What does the K stand for?

[Ford Man]

Hi All, I need some help please....what does the K stand for?
I know the K is the engine code for a 289 4V in a XRGT.
What does the K stand for in an engine number for example JG37LC12345K - I know this is a Fairlane, 1971 and produced in January...according to all the charts available but what does the K stand for.....I cannot seem to find any reference. I have a friend with an XAGT and the engine number and Vin match and both end in K....anyone please help?

[Stefan]

K on the end in the vin just signifies it's a V8, either a 302 or a 351 in the case of the Fairlane, the engine code signifies what V8 it actually was. If there is a C it's a 6 cylinder car.

[JG66ME]

What Stefan said and, it is the code used to denote the cars RAC horsepower rating (Royal Automobile Club). The RAC rating is based on number of cylinders and the bore and it was used for taxation purposes. The ford 6s were 36hp and the eights about 54. Check the workshop manuals for actual figures but the 289, 302 and 351 all have the same RAC HP.

From Wiki

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsep..._horsepower.29

[Stefan]

Oh I should add, when there is a K on the end of the Vin it does not make it a "K-code" car.

The K in the "K-code" term is a reference to the Engine code on the compliance plate, ie a 351ci 2V V8.

[Ford Man]

Appreciate the knowledge you guys have....thanks
So, another question, the example I gave above JG37LC12345K could this be an engine number or Vin number or both. If it is a 1971 Fairlane was the engine number the same as the Vin number back then like an XA or were they different.

[Stefan]

Yes '71 onward JG number was on the engine and chassis like an XA

[Ford Man]

Thanks Stefan, I appreciate your help.
I guess I was getting confused with cars prior to 1970 where the engine number and Vin numbers were different.

[Moby Vic]

A K-code 289 has much more significance in the USA:
http://www.kcode.net/Khistory.htm