I attended a swap meet in Phoenix and purchased a complete 1968 "J" code engine. I found a VIN number on the block (8R522XXX). It is clear that this engine did not come out of a Mustang, but does anyone know what model this engine may have come out of???? Thanks, Russ

My understanding is that the vin number matches the vin number on the car. A J code would be 302 motor but I don't think that you could find about what car that it came out of. I might be wrong but that is my understanding.

I attended a swap meet in Phoenix and purchased a complete 1968 "J" code engine. I found a VIN number on the block (8R522XXX). It is clear that this engine did not come out of a Mustang, but does anyone know what model this engine may have come out of???? Thanks, Russ

The "J" code engine was introduced in 1968 and was used in most all Ford vehicles. It was a 4V engine producing 230 HP.
Joe

Was the VIN stamped on a flat surface at the rear of the block?

Yes.
There is a raised boss on the block just back of the intake manifold.
Joe

The VIN is stamped on the rear of the block. My understanding is that Mustangs started the six digit VIN with a "1", not a "5" (ie: 8R123456). and that is the root of the question. Does the "5" indicate a Cougar or ????. The engine is definately a "J" code, with '68 casting dates and "4V" and "302" cast into the heads. Thanks for the response, Russ

Russ,

You might try this link..its from the cougar club of america. http://www.cougarclub.org/vindecoder.shtml

Darrell