OK my friend just bought a 1971 mustang that needs more TLC than any car i've ever seen, but the motor is good. While we were poking around under the hood i wonder is this a 289 or a 302 i asked him and the owner didnt tell him, so i was wondering is there a way to tell what kind of motor it is?

 

Try this link:

http://www.autofacts.ca/classics/vininfo.htm

You can enter the VIN and see what engine the car came with. At least this will give you an idea of what is probably in the car. I don't think Ford was using 289s in 71, so you can rule this out unless someone stuck one in there.

 

Check the casting number on the block.

http://raceabilene.com/kelly/hotrod/engine3.html

Good luck!

 

yup, and that would be highly doubtful

 

Where would i find the casting #

 

The casting number is located where the starter bolts to the bell housing. You'll probably have to take the starter off to see it.

You might be able to take the intake manifold off and look in the lifter valley for "289" or "302" also. Hopefully someone else can pitch in their two cents to verify this.

 

Ok now my turn to ask the same question....again. the 331 stroker i bought was complete crap so i got my money back and bought a rebuilt motor out of a fairlane hotrod, but i cant find the engine numbers/code or whatever where would it be located?

 

that's about right. the engine number of a 289/302 should be hidden by the starter. So get rid of starter and check under there

 

OK thanks a lot.

 

The casting number is on the block behind the starter, not where the starter bolts on. Yes, you need to take off the starter to see it. You can also look in the lifter valley, but an easier way to find out if it is a 289 or a 302 is to look on the intake if it is the original intake manifold. See pic of mine.


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