Editing How to identify a Ford V8

'''How to identify a Ford V8'''


== 335 Series  (351 Cleveland, 351M, 400) ==


8 bolts in rectangular valve covers. Timing chain housing is part of block. Thermostat housing on block. Exhaust bolt holes diagonal.

351M/400: intake is 12.7" wide the 351C is narrower.

There is no way to tell a 351M from a 400 externally. The most accurate way is to remove the oil pan and look at the crank.
400 Crankshaft ID.
http://www.tmeyerinc.com/400crankshaftid.html


== Ninety-Degree Engine Family Series (221/260/289/302/255/351W) ==

6 bolts on trapezoidal valve covers. Thermostat housing on intake. Exhaust bolt holes horizontal.

302 BOSS Engines (69/70) have Cleveland (335 Series) style (canted valves) heads and the block can be identified by screw-in freeze plugs.

== 385 Series (Lima Big Blocks) -- 429/429BOSS/460/370 Truck ==

7 Retaining cap screws in rocker cover

== FE Series (332/352/361/360/390/410/427/428) == 

FE series: Intake goes under valve covers.

There are other indicators but these are enough to distinguish engine families.

== Y-Block (239/256/272/292/312) ==

Rear mount distributor

2 Studs (and retaining nuts) retain rocker cover

Intake runners are over and under- Center exhaust ports are close together (similar to a SBC)

Exhaust manifold bolts are in a common plane (line) across the cylinder head exhaust surface, if they are staggered it is a Lincoln Y-Block (279/317/341/368 Pass. Car) (279/317/302/332 Heavy Truck)