HOw can i tell what engine i have? 289?

[Notchback5.0]

hey guys how can i tell what engine i have its a carb engine and the dipstick is on the left side the alt is on the right side so i know its not a 87-93 block could it be a 79-86 block?

 

[jerryD]

the best way to tell is to look at the casting numbers on the block. evidently you think it is not the factory engine, so without more info we can only guess. the pic shows where the casting #'s will be. they are right above the starter.

 

[WantaGT]

the block can be misleading, I have 289 guts inside of a 302 block. If it's a shortblock get a caliper and measure stroke. 2.87 for a 289 and 3.00 for a 302

 

[Scorcher2005]

find those numbers yet?

 

[Notchback5.0]

No i cant find any numbers. is their any way to tell by the pullies? or where the dipstick is?

 

[Scorcher2005]

not sure, but i can give u a bump

 

[BornInAFord]

for a pre-1974 (or so) block, you will have a boss (a tapped hole) halfway to the oil pan below cylinder #8 (i.e back driver's side). This would be for the clutch pivot on vintage cars. For 1979 and later cars, you will have a small hole at the very base of the block between cylinders 6 and 7 for the dipstick. The vintage blocks (pre 1974) also have a small date stamp on a flat spot by the top front driver's side close to the corner of the head and the distributor. These are all clues about the block. Of course, anything could change internally (strocker, etc) while keeping the stock block. You might also want to check the casting number on the harmonic balancer and the number of bolts. If the balancer is really skinny and there are only 3 bolts holding it on, you have a pre-1970 block. If there are 4 bolts, you have a 1970 and later block. If it has an E2 or E6 casting number, you have a 50ounce imbalance, and the engine was made at least after 1982 1/2.

The alternator (and any of the front dress, waterpump, timing cover) tell very little about the block except if it was completely original. As an example, I have a 1997 Explorer short block with 1966 timing cover, accessories, and early carb. It looks stock, but there are a few clues that give it away if you know what you are looking for. As said above, the easiest is to look at the casting date/number by the starter. Also, you might want to look for a number stamped on the back flat part on the top of the block between the intake and the bellhousing. If there is a number, chances are it is an engine from a Mustang (usually 5.0L HO after 1982 1/2).

Make sense? Other than that, it is difficult to tell what a block is from the outside. Inside, if you have a crank casting number like 2M or 2MA or 2ME, that is a giveaway. Also, roller cams and the associated spider/dogbones are another clue.

Daniel

 

[maverick0716]

Does it even have a serpentine belt? Sounds like a V-belt setup to me.