Many believe the era of Ford muscle-cars began in 1968 with the introduction of the 428 Cobra-Jet engine. This monster, capable of producing 335 horsepower, replaced the 427 as Ford's premier muscle-engine. Although released as early as 1966 as a Police-Interceptor, the Cobra-Jet was only offered on performance models in 1968, including the Fairlane 500 Torino and the Mustang. Identification can be accomplished both visually and by comparing Ford casting numbers. Ford's numbering system is easily translated, however, using a combination of identification techniques is the best method for positive identification.
Identify the car. The introductory year for the production 428 was 1968 and it was only offered in the Fairlane 500 Torino, Mustang, Mercury Cougar and Mercury Montego. This is just the a starting point as these models may not have been 428-equipped, or the engine may have been swapped.
Inspect the engine compartment and the engine itself. Ford applied engine casting identification number decals on the air cleaner or valve covers. Ford also always attached an identification tag on the block, which may still be present. There may also be fender emblems identifying the Cobra-Jet.
Locate the casting ID number on the engine block. Ford engine numbers are normally located on the rear passenger side of the engine, where the starter connects to the bell housing. This number is four-digits long and a 1968 428 c.i.d. will begin with C8 (This designates the year of manufacture, 1968). The third letter must be either Z, O, M or G. This designates the car model: "Z" for Mustang, "O" for Fairlane/Torino, "M" for Mercury and "G" for Montego.
Locate the cylinder head casting number under the valve covers. This casting code should match the one on the engine block. If both these numbers match, you can be sure it is a 1968 428 Cobra-Jet.
