Hello,
I just bought a 68 Mustang GT (My first Mustang) and it has a 302 in it. I'm wondering if the engine has been swapped, and if so, how can I find out what year the engine is. Could anyone offer some suggestions on how to tell?

Thanks!!

 

There are supposed to be casting numbers on a block. I have not checked mine yet. However I have 70 Grande with a 302. I have an engine tag in front of the carb on the left when you are looking at the engine from the nose of the car. I realize anyone could just change the engine and put the tag back on. However I am pretty sure my engine is orginal. Not alot of work had been done to my car before I had it.

Do you think the engine is orginal in your case?

 

You can pull the starter and there will be a casting number on the block. Go to any website that has free casting id charts, see links. I have litllt faith in the id tag, my 66' had a tag that said it was a 289 from a 1966, however it is a 302 out of a 69 fairlane.

http://home.comcast.net/~cobrasite4/...ne_numbers.HTM (genral info)
http://raceabilene.com/kelly/hotrod/engine2.html (specific nubmers)
http://www.aacncclub.com/FORD_BLOCK_CASTING.html (location oictures)

Have fun! How about some pictures of your new Pony.

Nate

 

never go by the tag. my tag decodes to 200ci I6, 3-speed, black int, vintage burgundy. the car itself is 200ci I6, C4 trans, black int, cherry apple red (repainted after to an off white). a lot of the time people will change things. at that, i thought the used 289's back than.

 

Bignate was talking about the engine tag not the door tag

 

Yeah, follow Bignatesen's advice and get the block casting number behind the starter, then break it down using the decoders he has given you. Good information Bigun.

 

i did realize that.


i was making a statement about the door tag. most people tend to go by the door tag because it's right there.

 

That's OK Crash, you are still loved.

 

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the info!! After the post last night, I ran the VIN number through a VIN decoder site (I found from an old post) and the VIN number says the car came with a 302. Though, I see now that's not 100% reliable. However, I did go to the autoparts store today for some parts and they did have a listing for a 68 with a 302... so it's looking like it's possible.

When I test drove it, I didn't really push it very hard, but afterwards, was seeing what it had, and noticed it puffing smoke after each gear change. I started pulling plugs this morning and found one that was caked with oil. Looks like I'll be pulling the engine here shortly and trying my first engine rebuild. I'm sure then I'll have a chance to pull the starter and check the casting numbers up close and personal!! ...but at least I'll be able to make absolutely sure before I buy the rebuild kit.

On the question of if I thought the engine was original, I surely don't know. It's been modified some for sure (Ederbrock 4bbl, chrome valve covers, chrome air breather, headers).

Oh, and will see if I can get a picture to post. It surely ain't the prettiest thing you've seen right now (Ivy Gold with a touch of rust), but hoping I can turn it around before it's over with.

Thanks again y'all, I surely appreciate the info. I'm sure I'll be back with plenty more questions before it's over with. But, hey, maybe by time I'm done with it, I might actually be able to answer some as well!!

 

One fouled plug doesn't necessarily mean it's time for a rebuild. Change that plug, change the oil and filter, then take it out for a 200 mile cruise running 70+ MPH all the way. I bet you will feel a very different car after that. You most likely have a bunch of crap built up in the combustion chamber, and a good "blowing out" will work wonders.