1968 289 or 302 block

Jester · Dec 19, 2013

This question has probably been posted many times, I've read som but are not clear, so forgive a newbie: how can I tell for sure if I have a 289 block or a 302 block in my car. The engine is matching number c-code. Car produced last week of GT/CS production. And then for the follow up: if 302 blocks were used to set up a 289 is the difference bore or length or both?

franklinair · Dec 19, 2013

I'm assuming the VIN tag @ the passenger side of the windshield is 8R01Cxxxxxx.
If it is a matching # (289) engine you will see the VIN stamped on the engine block. Look behind the intake manifold where the transmission mates with the engine. There is a flat surface where the number should be stamped.
The difference between 289/302 cubic inches is achieved by a longer stroke. The cylinder bore diameter is the same on either model. Hope this helps.

Neil

Jester · Dec 19, 2013

I already know the engine is matching numbers, the VIN is not the problem the right VIN is there both on the engine and the door. The question was another: I read Ford ran out of 289 blocks for the Ccode production and used 302 blocks instead. Is that correct? And if so how do I know my block was casted as 289 production or for 302 originally? And if the block was casted as 302 how did they make it a 289? Just shorter stroke?

CougarCJ · Dec 19, 2013

One way to tell if it is 302 block, is to remove the intake manifold.
289 or 302 will be cast into the lifter valley.

289 has a shorter stroke, but same bore as a 302.

The 289 and 302 blocks are nearly the same. 302's have more meat in the lower cylinder bores for the longer stroke of a 302 crankshaft.

Either block can be assembled with 289 cubic inches, but a 289 block cannot be assembled and ran successfully with a 302 crankshaft.

Mosesatm · Dec 19, 2013

The casting number above the starter may also help.
Ford converted 302s into 289s by using the 289 crank, rods, & pistons, & maybe some other parts.
http://www.mustangtek.com/block/Block.html

franklinair · Dec 19, 2013

It will probably be a 302 block. To verify, you'll have to remove the starter and look at the casting number. 302 blocks incorporated a shorter stroke crankshaft, limiting the cubic inches to 289. Bores are the same for either block. (4")

Neil

dalorzo_f · Dec 19, 2013

but a 289 block cannot be assembled and ran successfully with a 302 crankshaft.

So drop the oil pan and see what crank you have? Hoping it has a FomoCo stamp

Ruppstang · Dec 19, 2013

It is very easy to tell, if you have the flat area ahead of the bell hosing where you have the VIN you have a 302 block. The 289 blocks did not have the flat area for the vin. There was a depression clear across on the 289 block.
Hope this helps.

dalorzo_f · Dec 20, 2013

Interesting, so my 289 has a 302 block! Learn something new every day, if you pay attention....:smile:

sportyworty · Dec 20, 2013

Most of the 289 "loaded" 302 blocks are C8AE 6015 B as opposed to the C80E 6015 A. Let us know which you have. I have yet see a true J code with the B block. Starting to think possibly that all of the B blocks are 289 loaded 302's. Not saying all B blocks are 289 just saying that was the casting that was used during the 289 shortage as opposed the the OE-A

stangfan · Dec 20, 2013

Mine is a Casting # C8AE-6015-B, and definitely a 302 block built as a 289. I know this as the engine was recently apart. It is not, however the original engine for the car but it does match the Marti as a C code car. :grin:

x-codegtcs · Dec 20, 2013

sportyworty said:
Most of the 289 "loaded" 302 blocks are C8AE 6015 B as opposed to the C80E 6015 A. Let us know which you have. I have yet see a true J code with the B block. Starting to think possibly that all of the B blocks are 289 loaded 302's. Not saying all B blocks are 289 just saying that was the casting that was used during the 289 shortage as opposed the the OE-A

I have a 289 2V motor that is a C8AE-A block.

dalorzo_f · Dec 20, 2013

Late April build C code with a -B block. 8C5

sportyworty · Dec 20, 2013

x-codegtcs said:
I have a 289 2V motor that is a C8AE-A block.

look again C8AE-A is a 427 Hydraulic as used in the GTE. Ford never shared castings between engine block families.

You have either a C6AE-6015-C (early built 68 model 289) C8AE-B or C8OE-A. Likely the B if it is a C code.

Mosesatm · Dec 20, 2013

Ruppstang said:
It is very easy to tell, if you have the flat area ahead of the bell hosing where you have the VIN you have a 302 block. The 289 blocks did not have the flat area for the vin. There was a depression clear across on the 289 block.
Hope this helps.

Marty,
I'm not too sure about that.
Here is a photo of a 289 with the flat spot.

Ruppstang · Dec 20, 2013

Wow that is a new one on me. Do you know the Casting numbers? and dates.
I was told that it did not make sense for Ford to recast the 289 blocks to add the serial number boss on a engine that was going to be discontinued.
Thanks for the information. Back to the casting #s.

Mosesatm · Dec 20, 2013

Here is the link with the photo.
http://www.mustangtek.com/block/C6AE-6015-C.html

x-codegtcs · Dec 22, 2013

sportyworty said:
look again C8AE-A is a 427 Hydraulic as used in the GTE. Ford never shared castings between engine block families.

You have either a C6AE-6015-C (early built 68 model 289) C8AE-B or C8OE-A. Likely the B if it is a C code.

It is a C8OE-6015-A - sorry too many a's in the last one...I should have checked the block before posting from memory. The block is part of an all numbers matching 289 2v motor - heads, intake, exhaust and block cast dates all within a week or so of each other.

Jester · Dec 29, 2013

Thanks a lot exactly what I needed. Next time I'm up at the garage I'll check the casting number and use the link to the casting number table posted in this link. Thanks guys!

Jester · Dec 30, 2013

One more question, when it comes to the heads what differs J code 302 heads from C code 289 heads?

1968 289 or 302 block

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