Okay, so here's the dilemma...what engine is in my Fairlane? Block casting numbers point to a 1963 casting, which would make sense considering it's in a 1963 Fairlane. 20190416_220236 by '51Plymouth posted Apr 16, 2019 at 10:14 PM 20190416_220545 by '51Plymouth posted Apr 16, 2019 at 10:13 PM 20190416_220712 by '51Plymouth posted Apr 16, 2019 at 10:10 PM Head casting also decodes to a 1963 170 (adjustable rockers confirm this) But here's the wrinkle....5 freeze plugs. 20190416_220623 by '51Plymouth posted Apr 16, 2019 at 10:12 PM 20190416_220629 by '51Plymouth posted Apr 16, 2019 at 10:11 PM I was under the impression that all 5 plug blocks are 7 main 200/250's, and didn't come along until 1965? What the hell is this thing?
"1965 and later engines can be identified by five freeze plugs and the casting code C5DE-H." (from wiki article you read) Apparently someone has some of the facts wrong. Take it apart and see what you really have. Or drive it and don't worry about it.
I put as much faith in Wikipedia as I do in gas station sushi or a politician saying "trust me". I do trust Classic Inlines and Fordsix though, and their data says the same thing. The only reason I give a shit is I'm looking to upgrade the ignition, and distributor/oil pump drives differ between the 170 & 200.
First of all, check and decode your VIN tag. That's the truth, assuming you have an original motor. Secondly, Ford did offer a 200-6 in 1963. It had 5 freeze plugs, but only 4 main bearings. The 7 bearing 200-6 didn't come out until 1965.
Oh, yeah. The pre-65 200 also had solid lifters. Hyrdaulic lifters were added in '65. FWIW: Stroke can tell you, too: 140 has a 2.5" stroke, 170 is 2.94" and the 200 has a 3.126" stroke (stolen from the 'net). And, check out this thread: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-170-or-200.561032/
I don't think all the 200's built before 1965 had solid lifters. My 2 speed Fordomatic '64 Fairlane did not.
I don't know for sure, just what sources I have found have said. This has tons of data,but not about lifters,per se: https://fordsix.com/ci/SmallSixSpecs.html
So, I'd be more worried about the bottom end if you were planning any "enhancement". Chances are, you'd change the head if you were and the lifter question would be moot.
From what info I can find, there was a change to non-adjustable rocker arms in March, 1965, which may be the point of confusion.
I have a September 1965 build 1966 Bronco with a 170 inline and it still has solids in it. Head casting is C6DE-.... date code 5 /1/ 13.
When I was 16, I had 1960 Comet with a 144 motor. I drove the crap out of that car, no way could I kill it, One tough little motor.
The Jalopy Journal
