Where is the cylinder head casting number on a Ford 302?
On a Ford 302 Windsor engine, the cylinder head casting number is stamped on the exterior of the head, usually on the exhaust-port side along the outer edge of the head, and can be read with the valve cover removed. This number identifies the head variant, production period, and compatibility with manifolds and valvetrain components.
Locating the casting number on Windsor heads
Across common Windsor head designs, the casting number is stamped on the outside surface of the head rather than inside any passageways. Cleaning grime or corrosion may be necessary to read it clearly, and some head revisions place the mark in slightly different spots.
- Exhaust-port side exterior surface: this is the most common location, visible from the outside with the exhaust manifold in place or after removing it.
- Front edge near the timing cover: several head styles place the number along the front corner of the head, close to where the timing components sit.
- Rear edge along the valve-cover rail: a few variants position the stamping toward the rear edge of the head, requiring the valve cover to be removed to read it.
Concluding guidance: check both heads on a V8, and examine the exterior surfaces around the exhaust ports, front edge near the timing cover, and rear edge near the valve-cover rail. If the number isn’t obvious, clean the area and reseat components to improve readability, then cross-reference with Ford catalogs or reputable databases.
Decoding the casting number
Once you’ve located the stamping, use it to identify the exact head family, year range, and port configuration. The code typically includes a prefix or sequence that maps to specific Windsor head styles used on 289/302 engines, and sometimes the date code or revision letter provides additional context.
- Record the exact stamped sequence, including any prefix letters or symbols, and note the orientation of the numbers.
- Cross-reference the casting number against Ford’s official catalogs or trusted online databases that specialize in Ford cylinder head identifications.
- Match the head to your engine’s year, model, and configuration to ensure you’re comparing the correct variant (stock, performance, or replacement head).
- Check accompanying codes such as date or revision marks, which can influence compatibility with intake manifolds, valve springs, and other hardware.
Decoding the cast number helps you determine compatibility for rebuilds, performance upgrades, and part sourcing, ensuring you’re working with the right head for your Ford 302.
Practical tips for reading head numbers
To maximize readability, remove obstructing components (such as the valve covers and, if necessary, the exhaust manifolds) and use good lighting. A clean, dry area makes it easier to make out stamped characters, especially on older heads where wear and corrosion can obscure the digits.
Summary: The cylinder head casting number on a Ford 302 Windsor is typically stamped on the exterior of the head—most often on the exhaust-port side or near the front edge by the timing cover. Locate, document, and decode this number through Ford catalogs or reputable databases to identify the exact head variant and ensure proper compatibility with your build.
How do I tell what 302 head I have?
Ford 302 head identification is done by locating a casting number on the underside of the head, often in the intake valley, and using the number to determine its year and specifications. You can also look for year-specific date codes under the valve covers or identify specific features like exhaust port design or valve size to narrow down the head type.
This video explains how to identify Ford 302 heads by checking casting numbers and other markings: 1mAutorestomod Manic Mechanic Gasoline MediaYouTube · Mar 8, 2022
How to identify a Ford 302 head
- Locate the casting number: This is the most reliable method. The casting number is typically found on the underside of the head in the intake valley, which may require removing the intake manifold to see clearly. A mirror can be used to see it without removing the manifold.
- Decode the casting number:
- First letter: Indicates the decade (e.g., C for 1960s, D for 1970s, E for 1980s, F for 1990s).
- Second number: Indicates the year within that decade (e.g., C6 for 1966).
- Subsequent letters/numbers: Provide more specific information. For example, "TE" might denote a truck head, while a suffix letter can indicate performance differences.
- Check the date code: The date code can be found under the valve cover and provides a more precise manufacturing date.
- Identify key features:
- Exhaust bung design: Heads from 1970 onwards may have internal air injection manifolds instead of external Thermactor bungs on the exhaust ports.
- Chamber size: As an example, heads from the early to mid-1970s often have 58cc chambers, while later heads from 1977 onward may have larger 69cc chambers to reduce compression.
- Look for specific markings: Some heads have unique markings. For example, GT40P heads will have "GT40P" markings inside the lifter valley and can be found in 1990s Explorers.
Example of common 302 heads
- D5OE-GA: A common 1970s head with 58cc chambers.
- D7OE-DA / D8OE-AB: Later heads from 1977 onwards with 69cc chambers that are generally not desirable for performance builds.
- E7TE: A common head found on 1987-1996 302 engines.
What is the casting number on a Ford cylinder head?
