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Decoding
429 Mustang Decoding
The purpose of this page is to help you locate and decode the various numbers on the 429 Mustang/Cougar. This page includes decoding and location info on the:
- VIN
- Engine
- Transmission
- Rear Axle
- Buck Tag
- How to tell a CJ from a SCJ
(Note: Click thumbnails to enlarge pictures.)
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Where to find the VIN on the Vehicle
There are five places you can find the VIN on the vehicle;
1) Dash
Complete VIN is on the driver’s side of the dashboard, as shown below. The red circle indicates where the VIN is located on the dashboard.
2) Drivers Door
Complete VIN is on the driver’s side of the dashboard, as shown below. The red circle indicates where the VIN is located on the dashboard.
A word about the Driver’s Door Decal – Two different versions of this decal were used in the 71 Model Year. Our research indicates that the change from Style #1 to Style #2 (see this thumbnail photo: )
occurred in October 1970 between VIN series 1F05J123000 and 1F05J140000.
3) Under Front Fenders
The partial VIN is stamped under each of the two front fenders on top of the engine compartment sheet metal. Notice it is only part of the complete VIN. The 1971 model year (1), the assembly plant – Dearborn (F), and the consecutive unit number (149141). In this case, the 05J is missing.
4) Engine Block Serial Number
The serial number (aka partial VIN) is stamped on the rear face of the 429 block just below the driver’s side head. The first two and last six digits of the vehicle VIN (ex: 1F123456) are shown in the photos below. The first digit (“1”) denotes 1971, the second digit (“F”) is the Assembly Plant code. The remaining six digits are the last six of the vehicle VIN. If the vehicle was a Mustang, this six digit number starts with a “1”. If it was a Cougar, it starts with a “5”. Note that this serial number may be nearly impossible to see when the engine is installed in the car.
More on the Assembly Plant Code
From this serial number, specifically the second digit (the Assembly Plant code), you can determine which Vehicle Assembly Plant that the engine was originally installed into a vehicle in. This is important because the Vehicle Assembly Plant will tell you the vehicle type the engine came from and whether the engine originally came from a Mustang/Cougar or another Ford vehicle. As you can see from our example above, the second digit is an “F”, so based on the table below, this engine originally came from a Mustang.
A-Atlanta
B-Oakville
D-Dallas
E-Mahwah
F-Dearborn (the only assembly plant that built the 1971 429 CJ/SCJ Mustang and Cougar)
G-Chicago
H-Lorain
J-Los Angeles
K-Kansas City
N-Norfolk
P-Twin Cities
R-San Jose
T-Metuchen
U-Louisville
W-Wayne
Y-Wixom
X-St. Thomas
5) Transmission
The partial VIN is stamped on the transmission. Like the block, the first two and last six of the VIN (ex:1F123456) are stamped on a flat pad on the top surface of the C6 transmission or on top of the rough cast top flange where the trans case meets the bellhousing of the 4 speed top loader. The VIN is usually stamped on the front rail of the trans case, but may have been located anywhere along the front rail and not necessarily to the left hand side as seen here.
C6 Automatic
4 Speed Top Loader
Decoding the VIN
Using the complete VIN from your door sticker or dashboard, you can determine important data about how your vehicle was originally built. You can decode your tag by clicking the link to the “Classic Mustang Decoder”site below:
Classic Mustang Dataplate Decoder
Engine Decoding
Engine ID Tag
The Engine ID tag was a small metal tag placed under the bolt that held down the ignition coil.
The sample ID tag above left can be decoded as follows using the chart at above right:
ENGINE CID = 429
MODEL YEAR = 71
CHANGE LEVEL = 8
YEAR OF ENGINE PRODUCTION = 1970
MONTH OF ENGINE PRODUCTION = November
ENGINE CODE NO. = Cobra Jet
(Note: Ford did not use the letter”I”in date codes because it could be confused with the numeral”1″)
The chart below indicates which engine code number goes with each vehicle, engine and transmission combination.
