Topic: 289 Hipo Engine Block #'s

[ceswert]

I own a 1967 GT350 with engine# C5AE-6015E. My car was built in the last quarter of 1966. What is the earliest block # Shelby would have used in this car? Are there differences in 65-67 blocks? Thanks!

[jwc66k]

The basis of your question is a bit off. All 289CID HP blocks from 65 to 67 have the casting number of C5AE-5015-E. This block was also used on 65 and 66 standard Ford 289CID engines. The best way to determing application is by the casting date, located near the casting number, and the assembly date, located on a boss near the distributor. (HP engine blocks have the VIN stamped into them near the alternator ground location.) The casting date should preceed the assembly date (for a 67, you can get a Marti report to obtain more dates) by a week up to several weeks. A Shelby GT-350 would get the Shelby unique parts and they should be the same for 66 and 67 models.
Jim

[ceswert]

Thanks for your correction and explaination. I 'm learning thanks to this web site!

[jwc66k]

I left out a big portion of the Ford part number system and I can't seem to find it in the FAQs, so here goes a quick shot.
C5AE-6015-E
C = decade 1960 (D = 1970, E = 1980).
5 = year.
A = Ford or Mercury product line that originally used (designed) the item. A = full size Ford,O = Fairlane, Z = Mustang.
E = group responsible for the part, E = engine, B = body, Z = service (dealer used to order and stock).
-6015 = basic number of the item, 6015 = engine castings, 9510 = carburetors, 17757 = front bumbers.
-E = fifth (or sixth, they were loose at times) variation,
Last digit even number = RH, odd digit = LH. 
Jim

[ceswert]

Thanks very much for the info!