Ford cylinder head casting numbers are a four-digit code that indicates the decade, year, vehicle model, and engine division. To decode a Ford cylinder head, you need to understand this convention: the first letter is the decade (Ccap C𝐶 for 1960s, Dcap D𝐷 for 1970s, etc.), the next number is the year within that decade (C6cap C 6𝐶6 for 1966), and the subsequent letter and number indicate the specific vehicle and component. For example, a C6AEcap C 6 cap A cap E𝐶6𝐴𝐸 casting signifies a 1966 engine part from a full-size Ford.
Casting number breakdown
- First digit (letter): The decade of design. For example: Bcap B𝐵 = 1950s, Ccap C𝐶 = 1960s, Dcap D𝐷 = 1970s, Ecap E𝐸 = 1980s, Fcap F𝐹 = 1990s.
- Second digit (number): The year within the decade. For example: C6cap C 6𝐶6 means 1966.
- Third digit (letter or number): The vehicle or series the part was designed for. For example, 'S' for Thunderbird, 'T' for Truck.
- Fourth digit (letter): The engineering division that created the part. Most are 'E' for Engine.
- Basic Part Number: This is a numeric code that identifies the specific component. For cylinder heads, the basic part number is often 6090.
- Revision Code: A final letter or number (or combination) indicates a revision of the part.
Other important codes
- Date Code: A separate code indicates the exact date the head was cast. This can be crucial for identifying variations.
- Format: Typically follows a pattern like $1$M$1$ where the first digit is the year, the letter is the month (A=January), and the final number is the day.
- Example: OJ1 could mean October 1, 1970.
- Example: $6$F$1$ means the head was cast on June 1, 1966.
- Special Markings: Some heads have other markings that indicate their features.
- Four-barrel heads: Often have a "4" on the front corners.
- Closed chamber heads: May have a dot, though this isn't always the case.
Where to find the casting number
- The main casting number is usually located on the side of the cylinder head, often towards the back and above the exhaust manifold.
- With the intake manifold removed, you can find the part number on the underside of the head in the intake valley.
- For specific heads like the 4.6L or 5.4L, look for the "GT40P" marking inside the lifter valley.
Where is the casting number on a 302 block?
The Ford 302 block casting number is typically located on a flat, machined pad on the rear of the block, between the top two bolts where the starter attaches to the bell housing. You may need to clean this area to remove grease and debris, and in some cases, removing the starter will be necessary to get a clear view. The number is often a stamp on this area of the block.
This video shows how to locate the casting number on a Ford 302 block: 56sClassic NationYouTube · May 15, 2020
- Location: Look for a flat, machined pad on the back of the engine block, near where the starter motor is mounted.
- Preparation: The area is often covered in grease and grime. It is best to clean it thoroughly before trying to read the number.
- Access: Depending on the engine's position, you may need to remove the starter to see the casting number clearly.
- Identification: The casting number is a stamped code on this pad. It is different from the partial VIN, which is a separate stamp on the passenger side of the rear of the block.
Where is the serial number on a Ford 302?
The Ford 302 engine number is typically stamped on a machined pad on the rear of the engine block, near the transmission bellhousing, on the driver's side (under the #5 cylinder) or passenger side, just above the starter. You may need to clean the area thoroughly to reveal faint numbers or use a mirror and flashlight to see them clearly.
This video explains how to find engine codes on Ford modular engines: 49sPowertrain Products IncYouTube · Dec 2, 2020
Specific locations to check
- Rear of the block: Look for a flat, machined pad on the back of the engine block, where it meets the transmission. This is often the most reliable location for the serial or partial VIN number.
- Driver's side (US driver's side): Check the driver's side of the engine block, near the rear and between the intake manifold and cylinder head. It may be above the starter motor.
- Passenger's side: On some models, the number is on the passenger's side of the block, near the rear, also just above the bellhousing.
- Casting numbers: While not the engine number, casting numbers (like "C8OE" or "D1OE") are also on the block and can help identify the engine's origin and date of manufacture. These are often found near the starter.
Tips for finding the number
- Clean the area: Use a degreaser and a wire brush or rag to clean the area thoroughly, as grease and grime can hide the stamps.
- Use light and a mirror: A bright flashlight and a small mirror can help you see the numbers in hard-to-reach spots.
- Highlight the numbers: Rubbing a piece of chalk over the area can make the stamped numbers stand out, according to this YouTube video and JustAnswer.
- Remove the starter: In some cases, the starter will need to be removed to get a clear view of the numbers on the pad above it.