71 429 Mustang/Cougar Engine Tag Application Chart
|
Engine Tag Code |
CJ or SCJ | C6 or 4 speed | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| K833-K | 429 CJ | C6 | 71 Mustang/Cougar |
| K833-KG | 429 CJ | C6 | 71 Mustang/Cougar |
| K834-K | 429 CJ | 4 speed | 71 Mustang/Cougar |
| 837-J | 429 SCJ | C6 | 71 Mustang |
| 838-J | 429SCJ | 4 speed | 71 Mustang |
71 Mustang
Engine Block Part Number
CJ / SCJ Blocks
Correct 429 CJ / SCJ Block Casting Numbers
The red arrow above left indicates the location of the 429 CJ/SCJ engine block casting number. A closeup is shown at center of the D0VE-A and the D1VE-6015-AA at right. The 429 CJ/SCJ engines used in the 71 Mustang/Cougar had either a D0VE-A or a D1VE-6015-AA block. But here’s a special note about the D1VE block part numbers – CJ/SCJ D1VE blocks have the “D1VE-6015-AA” casting number while base blocks have only a “D1VE-AA” casting number without the -6015- in the middle. This appears to be a screw-up by the factory! D1VE-6015-AA is supposed be a CJ block (since we have seen more as CJ than non-CJ), but due to the info we have uncovered (click this thumbnail photo:
), its best to verify first if the block is a thin or thick web before deciding if it is a CJ. See the two photos below for examples of this;
429 CJ / SCJ Main Bearing Webs
In addition to the casting numbers, CJ/SCJ blocks were signified by having thicker main bearing webs than the standard 429 blocks. Note in the photo below how the webs on the CJ/SCJ block (left) get thicker, stepping from 1” to 1.4” near the intersection of the web to the sidewall while the base 429 block webs are noticeably narrower;
Also note that the CJ/SCJ webs are taller and machined to the same height as the oil pan rail. By contrast, main bearing webs on the base 429 (Thunder Jet) block at right get thinner as they meet the sidewall and are not as tall as their CJ/SCJ counterparts. Instead they are as cast and end below the oil pan rail.
Two -vs- Four Bolt Mains
Since the two or four bolt caps were added after the block was cast, the casting number WILL NOT tell you if it is a two or four bolt main block. What it WILL tell you is that the block has thick main webs, making it a CJ/SCJ block (PI too).
(Thanks to Dan Davis for the above info and photos)
Engine Assembly Date
These photos show the location of the engine assembly date stamping. This is the date when the block was assembled into a complete engine. For the 429 engine, this code is located just below the passenger side head, on the front of the block. The code was sequenced: year-month-day-inspector code. The example shown above (0F22A) breaks down as 1970 – June 22 – Inspector code A.
Paper Engine Tag
See this link: Paper Engine Tags
Engine Heads – CJ Part Number
The red arrow shows the location of the D0OE-R part number on the 429 CJ/SCJ head. The part number is located between the center two exhaust ports facing upwards. This is the only part number for 429 CJ/SCJ heads.
Transmission Decoding
The transmission code to ID whether you have a 4 speed or C6 is on the sticker on the driver’s door. a “6” is for 4 speed (close ratio) and a “U” indicates the C6 automatic.
Transmission ID Tag
4 Speed Top Loader ID Tag
This is the 4 speed trans ID tag located on the trans case. The 71 429 Mustang had either a RUG-AZ or RUG-AZ-1 ID code on this tag.
C6 Transmission ID Tag
The C6 Transmission ID Tag is located under one of the servo bolts as shown above. Also, note the “R” on the servo cover. This indicates the transmission has an “R” Servo which only came on CJ/SCJ Transmissions. The Identification Code for the 429 Mustang/Cougar C6 is PJC-G. At right is an actual tag from a 429 Mustang C6.
Axle ID Tag
Rear Axle Decoding
Axle ID Tag
Axle Tags/Codes
The “assembly code” (e.g., 982D) found on the paper tag on the axle is the same as is found on the metal axle tag (attached to a “pig” bolt) and on the build sheet. See picture above for details.
