When I purchased this Ford was told it had a 272 in it.  Over the winter have been cleaning and doing some needed PM.  In doing so found casting # on block. If I read it correct it is ECZ*6015*C  with a stamping on front edge of block on top above water pump of ( 1-71X7 ).
I believe the block to be 1957, 312.from CF,  as CF is cast also by dist. Am I correct?  But have know Idea what the 1-71X7 refers to.  Without braking down engine is there any other things I could look for to aid in my hunt?  If in fact it is a 312 rather then a 272 is that a plus? Any help with any of this would be great as you all have proven to be the best source to answer questions for us that want to learn but don't really know much.

...with a stamping on front edge of block on top above water pump of ( 1-71X7 ).
I believe the block to be 1957, 312.from CF,  as CF is cast also by dist. Am I correct?  But have know Idea what the 1-71X7 refers to. 

The STAMPING NO. is the ENGINE ASSEMBLY DATE.

CF = CLEVELAND FOUNDRY

ECZ-6015-C could be either a 292 or 312 - http://www.ford-y-block.com/identify312.htm

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Thank for your reply. Is there any info on the 1-71X7 stamping?

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I just spelled all of this out in an EDIT of my previous post. It shot out into the ionosphere I think.

Also, the format appears differently to me as previous. Has it been changed or is my browser carousing?

Any plans to update this site to a later format?

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That’s a Jim question.  But he hasn’t mentioned anything coming up in the near future.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Best guess on the stamped engine code (1-71X7) has the engine assembly taking place on Jan 23, 1957 on shift #1. That would have made this a Wednesday engine.  Not sure what the ‘7’ is at the end unless it’s the inspector’s number who did final approval for the engine.  You might look at the outer edge of the rear crankshaft flywheel flange for a aspirin sized casting dot which would denote a 312 crankshaft.  Having no dot can still point to a 312 crankshaft but the aspirin sized or 5/16" size dot on the crankshaft is a definitive identifier for the 312 crankshaft.
.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Okay with good info.
Question: On the head,these letters appear :"ECZ G" 
What does this mean ?
Tim
Hot 'n Humid
Florida 33706

I found out what the "G" on the ECZ head means. It was used on the 1957 272, 292, & 312 engines.
Tim
Hot 'n Humid
FL 33706