Is there any way to tell a 302 from a 289 by just looking at it.

 

on my 302 there is a metal tag that says 302. so if that is still on there you can tell.

 

You need to pull the starter and look at the casting number.
Jim

 

6 bell housing bolts is definitely a 302.

Otherwise, the crank is really the only way to know. Just because a block has a 289 casting number, doesn't mean someone hasn't tossed in a 302 crank in the block's 40+ year life.

 

"6 bell housing bolts is definitely a 302"

Not so. I havetwo 289 blocks with 6 bolt bellhousing. One is a 1966 and one is a 68.

 

I believe i recall the heads on my 289 having 289 cast into them under the valve covers, and the block in the valley pan.

 

Does it really matter? Basically, they are the same engine. The 302 has a little longer stroke, that's all. BFD.

 

289 > 302

 

I agree. My car came with a 289 that had the 6 bolt bellhousing.