Ford 289 vs 302

ALF · #1 (**permalink**) 04-27-2007, 03:40 PM

Hello

I’m in de middle of a discussion with some friends and need some help for this.
We’re discussing about the difference between a Ford 289 and a 302. Is there any possibility to define the type of engine on the optical level? (i.E. looking the engine mounted on the car)

I would relay appreciate if you could help me.

Regards
ALF

tcrist · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-2007, 04:06 PM

ALF
I have 1 of each in my garage. The quick differance that I see between the 2 are on the "302" head there are 2 holes just above the freeze plug. On the "289" there is only 1 threaded hole. I do not know if this is typical on all "302" & "289" heads but that is the way it is on the ones I have here.
Terry

Small Block Guy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 06:03 PM

Very simple. Look on the block top surface behind the intake manifold. On the 289, there is a depressed area between the intake manifold rear and the bellhousing surface that is rough in casting from side to side. On a 302, that area is only half of the way from side to side with the passenger side of that depression flush with the monting surface of the rear of the intake. hope this helps.

Woodz428 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 07:31 PM

I will look at several I have , but doubt that there is an easy visual clue. With the age of the engines, heads could get swapped,etc. Later 302s may be easily distinguished by some casting roughness or whatever, I don't know. I do know that you could not tell a 289 from a 302 in the late sixties when they were first released. You could pull a valve cover and see what it says under the cover, but as I said in the period that has passed since the 289 was last produced( 1968) a set of 302 heads could have been put on a 289 block. The casting # above the starter would tell you, but that is hardly a visual.

Jac Mac · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-2007, 01:30 AM

First thing I look for is the four corner bolts that attach the intake manifold to cylinder heads. 289 has exposed threads in view between manifold & head, 302 is completely enclosed. No help if the heads have been swapped though, you just have to get a torch & check the block casting number out to really settle the deal.
Jac Mac