V = Lincoln
W = Cougar
Z = Mustang
Fourth Position (Engineering Group)**
If you are talking about a service replacement part, the fourth position means division as follows:
A = Chassis
B = Body
E = Engine
Z = Ford Division
Y = Lincoln-Mercury
X = Original Ford Muscle Parts Program
M = Ford Motorsport SVO or Ford Racing Performance Parts
Basic Part Number
The basic part or casting number is the same whether it is an engineering number or a service number. For example, “9510” is the basic number for all carburetors. A finished engine block is “6015,” as another example. Each engine part receives another basic part number.
Suffix
The SUFFIX indicates the change level. “A” means original status of released part. “B” indicates at least one engineering change. The entire alphabet is used except for the letters “I” and “L,” which could be mistaken for the number “1.” When Ford goes through the entire alphabet, it starts over again at “AA,” “AB,” “AC,” “AD,” and so on.
It is important to understand that part, casting, engineering, and service numbers rarely match each other. The casting number is derived from the actual casting or part, and typically does not match the part, engineering, or service numbers. Unless the casting has been revised, the basic casting number does not change. The number you see on the casting does not match the part number in the Ford Master Parts Catalog. And if the catalog you are using is dated (as most are), expect even more changes in your Ford dealer’s microfiche or computer when it comes to suffixes. When demand for a part falls below a predetermined level, Ford discontinues or “N/Rs” the part. “N/R” means “Not Replaced.”
About Date Codes
Ford makes it easy to identify engine castings because it has three foolproof systems. First is the casting number, which indicates the engineering level. Second is the casting date code, an alphanumeric code that is the exact date the item was cast at the foundry. A foundry logo cast into the piece indicates where it was cast. Finally, unless any machine work has been performed, a manufacturing date code is normally stamped into a machined surface, which confirms when the component was manufactured.
Casting and manufacture date codes look like this:
5A26
5 = 1965
A = January
26 = Day
If this code is cast in, it indicates the date that the component was cast at the foundry. If the date code is stamped or inked, it indicates date of manufacture. When a cylinder block or deck is milled, the stamped manufacture date code is usually lost in the machining process.
* If you are talking about a service replacement part, the fourth position means division as follows:
Ford Basic Part Numbers
Ford Part Numbers 1999–Up
Although this book deals primarily with the vintage Ford part-numbering system, late-model 5.0L parts as well as vintage Ford V-8 parts show up in the new 1999–up Ford part-numbering system. The new system works differently than the old and takes some getting used to. The only real difference is the first four characters in the part number. The rest of it remains much the same.
Here’s how 1999–up Ford part numbers work:
First Position (Model Year)
W = 1999
Y = 2000
1 through 9 = 2001–2009
A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
The alphabet continues accordingly after 2015 with “G” for 2016 and so on. Again, Ford does not use the letter “I” or “L” because it’s too easily confused with the number “1.”
Second and Third Positions
For example, “R3” indicates Mustang. “L4” is for Maverick. “R2” is for Falcon, and so on.
Fourth Position
Engineering Department responsible for the part.
Basic Part Number
Same as prior to 1999. A cleaner numbering system, however, with left and right specifics. Easier to follow and understand.
Suffix
Same as prior to 1999. Again, easier to follow and understand.
The 1962–1963 221-ci and 1962–1964 260-ci engines employ five-bolt bellhousing blocks with a bore of either 3.500 (221) or 3.800 (260) inches. Casting numbers are C2OE, C3OE, or C4OE. The location of these casting numbers depends on the block. In 1962, block casting numbers were cast into the rear lifter valley rail on top. In 1963–1964, they can be found just above the starter. Casting date codes in 1962–1964 are in the block above the starter. These blocks are easy to spot because their 3.500- and 3.800-inch bores are smaller than the standard 4.000-inch found on the 289 and 302.
