289 or 302

Is there a simple way to tell a 289 Block from a 302 block? Do they cary different casting numbers? I'm assuming the engine is a 1983-1985 casting.

 

[Alex Hirsbrunner]

Mine has "289" cast into the lifter valley (6 bolt bellhousing pattern). I am not certain this holds for all 298s though. I also have a 302 block in the basement I can check when I get home.

Regards,

Al H.

 

[Steve Toner]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm assuming the engine is a 1983-1985 casting.

[/ QUOTE ]

If the engine is a 1983-1985 casting, it is a 302. They stopped making 289 blocks in 1968.

 

I know they stopped the 289 in production automobiles in 1968 or 1969, I believe you could however still buy a 289 casting much, much later than that.

 

[Steve Toner]

You could still build a 289 out of a 302 block as they are "backward compatible." The crankshaft is the only real difference (although the cylinder walls were rumored to be longer for a 302 block to allow for the longer stroke of the 302, there seems to be some controversy over this matter).

 

[Steve Toner]

Monroe gives the following casting codes for 289 blocks:
<ul type="square"> [*]C3AE-N [*]C3OE-B [*]C4OE-B, -C, -F [*]C4AE [*]C4DE [*]C5AE-E [*]C5OE-A [*]C6AE-C [/list]

Pre-C5AE blocks are 5-bolt bellhousing, C5AE and later are 6-bolt.

302 casting codes are all C8OE and later. All 302 blocks are 6-bolt.

For either a 289 or 302, the engine size should be cast in the lifter valley.

 

Thanks!