Trying to understand block codes

[tbirdkate]

Hello all - I’m in the process of restoring a thunderbird. I have an engine that is not original to the car and am fixing up the block. I’ve read through the forum and think I’ve decoded most of it, but would love to hear your thoughts. Picture attached.

Markings easily seen on the block:

* DIF - cast in Dearborn
* 72A:3 - cast on 1957, February 1, shift 3
* EDB6015B - this is where I get a little confused. I see a lot about EDB, EDB-A, and EDB-E, but I see no documentation and just occasional posts elsewhere on EDB-B. From what I can see, EDB blocks were 292s, and given that Dearborn mostly did 272s, maybe I just don’t see a lot on these because this is a Dearborn 292?

Any thoughts would be helpful!

 

[miker98038]

Best source I know. Down at the bottom of the page, information center, block numbers

http://www.ford-y-block.com/

 

[tbirdkate]

Best source I know. Down at the bottom of the page, information center, block numbers

http://www.ford-y-block.com/

I’ve scoured that page and don’t see anything with EDB-B. I see the others I mentioned, but no EDB-B.

 

[miker98038]

You’re right about that. If anyone knows, they’ll chime in. The last picture, with the EDB with the E above it? My only other thought is I’ve heard a lot of later 272 (maybe early ones too) got bored to 292 on rebuild.

 

[dmsfrr]

http://www.ford-y-block.com/Block%20identification.htm

It's my understanding the letter after 6015 is a 'minor variation' identifier.
EDB6015 B is a bit newer than an EDB-'A' block and a bit older than a 'C' or 'D' block. For very minor changes to the casting.

Most likely a 292, do you have the main bearing caps from the block? They would have EBU cast into the outer surface. I suppose there's a very slight chance (previously unknown) that the main bearing caps are marked ECZ, those would be for a 312.

Not sure if or why it matters but, I have two EDB blocks, an EDB-D and an EDB-E... cast in Oct. of '57 and Jan. of '58 respectively.
The location of the casting ID number on these, above the oil filter and with a CF symbol at the top rear of the block, indicates the Cleveland foundry.

 

[KULTULZ]

EDB - 292 CI V8 1957 if cast at Dearborn Foundry.

EDB found near distributor and generator (DIF).

JOHN MUMMERT - http://www.ford-y-block.com/Block identification.htm

The TWO DIGIT CODE to the right of the core plug is the MOLD NO.

 

[KULTULZ]

Y-Block production at the Dearborn foundry ended after the 1957 model year with the introduction of the new FE and MEL series of engines. Production continued at the Cleveland foundry while the Y-Block was installed in cars through 1962 and trucks through 1964. Y-Blocks were also used for industrial power plants and converted for marine use by Dearborn Marine.

SOURCE - http://yblockguy.com/identify_y-block.htm

I think what happened is the DIF was shutdown for up coming 1958 FE/MEL production. DIF must have been assigned to produce some EDB blocks in addition to 272 blocks to possibly keep up with 1957 production before re-tooling shutdown.

You would need data of the period from DIF or chase CASTING and DATE ID CODES.