Every Ford F‑150 built from 1981 to today has a 17‑character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The 8th character in that VIN identifies the engine that was installed at the factory.
Understanding this code helps owners, mechanics, and buyers determine the correct engine for repairs, parts replacement, or verification purposes.
Ford F150 VIN Engine Code Chart
1980–1986 Ford F‑150 Engine Codes
| VIN Code (8th) | Engine Displacement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 3.8L V6 | Inline 6-cylinder |
| C | 8.2L V8 Diesel | Heavy-duty diesel |
| E | 4.9L I6 | Inline 6, 300 CID |
| F | 5.0L V8 | 302 CID |
| G | 5.8L V8 | 351M CID |
| H | 5.8L V8 | 351W CID |
| K | 6.6L V8 | 400 CID |
| L | 7.5L V8 | 460 CID |
1987–1991 Ford F‑150 Engine Codes
| VIN Code | Engine |
|---|---|
| Y | 4.9L I6 (300 CID) |
| F | 5.0L V8 (302 CID EFI) |
| H | 5.8L V8 (351W) |
| M | 5.8L V8 (351M) |
| K | 7.5L V8 (460) |
Related Year to VIN Chart(From 1980–2069)
1992–1996 Ford F‑150 Engine Codes
| VIN Code | Engine |
|---|---|
| Y | 4.9L I6 |
| N | 3.8L V6 |
| T | 5.0L V8 (302) |
| H | 5.8L V8 |
| G | 7.5L V8 |
| P | 7.3L V8 Diesel |
2004–2008 Ford F‑150 Engine Codes
| VIN Code | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.2L V6 |
| W | 4.6L V8 Triton |
| 5 | 5.4L V8 Triton |
2015–2020 Ford F‑150 Engine Codes
| VIN Code | Engine |
|---|---|
| P | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 |
| G | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 |
| D | 3.5L Ti‑VCT V6 (base) |
| F | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
Related Engine VIN Number Decoding Chart(For All Vehicle Brands)
2021–Present Ford F‑150 Engine Codes
| VIN Code | Engine |
|---|---|
| P | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 |
| G | 3.3L Ti‑VCT V6 (base) |
| F | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 |
| D | 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6 |
| T | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
Notes on VIN Engine Decoding
Ford changes which engine corresponds to a given 8th-character code over time. For example, “G” in 1990 refers to a 7.5L V8, while in 2016 it refers to a 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Always use the engine code along with the model year.
Engine swaps or rebuilds may result in a physical engine that does not match the VIN code. Verification with service records or a dealer may be necessary.
Related CC to Hp Calculator
Why the 8th Character Matters
- Identifies the engine type and displacement.
- Indicates fuel system or induction type in modern engines.
- Engine codes change over time, so it is important to match the code with the model year.
How to Decode Your F‑150 VIN
- Locate the VIN on the driver’s door jamb, dashboard, or vehicle documents.
- Identify the 8th character, which represents the engine code.
- Match the code to the table corresponding to your model year.
- Confirm with a dealership or service records if necessary.
Related Engine Compression Test Chart(For All Brands + Models)
FAQs
Which digit in a Ford VIN is the engine code?
The 8th digit in a Ford VIN identifies the engine installed at the factory. It indicates the engine type, displacement, and sometimes fuel system or induction type. This digit is crucial for determining the correct parts and specifications for your truck.
How do I know what engine my F150 has?
You can identify your F‑150’s engine by:
- Locating the VIN on the driver’s door jamb, dashboard, or vehicle documents.
- Checking the 8th character of the VIN and matching it to an engine code chart based on the model year.
- Consult the build sheet, dealership, or service records if you need confirmation.
How to identify Ford engine code?
The Ford engine code is the 8th character in the VIN. You can identify it by comparing this character with a reference chart that corresponds to your truck’s model year. Each code represents a specific engine type and displacement.
How to decode F150 VIN?
To decode an F‑150 VIN:
- Use the 17-character VIN from the truck.
- Refer to a Ford VIN decoder chart for the relevant model year.
- Identify key digits, including the 8th digit for the engine, the 10th digit for the model year, and the 11th digit for the assembly plant.
What does the 8th digit in a Ford VIN number mean?
The 8th digit in a Ford VIN represents the engine type. It tells you the factory-installed engine’s size, fuel system, and configuration, which is essential for service, parts, and resale purposes.
Can I decode a Ford VIN for free?
Yes, there are free online tools and VIN decoder websites that allow you to input your VIN and obtain information about the engine, model, production year, and assembly plant. You can also use charts that list engine codes by year.
How do I tell where my F150 was built?
The 11th digit of the VIN indicates the assembly plant. For example:
- F = Dearborn, Michigan
- L = Louisville, Kentucky
- R = Kansas City, Missouri
- Checking this digit tells you where the vehicle was manufactured.