This number is not the same as but is related to the “service code” (see chart below) for the axle (e.g., WFD-D). This is because the “service” code only identifies the contents of the pig and axle shaft size. The “assembly code” also IDs the vehicle application and brake size.
429 Mustang/Cougar Axle Service Code Chart
|
Service Code |
Ratio | Locking? |
Service Code |
Ratio | Locking? | Service Code | Ratio | Locking? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WDO-M2 | 3.25 | Y | WES-AK | 3.50 | N | WFU-E1 | 4.11 | Y |
| WES-AB2 | 3.25 | N | WFB-C2 | 3.25 | Y | WFD-F | 3.50 | Y |
| WES-AD | 3.25 | N | WFD-D | 3.91 | Y | WFD-FZ | 3.50 | Y |
| WES-AD2 | 3.25 | N | WFD-D2 | 3.91 | Y | WES-AE | 3.50 | N |
| WES-AE2 | 3.50 | N | WFD-F2 | 3.50 | Y | WES-AK | 3.50 | N |
| WES-AE3 | 3.50 | N | WFD-F3 | 3.50 | Y | WFB-C | 3.25 | Y |
| WES-AJ2 | 3.25 | N | WFD-M2 | 3.25 | Y | WFD-A | 3.91 | Y |
| WES-AJ3 | 3.25 | N | WFD-M3 | 3.25 | Y | WFD-M | 3.25 | Y |
I have only seen 3 digits and a letter making up the “assembly code.” However, I could be wrong or ignorant because of a limited sample size.
(Thanks to Dan Davis for this research and photo)
Paper Axle Tag
This sheet contains data on high and low speed passing times for each type of vehicle as well as stopping distance and tire recommendations. The vehicle VIN is printed in the lower left and top right corners. The sheets at left and center are for 71 429 Mustangs and the one at right is for a Boss 351.
Decoding the Axle from the Door Tag
Above is a selection of Door Tags. Note that the axle code is key in determining whether or not a car has a CJ or SCJ engine. The SCJ engine was invoked ONLY when someone ordered a 429 car with a 3.91 or 4.11 rear axle. Tag #1 has an “R” axle code (3.25:1) and Tag #2 has an “A” code (3.50:1), therefore, these two cars are CJs. Tag #3 has a “V” axle code (3.91:1) and Tag #4 has a “Y” axle code (4.11:1). Therefore, these two cars are SCJs.
1971 429 Mustang/Cougar Rear Axle Codes
|
Vehicle/Engine |
Conventional | Locking | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 429 CJ Mustang/Cougar | N | R | 3.25:1 |
| 429 CJ Mustang/Cougar | A | S | 3.50:1 |
| 429 SCJ Mustang | N/A | V | 3.91:1 |
| 429 SCJ Mustang | N/A | Y | 4.11:1 |
* Air Conditioning only available with 3.25:1
Buck Tags
The buck tag was a metal tag attached to the front of the radiator support – often on the passenger side. It was used to ID the partially completed vehicle body at the assembly plant. As an example, the tag at left decodes as:
1F91J531928 – Vehicle Identification Number
65D – Body Style Code: Cougar Hardtop
21M – Scheduled Build Date: December 21
225 – Assembly Line Sequence Number
backwards 6 – Inspector Number
M – Color: Wimbledon White
1D – Interior Trim: Dark Red Vinyl Bucket Seats
AC – Air Conditioning
PB – Power Disc Brakes (required w/429CJ)
DE – Dual Exhaust
Link to a Helpful Website on Decoding Ford Products: Gearhead Racing
How To Identify a 429 SCJ (Drag Pack) Car
First off, is the fifth digit of the VIN a C or a J doortag.jpg (33133 bytes) ? That’s your starting point. If anything else, it is not even an original big block car. Now that we have established that it is a 429 car, check the door tag. If you are lucky enough to find a vehicle with an original door tag, check to make sure the VIN matches the one on the dash dashvinlocatioon.jpg (132038 bytes) which should match the one on the title!
OK, turn your attention to the the axle code. If it is a V (3.91) v.jpg (38825 bytes) or a Y (4.11) Y.jpg (43373 bytes) , the car is a Drag Pak car since ordering either axle ratio is what told the factory that the car was to come with the SCJ engine.
