealth of knowledge on the motor or who can point me in the right direction to get these below questions answered.

1.  In 1969 did the 390 Block have a casting number and if so where was it located? Where they all in the same place?   I am having issues finding one

2.  I read that all 390's were assembled at the Dearborn plant.  Any info to confirm this?

3.  My car was build on 3-28-69   The block date on my car is 9 B 28  so Feb 28 69 which appears correct to the car.   Any info to say that its not close enough to be original?

4.  My heads have two different date codes   Driver side is 9 B 19 and Pass side is 9 B 20    Should they be the same date ?  I read that engine parts that are close in date were used and not always the same as the block?  True?   Where motors not built with all matching date codes?

5.  I found the production tag on the motor and it states the following     390  69  9C  K  384   T   From what I've read this is correct to the motor but I am wondering since the block and heads are a month older than the production date, is it correct to say that 9C (March) is when they assembled the motor from those parts and the car itself as per the tag?

I appreciate anything you all can provide!  Pics attached of Block date and production tag

CJ

69 Mach 1 390 4spd San Jose 3-28-69  Acapulco Blue

 

[Bob Gaines]

I have been trying to do research on my 69 Mach 1 which has a 390.  There is a million articles out there with a lot of contradicting information.  I am looking for someone who has a wealth of knowledge on the motor or who can point me in the right direction to get these below questions answered.

1.  In 1969 did the 390 Block have a casting number and if so where was it located? Where they all in the same place?   I am having issues finding one

2.  I read that all 390's were assembled at the Dearborn plant.  Any info to confirm this?

3.  My car was build on 3-28-69   The block date on my car is 9 B 28  so Feb 28 69 which appears correct to the car.   Any info to say that its not close enough to be original?

4.  My heads have two different date codes   Driver side is 9 B 19 and Pass side is 9 B 20    Should they be the same date ?  I read that engine parts that are close in date were used and not always the same as the block?  True?   Where motors not built with all matching date codes?

5.  I found the production tag on the motor and it states the following     390  69  9C  K  384   T   From what I've read this is correct to the motor but I am wondering since the block and heads are a month older than the production date, is it correct to say that 9C (March) is when they assembled the motor from those parts and the car itself as per the tag?

I appreciate anything you all can provide!  Pics attached of Block date and production tag

CJ

69 Mach 1 390 4spd San Jose 3-28-69  Acapulco Blue

The Fe blocks of that time period have basically the same casting numbers regardless of if 390 or 428.To tell the difference between a 390 and 428 you basically have to look internally with heads off and check bore size for absolute confirmation. of course you can also check the crank to tell if 390 or 428 by id numbers on crank for a less accurate confirmation. The date code by the oil filter adapter you picture is when the engine block was cast at the Dearborn area engine plant.Yes that is where the FE's were made. The head dates are not out of the ordinary being a day a part . However they should be before the engine was assembled date by a logistically reasonable length of time. That engine assembly date is typically metal stamped on a protruding part of the block near the oil dip stick tube near where the block meets the head.

[STAUBY38]

Thanks Bob    So far all my dates seem to be correct but i'm still looking for the casting number.  There are a few areas I still have to look but it doesn't appear to be near the starter like some other 390's.  The heads were made a week or so before the block so that seems correct and the production tag on the motor is 9C which agrees with the car build date of 3-28-69   I believe it is the original motor but wanted to be certain.  The 4 spd top loader has the VIN stamped in it so that's original   Would have been easier if the VIN was stamped in the block but I understand they didn't do that in the 390's   

[J_Speegle]

..................... Would have been easier if the VIN was stamped in the block but I understand they didn't do that in the 390's   

All engines were required to have the VIN stamped on them so keep looking. Federal requirement and standard practice by 1969 production at San Jose and other plants 

Engine was likely assembled and finished the first few days of March so it could be shipped and at the plant in time to build your car on the 28th. Long trip by rail. 

[STAUBY38]

Wow  Ok    That's what I mean about everyone has different Info   I read the 390 didn't have the VIN # stamped.    I hope it does!   I will keep searching   If the VIN is not on the block and the date code appears correct to my car should I assume this is a service block??  Not sure if service blocks had numbers identifying them as "Service Blocks"    Do you know where the VIN would be on a 69  390?  Didn't see it on the driver side rear of the block like i've seen on the 351 but maybe the 390 was in another location?   

[J_Speegle]

Have you looked here? Surface is not machined but rough casting and often can be more difficult to see or read



If your casting and other dates line up with the cars completion date this might be one of those rare cases where some one missed stamping the VIN and also inspectors not checking. Highly unlikely but having a service replacement dated within the acceptable and expected range for your specific car would also be a stretch IMHO

Keep looking. Though I've not seen the VIN stamped on the rear of the head on any San Jose build cars check there also

[STAUBY38]

OK  Great info  It's sure possible I missed it   Will be looking again tomorrow  Thank you !

[STAUBY38]

Well after using a very large magnifying glass and my reading glasses, I located the VIN just barely stamped on the block right where you said to look on the driver side rear.  It isn't stamped hard in metal for sure but I was able to verify that the motor is original and numbers matching just like the trans!  What great news !! Thanks again for the assistance..

[J_Speegle]

Glad to hear. Now you have proof

As you've likely discovered not everything you read in magazines, are told or you read on the internet is correct. Glad we could provide some help and direction

[STAUBY38]

For sure and that's why I asked the pros !   Thanks again!