JJ_Mustang

Hello!

I am wondering how to tell what type of engine I have in my car? Sorry for the newb question, I've always been a mustang fan but never really developed technical skills.

Back story I was able to come up with a 1966 Ford Mustang with supposedly a "302" motor for an awesome price. I am wondering if there ways to tell what type of Motor I currently have?

Thanks in advance!

ticopowell

I can't say I am too familiar with the older mustangs, but I'm pretty sure that you can look up the serial numbers on the motor and find out. The issue is if it has been bored out or stroked or anything, there won't be much outside that will let you know so you might have to tear into it to tell the exact cylinder volume.

lucasp

I guess you can google the block number. It will tell you what vehicle it came out of. It's a start, I'm sure others will chime in.

MonsterBilly

lift up the hood and take a picture of it. Post it to photobucket and then post the link here for us to look.

You can also post the VIN of the car here and we can tell you what the car originally came with.
If it was a 66 it would have had a inline 6, or a 289 v8

JJ_Mustang

Hello,

I checked the vin # and it came with a 289ci v8, but i'll post pics of the engine as soon as it stops raining here in SoCal.

and also where can I look for the block # ? or are there any indicators on the engine that I can look for to see what type of engine this is ?

Thanks,

69mach1377

Check out the FAQ thread above here for a general education on the classics...

MonsterBilly

well a 289 and a 302 are basically the same. the only difference is the crank. the 302 crank allows for a slightly longer stroke which increases the cubic inches. and that's about it.
If you are wanting to replace your current 289 with the 302 you came up with. It will bolt in perfectly. The only thing you need to watch for is the year on this new 302. if it is 1985 or newer a few things may be different.

In 85 ford changed to a roller motor, which uses a different type of lifter. this also changed the cam gear to a hardened unit. the correction for this is to change out the distributor gear. a very easy thing to do.

Also, the balancing of the engine will be different. if the new engine is a newer one, make sure to get the flywheel from it or the flex plate. your current one will bolt up but will cause a very bad vibration and wear out the engine. the newer engines used a 50 oz. imbalanced unit and the older ones used a 28 oz. imbalance. and that's about it.

bop11

Don't forget the newer one will have a rear sump which probably wont fit over the steering parts. So you need to change to a front sump, the old 302 pan fits the new engine, and you need to relocate the dip stick into the timing gear cover, either drill the boss already there or get a new cover. If you see a place for a dip stick on the block about 3/4 back on the driver side, you don't have an original motor.

chris70

the block #'s are located on the block next to the starter if you have a mirror you can see them without pulling the starter

JJ_Mustang

Heres some pictures, not sure if this would help or if theres certain angles im suppose to take.