small block ford question ASAP?

phinkel26 · Feb 6, 2004

Ok, I am in the process of trying replace my heads on my mustang. I have a set of stock 289 heads that have been rebuilt with new valves etc. I was having over heating problems with the car, "hence the reason for the head swap" After pulling the old stock 289 heads, I noticed that under the intake manifold casted on the block it says " FOMOCO 302" does that mean i dont have a 289 block but an aftermarket 302 block. Does this also mean I cannot use my new rebuilt heads? Any inforation would be greatly appreciative.

John Z · Feb 6, 2004

What year is your car. In 68 there was a transition from the 289 to the 302. Some of the 289 cars wound up with a 302 block and 289 innards. I do not know any reason why your rebuild 289 heads would not work. Look at the casting numbers on both sets of heads. If they are both "stock 289" heads they should have similar numbers. Sorry I do not remember where the casting numbers are on the heads, but I think somewhere under the valve cover. (or is that somewhere over the rainbow?)

D.Hearne · Feb 6, 2004

You can use those 289 heads on a 302, no problem. The 68 302 4 bbl heads were in essence 289 heads with 302 casting #'s. The casting #'s for the heads are on the bottom side of one of the intake ports. As for 302 blocks with 289 innards, the reverse was also true. I once dissembled a 69 302 from a Galaxie that had a 289 Hi-po block as it's foundation.

phinkel26 · Feb 6, 2004

ok, thanks for the advice. my new problem is that my old heads have press in rocker arm studs, and the new heads need thread in rocker arm studs. I tried going to a few local part houses and all they can come up with are press in ones. What year had the threaded rocker arm studs? Was it the hp289, or 302 or what? Also where can i get those rocker studs that thread in? Also I am a bit skeptical on how my new head gaskets are put on as far as matching the water passage ways. I know they are labeled front but when laid like that they cover two of the water passage ways on the front "radioator side" of the motor get covered up. I have heard taht you want those blocked in order too cool the furthest part of the motor from the radiator first. Can anyone verify that? once again any help is always greatly appreciated.

D.Hearne · Feb 6, 2004

phinkel26 said:
ok, thanks for the advice. my new problem is that my old heads have press in rocker arm studs, and the new heads need thread in rocker arm studs. I tried going to a few local part houses and all they can come up with are press in ones. What year had the threaded rocker arm studs? Was it the hp289, or 302 or what? Also where can i get those rocker studs that thread in? Also I am a bit skeptical on how my new head gaskets are put on as far as matching the water passage ways. I know they are labeled front but when laid like that they cover two of the water passage ways on the front "radioator side" of the motor get covered up. I have heard taht you want those blocked in order too cool the furthest part of the motor from the radiator first. Can anyone verify that? once again any help is always greatly appreciated.

Screw in studs are available thru Summit Racing, Jegs, etc. The Hi-po 289 heads were the only factory installation of these studs on the 302 ( not Bosses) and 289's. And yes, you want to block the front two passages to force the water/coolant to the rear of the block. If not, then the water/coolant will shortcut back to the intake thru the front of the heads, resulting in the motor running hot.

phinkel26 · Feb 6, 2004

Thanks for your advice, and knowledge. I hope tommorow I can find somwhere local that has them. The guy down at O'reillys tried to sell me exhaust studs like a crack head. Anyways I will give this a shot tommorow.

D.Hearne · Feb 6, 2004

If you have a speed shop or engine builder near you, they will be a better choice in finding them locally. It has been my experience that it's best to avoid O'reilly's altogether, or use them only as a last resort. The one here where I live, has a bunch of former ( like in last week) burger flippers working the parts counter. Where are you located any way?

phinkel26 · Feb 6, 2004

I am located in Houston, Texas. No i never like to use o'reillys or autozone. They are a place to buy oil, spark plugs, and window wiper blades. I am hoping the local speed shop Competition Sales will have them. I located on Summit racing for 66.00 bucks, but that doesnt help me any.

D.Hearne · Feb 7, 2004

Try Tommy Vauhn Ford on N. Shepard, they're a Ford Racing parts dealer, if they don't have em, nobody will.

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