If there is no door tag, pretty much the only *sure* way to tell if it is a Drag Pak (DP) car is the Kevin Marti VIN Report or getting the original Ford Invoice.
You can however look for some clues which can tell you if the car is worth a follow up. Remember, that any or all of these *could* have been changed over the 30 years that the car has been alive:
First, is the engine equipped with a Holley fcengineleftside.jpg (98992 bytes) or a Rochester Quadra Jet carb kickdown.jpg (103214 bytes) ? If it’s a Holley, does the fuel enter on the driver’s side and is there a tube connecting the front & rear float bowls on the right fcenginerightside.jpg (92676 bytes) ? Is there a Ford engineering number on the choke horn airhorn.jpg (52658 bytes) carblistnumber.jpg (59281 bytes)? What is it (D1ZF-9510-YA for 429 SCJ 4 speed/D1ZF-9510-XA for 429 SCJ C6 auto)? If it is a Rochester carb, it is not a Drag Pak car.
Check for evidence of an emission system installation — either there is an A.I.R. pump fcsmog.jpg (94503 bytes) or there is remnants of bracketry smogaltbrackets.jpg (69398 bytes) here the unit was bolted on top of the alternator. Yes? Probably a Drag Pak car.
Next, look at the fuel pump and the incoming fuel lines. Are there two fuelpumpSCJ.jpg (66775 bytes) or three fuelpumpcjtype.jpg (27915 bytes) fittings on the fuel pump? Three fuel lines (two for 3/8″ line and one for 3/16″) indicate it was originally equipped with a Quadra Jet and is not a Drag Pak car. Drag pack cars had fuel pumps without a provision for the 3/16″ fuel line. Also look at the inner fender through which the fuel line(s) run. One fuel line or hole scjfuelline.jpg (74428 bytes) = maybe a Drag Pak, two lines cjfuellines.jpg (59966 bytes) or holes probably not.
Let’s check to see if the rear axle is equipped with 31 spline axles because all Drag Pak cars came with 31 spline axles. Remove the wheel cover, center cap or what-have-you to expose the center of the axle. If the axle has a large concave hole on the end of each shaft 28splinenew.jpg (38829 bytes) , it is probably a 28 spline. The 31 spline axle can usually be identified by the flat surface with 3 dimples on the end of each shaft 31splinenew.jpg (51706 bytes)* . Be careful here though because it is rumored that Ford changed the 31 spline axle in mid-1971. I do not know the details. (Note: 429 CJ’s had either 28 or 31 spline axles)
Still with me? OK. Now crawl under the car and look at the speedo cable as it goes into the trans. Does it go straight in or does it screw onto a little gearbox (straight for C6 p22reducer.jpg (22666 bytes) , 90 degrees for 4 speed speedoreducer4speed.jpg (42968 bytes) )? If the cable is threaded onto a gearbox, this is the speedo reducer used to allow the speedo to work properly with 4.11 or 3.91 gears. This can also identify a Drag pak car. Non-Drag Pak cars will have the cable going directly into the trans and held there by a bracket and bolt.
Slide back and look at the rear axle…is there a tag? If so, look at the characters in the lower left — are they 3L91 or 4L11? If so, that’s a good sign; if the tag says something else, not a Drag Pak car. If the tag is missing, is the “pig” (aka “pumpkin” or “chunk”) an N case? This is identified by a large “N” just above the pinion ncase1.jpg (36233 bytes) . If so, the car could be a Drag Pak car.
While you are there, check the fuel tank sender and count the lines going out. As with the fuel pump, two fuel lines (one 3/8″ and one 3/16″) cjfueltank.jpg (65669 bytes) indicate it was originally equipped with a Quadra Jet and not a Drag Pak car. One 3/8″ for SCJ scjfuellines.jpg (40456 bytes) .
Don’t forget that *any* 429 Mustang is rare and worth keeping, IMHO!
(Thanks to Dan Davis for this information)
* Note: The three hole axel shaft rule is only to be used for small and mid size cars from 1971 and earlier.
