1992 – 1995 Romeo
The F2VE block replaced the original casting when the AODE (automatic overdrive, electronic) transmission was introduced late 1991 or early ’92 in the RWD Ford and Lincoln/Mercury cars (See the dates in the above paragraph). It was superseded by the F4VE casting that was identical to the F2VE in 1994. These blocks can be recognized by the hollow dowels that were used along with the AODE (automatic overdrive electronic) transmission and the semi-circular boss for the starter that was added on the right side of the bell housing
The corner of the block is reinforced by a triangular web that is parallel to the pan rail and perpendicular to the front of the bell housing, too. And, these blocks still have only four cross-bolted mains instead of five like all the later Romeo blocks.
1996 – 1998 Romeo Car
The third Romeo block was introduced in 1996. There have been three different casting numbers including the F65E-CC, F6VE and F7VE, but all three blocks are the same. These blocks have five cross-bolted mains instead of the four that were found on the earlier blocks, and they have a threaded hole in the valley for a knock sensor.
The freeze plug on the driver’s side was moved up closer to the deck and the bolt for the front cover that’s right beside the big hole for the water pump was moved up about .250˝ closer to the deck, so it’s located at 2 o’clock instead of 3 o’clock when facing the block (see photo below).
These blocks appear to have been used for the 1996 and ’97 cars (the "V" in the casting number indicates that the casting was originally designed for a Lincoln) and the 1997 pickups that were built in 1996 and titled as ’97s (the "5" in the casting number indicates that it was intended for the pickups).