Engine Date
New User
Joined: Nov 2001
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Engine Date
I picked up a 73 F100 recently and when I went to change the plugs I got plugs for a 73 302cid (shich is what it is supposed to be) come to find out they didn't fit. The plugs were too big. I got a set for a 75 302cid and they fit. How can I tell what year my 302 is? Does it really matter as long as I know it is newer than 75?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
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From: Gainesville, FL
Engine Date
Smurf,
The casting numbers for a 302 are on the passenger side of the block down on the bottom. This may due vary little good, though. For all we know, you've got GT40 heads on that beast. You'll have to collect your info as you go. Pull your valve covers and read the casting #. Look for, "289, 302, 351" this will tell you the original motor the heads was built for. All heads interchange. Look for your casting numbers. "C8" designates a part made in 68. "D4" means it was made in the 74. Look for your model year. It should be clearly marked in large cast number "68" = 1968. These are the simple ones to start with.
Good Luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher
The casting numbers for a 302 are on the passenger side of the block down on the bottom. This may due vary little good, though. For all we know, you've got GT40 heads on that beast. You'll have to collect your info as you go. Pull your valve covers and read the casting #. Look for, "289, 302, 351" this will tell you the original motor the heads was built for. All heads interchange. Look for your casting numbers. "C8" designates a part made in 68. "D4" means it was made in the 74. Look for your model year. It should be clearly marked in large cast number "68" = 1968. These are the simple ones to start with.
Good Luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,558
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From: Inthepast
Engine Date
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The only thing I would add is that you should use the casting code in conjunction with a date code. Casting codes simply refer to the year a part was introduced by engineering. You may find that a "C8TE" head was used for a few years. For instance, I believe that is the case with 360 heads between 68-72 when Ford released the D2TE heads. There are many other examples. A date code on the other hand will actually date the item. Engines ususally have a date code in the area between the pan lip and the fuel pump.
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The only thing I would add is that you should use the casting code in conjunction with a date code. Casting codes simply refer to the year a part was introduced by engineering. You may find that a "C8TE" head was used for a few years. For instance, I believe that is the case with 360 heads between 68-72 when Ford released the D2TE heads. There are many other examples. A date code on the other hand will actually date the item. Engines ususally have a date code in the area between the pan lip and the fuel pump.
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/StockMan/flag.gif
[FONT COLOR="#ff0000" SIZE="+2" FACE="Signature"]Stock Man[/FONT]
[FONT COLOR="#0000ff" SIZE="3" FACE="arial"]
[LINK:www.ford-trucks.net/users/stockman|Stockman's Club FTE Site]
[LINK:www.67fordtruck.com|1967 F-Series Registry ( www.67fordtruck.com )]
