first 2 letters and numbers on my 351W is D4 what year is this????

 

1974

 

thanks

 

I read on another board that some 78 model blocks were cast with the d4 casting number on it, how can you tell the difference?

 

It is technically a "74" casting but, it could have been cast all the way up to 79. In 79 they used another mold. 79 to 83 will have a D9 casting. You can tell the year by a date code on the block. I can't remember off hand where it is. I will have to take a look at one of the ones in my shop to find where it is at.

 

Ford Engine block serial numbers are easy.

The first letter is for the decade engine was made, next number is year of decade

F = '90's
E = '80's
D = '70's
ect
ect.

So a block with D4 is a 1974 block for sure.