How do I find out what engine I have?

Hi all. I'm not knowledgeable about cars but I'm trying to learn. But first I need to know about what engine I have.
How do I know if its a 351c or other. Its a 74' gt.

Thanks

 

You can find the engine that came with your Ranchero from the factory with the VIN. Here is a link to a page that will help you decode it.
http://grantorinosport.org/74torino06.htm

 

It's already here on the forum:

http://www.ranchero.us/forum/index.php?threads/ranchero-vin-decoder.5158/

And since your rig is a '74, you have the VIN 'A' 460 V8, as shown by the fifth digit. There are so many mods for you to do on that engine, it isn't even funny.

 

Judging by upper rad hose position,valve cover bolts it appears to be 351/400 C/ M engine.Does rad,hose attach to block or intake?

 

Yup, look at the valve cover bolts - NOT a 460, like LSChero said, either 351C/M/400M

 

Oh gosh - please put a real air cleaner on that engine!

I also see that your A/C still has the factory suction throttle valve. Old Air Products makes a bypass (part no. 50-2551) to replace that miserable piece of crap.

 

Clark - the guy's just trying to learn what engine he has - what good would it do to change anything with the AC system without a compressor???

 

That's what I'm thinking. It stands to reason, you blow up your 385 series, you drop in a cheap 335 series, they bolt right up. You'd just need the specific 335 series brackets.

Or, back when, it was a cheap way to source a 460 for your racer, and still have a shop truck.

 

OK. I found the engine block number. I had to use a small mirror and the another mirror to read. Do to rust heres what I think it reads.

D5AE-9431-AB

 

Heres the pic I took using a mirror and flipping the image.

 

D5AE-9431-AB is what I THINK it says.

Can anyone decipher please.

 

Maybe a 1975 year engine? Even though the year of the car is 1974.

I'm still not sure. Looking for the expertise of you guys.

Thanks .

 

I'm pointing in this pic to where I found the number. Drivers side.

 

Being that im a beginner, I'm not sure where else to look. Is that the only place to look for the engine number? Or is that even the right place to look for an engine number?

 

I’m wondering if you might be looking at the exhaust manifold casting number?


Often the block casting number is hidden behind the starter; you may be able to see it with your 2 mirror idea.

 

I believe that is your exhaust manifold part number

 

Finally got under the car.
Engine block number is d1ae-6015-a2c.

Now, when I Google that I get alot of sites stating that that is a 400 FMX block. Apparently it MAY be rare. Not sure if it is or not a 400 FMX. Anybody have knowledge on this?
Does that mean that I would need a specific manual for that engine? And where does one find that?

Any feedback would be great.

Thanks

 

The M-series head typically have an "M" number cast into the head; look at the exposed part of the head front-left-upper part of the casting.

The 400 blocks were the original type of block, had a 4" bore and 4" stroke. They were later issued as a 351m, which used a 3.75 stroke and a weird piston to accommodate the shorter stroke.