Details of the 1969 GT350 Engine
with the Automatic Transmission





By Peter Disher
Posted 4/1/25


Ford identified the 1969 351 Windsor engine for the automatic transmission by the code "K211S". You can find this code on the vehicle build sheet. The build sheet would have directed the assembly line workers to install the automatic version of the Ford 351. The automatic engine assembly would have a flexplate, a different carburetor and a unique distributor installed on the engine assembly. 1969 351W engines did NOT have thermactor emissions (smog). These engines were certified with Ford's IMCO system.

Engines were pre-assembled and installed as units by the production line workers in Dearborn. You will not find the paper engine ID tag on this motor. It was originally on the stamped steel valve cover, which was removed during the Shelby conversion process.






All Shelby 351, automatic engines were built to the same specifications. The cars with the air conditioning option were also the same. The code number would also be present on the engine tag. Factory options, like power steering and air conditioning, do not change the basic engine configuration.






The block should have the casting number "C9OE-6015-B". This number is cast into the side of the block, behind the starter motor. The block also has a casting date. That date should fall before the build date of the car. Here "8L26" corresponds to November 26, 1968.






Engine blocks are also stamped with serial numbers. This number is on the rear of the block, near the firewall, when the engine is installed. This area is usually painted, so the numbers can be hard to locate.






The carburetor is a Ford Autolite. It carries the identification number C9ZF-9510-D. That number is on the carb base plate and the metal tag.






The carburetor spacer is the same as the 1968 GT350. It has a straight fitting for the pcv hose on the back.






The air cleaner is the stock 351W part. It does have a smaller lid and both the aircleaner and lid were painted blue. A 351 CID RAM AIR decal is on the lid.






The Cobra valve cover has a chrome, push on oil cap. The oil cap has "Autolite" stamped into the top.






The carburetor choke tubes come off the right, exhaust manifold. One of the tubes is tucked behind the manifold. The manifolds are stock 351 cast iron parts.




The aluminum intake manifold is cast witht he word "Shelby" on the front. It was made by the Buddy Bar casting company.






In 1969, the thermostat housing was painted blue with the orginal intake and it was reused when the car changed to the (unpainted) aluminum, Shelby intake manifold. You will also find the fitting for the heater hose painted blue. It was transfered over from the old manifold.


The distributor for a 1969 Automatic is the C9OF-12127-T. It has a "single" style vacuum advance. No vacuum tree is present on the front of the thermostat housing.


The distributor for a 1969 Automatic GT350 with air conditioning is the C9OF-12127-Z. It has a "single" style vacuum advance. A vacuum tree is present on the front of the thermostat housing.




The dual vacuum advance was used on GT350 automatics, but only on converted "1970" models.



For the converted 1970 cars, the distributor for an automatic GT350 was changed to a "ED" DOAF-12127-AC. This distributor has a "dual" style vacuum advance. A vacuum tree was added to the thermostat housing. It is part of the updated emissions standard.



For the converted 1970 cars, the distributor for an automatic GT350 with air conditioning was changed to a "ED" DOAF-12127-AC. This distributor has a "dual" style vacuum advance. A vacuum tree was added to the thermostat housing. It is part of the updated emissions standard.





1969 GT350 / Auto Trans
Distributor Chart

Year ID Number Air Conditioning Vacuum Advance Type Vacuum Tree (Port)
1969 C9OF-12127-T No Single No
1969 C9OF-12127-Z Yes Single Yes
1970 ED DOAF-12127-AC No Dual Yes
1970 ED DOAF-12127-AC Yes Dual Yes