I wonder is someone out there can help me. I am rebuilding a '71 Mach 1 and was just getting to the engine when I ran into a problem with the casting code. I know from the stamped engine number that it does not match the body, so the engine is a replacement. I was pretty sure I was still working with a 351 Cleveland, which was original equipment, but the casting codes are screwy. There are two codes:

1E12, says the engine was manufactured on May 12, 1971.

DOAE L says the engine was manufactured in the 1970's (D), specifically 1970 (O), is for a Ford (A), and comes from the Engine and Foundry Division (E).

I am not as concerned about the difference in dates since one code may be the block manufacture date and the other the assembly date. However, the final digit - L - really throws me. According to everything I can find, an L code for a 1970's engine means it is a 250ci 6 cyl! I may not be a mechanic, but I can certainly tell the difference between a six and an eight! I can't order parts until I can confirm the engine size and type (cleveland or windsor).

Can anyone out there help me?

Thanks,

D'arcy

 

Hope these help:
http://1970mach1.homestead.com/3514VC.html
http://www.vintage-mustang.com/topic...cleveland.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_335_engine

 

Thanks, Karman. This makes me feel much better! I have no idea why my id numbers book doesn't cover this, but the links you provided convinced me not to worry about it. I definitely have a '71 Cleveland.

Thanks again,

D'arcy

 

Karman,

Just a quick thought. As I understand it, the punched number on the back of the block is supposed to match the last digits of the VIN to verify it is original equipment. Since it appears the Clevelands used a somewhat different numbering system for vehicle identification than the standard structure (i.e. L instead of M on the block) do you know if they might have had a different numbering system for the serial numbers?

D'arcy

 

I don't think they are all stamped.
But if your block is stamped with the VIN, it will probably be behind the intake on the block.
Good Luck.