What's the easiest way to tel a 289 from a 302? The lady who practically gave away the 65 coupe I bought said the previous owner put a 302 in it.

During a carb swap and rocker check, I went to buy valve cover gaskets for it and the 302 gaskets don't fit. The 289 gaskets do. Does this mean it's definetly a 289? How to tell? Thanks.

 

289 and 302 and 351w valve cover gaskets are all the same

 

I thought so, too. When I went to the parts sore, which is well known with rodders here in so-cal, they brought out another set of gaskets they said was for the 289 and they fit! The ones for the 302 did not.

They're very knowledgeable but that doesn't mean they couldn't make a mistake. Although, he did check the p/n again and it was a 302 gasket. Maybe his reference is incorrect.

Regardless, how to tell definitively if it's a 289 or 302?

 

^ wow, thats pretty retarded on the gaskets because a 289 and 302 DO have the same valve cover gaskets.

look at the casting number on the side of the block, if its a C8 or higher its probably a 302

 

289 heads have 289 cast in then on top under the valve cover.

 

They may have sold you Boss 302 VC gaskets which would be different.

The only way to know for sure if it's a 289 is to pull the pan and look at the markings on the front crankshaft throw. M1 = 289 stroke, M2 = 302 stroke.

 

Ok, good insight. Thanks all!

And a specific thanks to my77stang. Can't help but to love that signature.

 

I mirror that thought!

 

never knew that .. that's a great piece of info (m1,m2)