I'm setting out to build up a 302 for my project cat, which I intend to be carb'ed. I have a 302 block (standard bore), and the guy I bought it from says he thinks it is originally out of an '84 mustang but didn't sound like he was so sure about it. My question is this, is there any way that I can verify this? Is the year of it's origin even an issue? Are there any differences between a 302 block that was cast maybe in '84 and one that was cast in say '99, (forgive me if I'm wrong, but I think I read that '99 was the last year for the 5.0's ) or are they all the same? The block is pretty clean but I don't see anything that looks like a casting number or anything.
The roller lifter blocks did not start till '85 and then not all are roller till '86. Look on the passnger side near the starter, should have a casting no. and date code...
I'll venture out and have another look for the numbers. So if in fact it does turn out to pre-date '85, can roller lifters still be used?
I'm not so sure the block is cast with boses for the lifter retainer the factory uses. They do sell aftermarket roller lifters that have a means of attaching two lifters to keep them from rotating.
I found it! If I'm reading it right it is 'E6ZE'. According to a chart I found that means it should be originally from an '86 mustang. I'll have to wait 'till daylight to get a better look at it (the lighting sucks in my shop). Is there anything else I should be looking for or checking while I'm at it? Thanks guys.
Any 85 that came with a carb was roller the CFI were not. An 84 Mustang motor didnt have anything different except a 4bbl carb on the GT other than that it wasn't anything different from the rest of the 302 motors.
James
look for X X X in the lifter valley those are mexican cast blocks and are supposdly stronger.
I still prefer pre 74 blocks converted to roller
It does have the xxx's. Well, now time to track down those heads...