Identifying an early 260 engine

[Alpine 1789]

My Tiger came with several engines, one of which has me stumped. It is definitely a 260, based on the two freeze plugs, but the only identification number I can find on it is "2H14" which looks more like a date code than an engine identifier. If it is, that means it is from 1962, which is more likely a Ford Falcon than a Tiger, but the lack of any engine code is what has me stumped. Some photos are below. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[260Alpine]

Jim, Definately a 260. Maybe a 62 year out of a Fairlane or Falcon. I have a 63. I'll check my number. I just went out and checked. My block has no numbers.

 

[Alpine 1789]

Interesting! I’ve been researching Ford engine numbers and haven’t seen any reference to the early 260’s not having numbers. Do you know if this engine would be of interest to Falcon or Fairlane owners?

 

[260Alpine]

Mine probably has numbers inside the block. I know mine is from a 63 Fairlane. Numbers on intake, heads and exhaust manifolds on mine all start with C3. Do you have any other parts with the motor? Maybe they start with C2?

 

[260Alpine]

Here is a picture of mine. 63 was the last year with oil filler breather.

 

[Warren]

Casting date on block build date is on deck by distributor plus on the gasket surface of oil pan near the front. There's a Tiger engine study guy R. Fraser. I'd say the cited number is too early.

Check this out.

Thread 'Engine build date' https://www.catmbr.org/cat-forum/threads/engine-build-date.7640/

 

[260Alpine]

Jim, I looked again at your picture and I had to look underneath. My number is CK22. That is probably a foundry casting #. Not ID#. Maybe yours is an industrial block and not passenger car?

 

[spmdr]

First Gen 260s (not Tiger 260s) have the block casting ID numbers up at the top rear of the block.

Between the bellhousing and intake manifold.

They have 2 freeze plugs per side and the motor mount bolts are 6" apart.

Block casting ID numbers look like this:

 

[260Alpine]

I had to scrape some grease off and found C2OE 6016 like above.

 

[spmdr]

Just for the record, even though you can't see it well, the base engine block number is 6015.

The Prefix and suffix determine the ID.

DW

 

[Alpine 1789]

First Gen 260s (not Tiger 260s) have the block casting ID numbers up at the top rear of the block.

Thanks for that! I spent a fair amount of time online looking for that information and never came up with it. I should have know to ask here first!

C20E 6015 as expected. So, early 260 block. I knew it wasn't Tiger, but couldn't identify it. My (our, since I co-own it with Mototron) came with a handful of engines, none of them in the car. One is a 289, too early for a MkII (3J16, so late 1963) but a nice potential engine for our car. A couple of the others are 302's and I think one other 289. Still lots of body work to go before we start thinking about the engine, but I know it won't be the 260.

 

[spmdr]

Yup, 260s don't get a LOT of Love...

I did one for the street a few years ago ( I've done several 260s), that pulled 237 rear wheel HP.

I put a 302 crank in it.

These days there are several stroker cranks to consider, with custom pistons.

The beauty of the 302 crank is you can use the 260 pistons with a 302 crank and rods.

And you get the added benny of a much needed higher compression!

DW

 

[260Alpine]

When I get around to rebuilding mine, I am using GT40 Iron heads milled .040 thousands. I'm hoping with the right cam to get around 250HP at the flywheel.

 

[alpine_64]

. One is a 289, too early for a MkII (3J16, so late 1963) but a nice potential engine for our car.

Jim if its a 5 bolt 289 its a valuable block for cobra falcon sprint and mustang guys...
And useful for a tiger if you dont want to go 6 bolt behousing and use stock mki stuff....

But given you aren't building stock...sell the 5 bolt 289 and can probably but a crate 302 and change

 

[Alpine 1789]

But given you aren't building stock...sell the 5 bolt 289 and can probably but a crate 302 and change

That is the current plan. Now, I just need to find an early Cobra owner looking for a date correct 289. Anyone know one?

 

[260Alpine]

Jim, I'm on the Cobra forum. I'll pass the word over there. 63 5 bolt bell 289. right?

 

[Alpine 1789]

im, I'm on the Cobra forum. I'll pass the word over there. 63 5 bolt bell 289. right?

Right. Here are a couple of pictures. It is a block with caps only. I have a set of cast heads that may go with it, but I doubt anyone will want those. I did a quick and dirty bore measurement and came up with 4", so I don't think it has been bored.

THANKS!

 

[Alpine 1789]

BTW: I am in eastern Long Island, but would deliver the engine within a reasonable distance in the North East. I will probably drive to Florida at some point this winter, which would increase my potential delivery zone.

 

[260Alpine]

Jim, Thanks, I posted you were in NY with a link to this page. Most of the guys over there have replicas with modified motors but it only takes one that is trying to be period correct. Motor is probably 64 with C4#. Also ideal for the 64 1/2 Mustang.