I have an engine that has a block casting showing it was built on Jul 22, 1974. I think it is a 302 but how can I tell whether it's a 302 or a 289 without doing a teardown? ALso how can I tell what vehicle it was originally supposed to be in? I'd appreciate any help.

 

The last 289 was in 1967, so I think you have a 302.

 

Mustangs had them in 68 and possibly 69. But I think they were done after that, so more than likely you do have a 302.

 

1967 was the last year the mustang had a 289.

 

You guys better recheck your sources I have a 68 Mustang its original w/a 289. In 1968 the Mustang was offered w/the 200, 289, 302, 302 HiPo, 390, 390 in the Shelby 350, 427, 428 Cobra Jet and 428 in the Shelby 500. And I asked my buddy who has a 70 Boss and he said in 69 the 289 was fully fazed out for the 302, but the 250 I6 joined the party along w/the 351. But to try and answer your original question, I think one way to tell the 289/302 apart is the location of the dipstick. I think the 289 has the dipstick on the lefthand side of the motor(as you would look at it w/the hood open) and the 302 is on the right side.

 

1968 Engine Types I6/200CID 120HP, V8/302-2v/4v HP230, V8/390CID 320HP
In ’68 the 289 was stroked to 302
In 1968 the stroke was increased bringing the displacement to 302 cubic inches (4.9 liters).
In 1968 the stroke was increased by using shorter connecting rods increasing displacement to 302 cubic inches
1968 The 1968 Mustang receives little change cosmetically. The 302 cid V8 replaces the venerable 289 cid V8.

I have heard that there were some early 68's that left the plant with 289's, but have never seen one. One thing is sure, though. Ford replaced the 289 with the 302 in 1968.
Biggieou, if you wouldn't mind divulging the vin or just the fifth letter on your 68 I would like to decode it.

 

289 is not listed in any of the service manuals as an engine for 1968. Yes, the last remaining ones may have been slipped out early in the '68 model year. It would seem to me that a '68 Mustang with a FACTORY 289 (if that could be verified) would be quite rare and probably worth a lot of money to a collector.

It's always possible that a previous owner swapped the 289 in, or even just changed out the air cleaner decals, etc.

 

"Federally mandated side marker lights and a revised grille distinguished the 1968 Mustang from the '67 on the outside, while a slew of new engines set it apart mechanically. A low-performance 195-horsepower 289 V8 was still an option, but the other 289s were gone in favor of two new 302-cubic-inch (4.9-liter) versions of the small block V8. The two-barrel 302 made 220 horsepower, while the four-barrel-equipped version put out 230 horsepower."
http://www.hipomustang.com/default2.asp?page=9
Although I do remember reading somewhere that a 2v 289 was at 195hp and a 4v was at like 225, but I cant recall where I read that at.

I'm at school now, but if I can get ahold of my dad, I'll have him go check my car.

That is only one of the sites I found listing the 289 as a motor for 68. Another site is http://www.musclecarclub.com/ pretty nice site I stumbled across one day, and it still lists the 289 as a motor for 68.
Production:
2D Hardtop: 249,447
Fastback: 42,581
Convertible: 25,376

Engines:
200 I6 115 bhp.
200 I6 120 bhp.
289 V8 195 bhp.
289 V8 271 bhp.
302 V8 230 bhp.
(Shelby Cobra GT-350) 302 V8 250 bhp.
390 V8 320 bhp.
390 V8 325 bhp.
427 V8 390 bhp.
(Cobra Jet) 428 V8 335 bhp @ 5400 rpm (est. 410bhp), 440 lb-ft @ 3400rpm.
(Shelby Cobra GT-500) 428 V8 350 bhp

Plus I have been going to car shows since I could stand on my own and have always looked at the Mustangs( I got my first 65 when I was 8) so I have seen others w/289's that are all original.

 

I also found this site http://www.geocities.com/~mustangs68/price.html Listing the 289 as a $105 dollar option.

 

Good info biggie, thanks for the links. I definitely would like to check that vin code. Does your 68 wear the 289 fender badge/running horse emblem, that I thought was last used in 67? I would also imagine your model is somewhat more collectable due to this?
I also restored my first of five classic mustangs at 14-16yrs old and try to absorb as much history and knowledge about these cars as possible. I have gotten out of the hobby and into drag racing more as of late , but still have an interest in these, thanks for sparking it.

 

Yep it has the running badges on it. I also have the different rear sidemarkers on mine. An older gentlemen once told me the difference between mine and the regular ones. Something like mine were only used 1/2 of the year or something. Mine arent the big ugly chrome ones, but the ones that are molded in the body. Yea I called my dad, but hes out digging up the backyard, a pipes backed up or something, but I'll definately have him go out and take a look at the VIN. I think the 289 was last put in Mustangs but I'm not sure. We have a 67 Fairlane that has the 289 in it also, but in 68 they changed to the bigger bodystyle and dropped the 289. I'm glad I sparked your interest, even if only slightly. Like I said I got my first Mustang when I was 8 it was 65 w/the I6 in it, auto. And my dad and I just kinda got burned out of it(Yes I was burned out working on it at 8). Then we found mine when I was 13 at the local swap meet. We had it on the road and finished when I was 16. And I bet I havent put over 500 miles on it since. I'll be turning 21 here on the 27th and have become more interested in trucks over the past few years.

 

Ok I had my dad get the numbers off the door plate, it is 65A R 26 14J 22 2 and he said its either 11 or 14 he couldnt tell. Then the other long # is AT01C111952 Can you guys tell me what all of those mean?

 

289's in early 68 Stangs are quite common. Not a rarity at all. And they have the dipstick in the same location as the early ( pre 1980's ) 302's. 390's were never put into Shelby GT350's, these either had Hi-po 289's or the 302 "J" code 302 4 bbl motor in 68's.

 

You've got a C as the fifth digit/letter, this is the correct code for the 289. But I think you may have misheard him on the first digit. It should be an eight and not "A", for the year designation. It looks like you have a 68 coupe that was built in NJ in sep of 67, an early build car.
The other stuff just says it was a highland green standard interior car that sold out of NC. It had 2.79 rear gears and if that last digit is correct, its a 3spd car?
Nice car! and no doubt a bit more collectable than later build 68's with the 302.

 

No its got an automatic in it, between him and I there was prolly a misunderstanding. Thanks alot for figuring it out for me.