does anyone know when ford engine paint went from blue, to grey?

 

i think it was changed in the mid 80's? why? my 93 was grey and i painted the new engine ford blue.

 

im buying a 300 strait 6 from a guy, and he does not know what year it is. and i guess i need to know what the numbers on the block can tell me , about the engine. so if anyone knows where the numbers are, and what they mean, it would help me out, thanks guys

 

well all the fuel injected 300 i6's were grey. carb can be either grey or blue.

 

You can see part numbers on the different parts of the engine. If the part number begins with a C then it is a 1960's D is 1970's. E is 80's, then they changed the number system. So if you find a part number that starts with E2... that is a 1982. 1985 is for sure grey paint. I think they went to grey about 1982, but that is a guess.

 

thanks chris, that helps, i just want to know the year so when i get parts i will know they are right.