Author Topic: engine identification (Read 4150 times)

scupples · « **on:** March 16, 2010, 02:51:06 PM »

Is there a way to determine whether the engine is a 289, 302, or 351W just by looking at it externally? I know how to tell if a 351 is a windsor or a cleveland but cannot tell the difference just by opening the hood and looking if it is one of the fore mentioned. I am assuming the 351 block is larger because of the special headers needed to install in an 65 or 66 stang for clearence, but if you do not have one of each to compare how can you tell what it is? I have just purchased a 66 and the engine takes up the whole engine bay and the guy I got it from thinks it is a Jasper 302 but it looks much larger than the 289. I am sure there is a simple way to tell but I don't know it. Thanks for the help.

Soaring · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2010, 03:03:04 PM »

If that engine fills up that bay completely, more than likely it has a 351 in it. The 289 and 302 look alike. Here's some bedtime reading for you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Windsor_engine
Now, to determine if it is a 351 Windsor or Cleveland, here are the visible differences. Forget about it being a big block engine. They simply won't fit into that engine bay.
351 Windsor 351 Cleveland
5-bolt straight valve covers 8 bolt 2-plane valve covers
radiator hose to the intake manifold
regular 5/8" spark plugs small 14mm spark plugs

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66GTKFB · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2010, 07:26:37 PM »

The best way to tell what engine you have is to remove the starter and look at the casting part number. That p/n should follow the form of CAE-6015-E, C6AE-6015-C, C8OE-6015-A or C8AE-6015-B if the engine is a 6 bolt 289CID. A 302CID will have a p/n of C8OE-6015-A. The date the block was cast is also there.
A short cut method would be to look at the actual engine assembly date stamped on the block near the distributor, see the picture. It will be in the format of 5H26Z, 5 = year; 1965; H = month, August; 26 = day; Z = inspector/assembly id. A 289 will be have a 5, 6 or 7 before June (letter F). Ford made 302CID engines from June 67 on and used either a 289 or 302 in 1968. A date stamp of 8Axx on would be a 302CID. The two engines are "almost" interchangeable.
A 351W has higher heads than a 289/302 because the head mounting surface was cast about 1/2 higher and Ford used an adapter plate/bar to mount the alternator. A 351W will fit in a 64-66 Mustang engine bay but it is tight around the exhaust and air cleaner.
Jim