matching numbers? looking for engine

[fatboy4211]

please confirm...i did a search for the matching numbers thread. what i found in the thread is that the numbers on engine do not match the vin of the bronco from the factory.

if this is true then i guess i will be hunting down a engine. i need a new one.

 

[broncnaz]

Correct ford doesnt have matching numbers. At least not on most of there vehicles I think some mustangs and other Hipo vehicle may have had matching engines but nothing else did. At most casting codes are what you use for keeping a engine correct to a vehicle. basically no big deal unless your restoring to 100% correct. then you just have to make sure the casting numbers are not newer than the vehicle year and that they would have been used on that vehicle.

 

[fatboy4211]

so does it affect value...like the chevys?

 

[broncnaz]

doesnt really effect value even in ch@vys unless they are specail models like SS's or whatever other junk they have. while its always nice to be able to say you have the orginal engine most people are satisfied with having a running engine.
Again unless your going for 100% concurs correct its no big deal. Basically if you stick with any engine pre 1982 you should be fine as the balance will be the same and all the stock bronco stuff will swap over without issue. Once you start getting into post 82 5.0's then the balance changes and other parts are needed to do the swap. So to me that kinda detracts from value in a small way. but 82 up engines do have some good points like one piece rear main seals. and later on roller cams.

 

[ilovemaui]

Numbers matching on a Chevy is a big deal. It can make a huge difference in the value. I know a lot of folks like to bash Chevy and the current GM deserves it, but vintage Chevrolets are great vehicles and fun to drive and restore. I'm a car guy, it doesn't matter what make.

On a Bronco all you need are date codes if you're going for authenticity. I don't know if a Bronco build sheet lists the engine serial number, but I doubt it.

 

[broncnaz]

Fords dont have engine serial numbers. At least not early fords. only a few of the ford cars had them such as hipo versions like K code, shelby or boss mustangs. I know lots of ch#vy guys and they could care less about matching numbers unless its a specail package or edition muscle car otherwise the run of the mill vehicle its dime a dozen swap it when it breaks.

In the end its really only collectors that pay for the matching numbers. While its always nice to have the orginal engine its not going to hurt overall value in a bronco.
Also matching numbers is not limited to having the VIN stamped on the engine as that can be easily forged by anyone with some stamps. Matching numbers can be casting codes and date codes as well. The concurs inspections will check that they match to actually verify the parts are correct.
Rumor has it that after 68 the VIN was supposed to be stamped on engine in fords but I cant remember ever seeing one. I'll have to check my 71 to see if it has one or not as I'm pretty sure the engine is orginal. Could also check my 73 but the engine has been rebuilt so it may have been machined off. But I dont remember it having anything stamped on it either.

 

[fatboy4211]

ok looks like i will be looking for a new engine