Topic: 289 head?

[dgneyman]

I recently purchased a 66 mustang, San Jose built and was replacing the valve cover gaskets and noticed 302 stamped on the heads between the no 1 and no2 cylinders and the no 5 and no 6 cylinders.  Does anyone have an idea on if these are 302 heads?  any info will help, thanks...

[CharlesTurner]

It's a 302 head, there will also be a date code cast in the inside oil valley.

[dgneyman]

Thank you, sir..  The only other stamp I observed on the inside was 3 c 7.  Does that mean anything?  Thanks..

[jwc66k]

That's the date code, most likely 3=1973 (It could be 1983), c=March, 7=7, depending on the casting number of the head.
Jim

[dgneyman]

Thanks, Jim.

[CharlesTurner]

Along the bottom edge, underneath, you will find casting numbers, like C8AE.  That will help you narrow down how old the head is in conjunction with the casting date.

I have some spare 289 heads, if you let me know what date range you need, I can take a look.  They would be cores needing to be rebuilt.

[dgneyman]

Thank you, sir..  I will look for those castings.  My car was built Jan of 66 at the SJ plant.  I am also going to locate the numbers on the block and determine if the motor is a 289 or 302 now that I know about the heads.  Any input on where to find those numbers?  Thanks..

[jwc66k]

The casting part number and casting date code are located on the block above the starter which need to be removed to see them. The engine assembly date is located on a "boss" near the distributor, see picture. The engine assembly date is in the form of year, month, day, assembly/QA letter, 5M21Z. The casting date is similar with out the last letter. Post the casting part number as there are too many different ones to list.
Jim

[dgneyman]

Thanks Jim,

I will take a look.  I am trying to determine if it is the original block, 289 or a 302 as the heads are 302.

Dennis

[CharlesTurner]

If you want to do a quick check, look at the area of the block behind the intake manifold.  If it's flat, this usually means it's a 302, if it has a cut-out valley, it's a 289.

[dgneyman]

Thanks sir,
it appears to be a 289 as it has the valley in the area you indicated. I will pull the starter and find the numbers to confirm, though.  Thanks again.

Dennis 

[dgneyman]

Mr Turner

What are you looking for on those 289 heads?  Thanks..

[CharlesTurner]

Send me a pm to discuss.

[CW4macret]

I thought 289 valve covers would not fit a 302 head?

[CharlesTurner]

I thought 289 valve covers would not fit a 302 head?

Should be interchangeable, but maybe clearance issues due to rail rockers?  Hopefully someone else knows for sure.  The heads in question are most definitely 302 though.