I read, and I could have read wrong, that in order to determine the originality of the engine you have to tell if the date code on the engine and transmission are within one month of the date of production. Now if that is true, where is the date code on the engine block?

 

not too sure about it, but head the same.
First thing to check if it's the proper kind of engine, which you can check on the engine code in the VIN.
As for the date code. on my 289 I found it between the distributor and the oil pressure feeler).
Close to the distributor, right under the head.
I'll try and make a picture.

 

FE engines have the date code cast just below the oil filter base. I'm thinking the 289-302's are around the oil filter mounting pad too.

 

I think the code is behind the starter on a 289. Scott

 

sixtysix,
the casting number is just above the stater, that's correct.
on ford blocks there's usually an additional date code on a different location.

I found a picture of a block on ebay, and added where I got my datecode (i hope that's the correct code)



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