I have what I think is a 302 shortblock. I am trying to get the casting codes off the block (which is out of the car and completely taken apart) I see the numbers but they do not look like any of the examples I have seen online.

These code sites are giving me numbers like CBOE-6015A (in anice straight line). I have a big "31" with "E7TE" under it and"CA" under that with a larger perpindicular "S" under all that. What does that mean? On anotherpart of the block there is"7H22", andthen"YYY" in the lifter valley. Can anyone shead some light on what I am lookin at.

Maybe "E7TE" is E as the decade (1980s), 7 the year (so 1987)? I do not know what the "TE" means. And the "YYY" in the lifter valleymeans it is a roller block?Any input is welcome and very much needed. Thanks.

 

On more thing. Some on told me that a rollerpush rodis about 6.25in. and non rollers are much longer. Mypush rodsare 6.25in but my rocker arms are not roller. Is that statment true? If I did convert to roller, do I need to replace the push rods anyway? Thanks again.

 

The E7TE are1987 HO head casting #s, like you figured out, the block #'s are stamped on a boss over where the starter goes.
C=60's, D=70's, E=80's and so on, the second # does give the year. The rest of the #'s get to what & which chassis application.

 

Thanks man, thats what I thought. Now I am wondering how to determine if it is indeed a 302 and not a 289. Any suggestions?