Need help deciphering 73? ID Tag - Ford Forums

shmockey · 03-16-2009, 15:08

I have located the ID tag from the bolt holding on the coil and from what I can see, and it is tough, it reads: 460 73 12 on the top line and 2L16 K875 A on the bottom line. If anyone could help with this it would be a great help, I just picked this 460 up and am trying to learn a little about it. I am in the middle of cleaning the block to try and look for a block number and the heads for some more info. Thanks in advance for any help.

shmockey · 03-16-2009, 15:20

OK I think the block number is DIVE A28? If this makes any sence

shmockey · 03-16-2009, 15:24

Ok found a number on the intake just above the firing order I can read D3VE A the numbers after the A are real messed up. Thanks again to anyone that can help

**Paul Kane** · 03-16-2009, 20:56

1973 Ford 460 produced November 16, 1972. Has a D1VE-A2B cylinder block and D3VE-A2A heads, likely non-thermactor heads (<---smog pump passages are not likely drilled).

Compression ratio is around 7.75:1, give or take. Rebuilding with flat top pistons and zero-decking the block will get you to about 9.4:1. In short, you have a dime-a-dozen 460 from a period when they were all essentially identical from 1973-1978, and generally the same from 1973-1985 but with some noted differences after 1978.

Horsepower is about 290BHP, maybe 220 SAE Net. The primary components (block, heads, crankshaft, rods) have the potential to generate 425 hp quite easily, and with some further cylinder head modifications you could manage 600 hp in a stroker combo. These numbers are very generalized but possible in a well planned and detailed build.

The D3VE heads have long been condsidered "smogger heads," and while they are not on top of the food chain in the BBF iron head heirarchy they have since been proven to offer great horsepower. I have an engine with D3VE heads that is making about 550 hp.

Paul

shmockey · 03-17-2009, 15:07

Paul, thank you for the information you are a wealth of knowledge. What exactly are you saying that I would have to do to make this a 425 hp 460. Just wondering because I think I got a great deal on it and was wondering if running it stock was a better option to doing a few things to it. I only have $400 into a good running low miles 4brl 460ci Ford motor. Thank you again for your input Paul.

Scott

mil1ion · 03-26-2009, 12:00

Engine Buck Tag

460 = Engine displacement

73 = Model Year 1973

12 = Change level

2L16 = Built November 16 1972

K875 = Ford Engine code number = 460