How to Identify a Ford 302 Head

Manufactured from 1968 until 1995, the 302 cubic-inch V-8 is a long-time member of Ford's 90-degree engine family. Originally a replacement engine for the 289 cubic-inch, many 302 engine components are identical to those of the 289, as both were manufactured simultaneously in the late 1960s into the early 1970s. Identifying 302 heads is an easy process, however, since 302 and 289 heads are interchangeable, referring to casting charts and using visual clues is necessary for positive identification.

• 1

  Remove a valve cover to expose the cylinder head.

• 2

  Locate the casting code. It is on the top of the head, usually in the center, between a set of valves. The code is normally a combination of four letters and one number, for example C9ZE-A. Variations exist for some engines, usually with extra digits at the end of the code, for example, D5OE-A3A.

• 3

  Decode the casting code. According to Fordification.com, the cylinder head casting code is decoded as follows: the first position denotes the decade--"C" for the 1960s, "E" for the 1970s and so on. The second position is the decade year, followed by the auto model letter designation. The fourth position represents the engineering office in charge, for example, "E" designates the engine division. The suffix portion of the code is for general changes made to the part. Casting code C9ZE-A is a cylinder head manufactured in 1969 for a Mustang by the engine division in its original design.

• 4

  Consult a Ford cylinder head code listing. Both Kelly Hotrod and Ford Cobra Engines have listings of known 302 cylinder head casting codes. Locating your number on these lists also gives you specific information on the cylinder head itself.