How to date 302 casting numbers?

[RustDrop]

I am curious on how to date and identify my what I assume is a 302 windsor and hopefully not a 289.
I have this same problem with 4.8 and 5.3 ls engine identification.

The reason behind this thread is, I was looking at the carburetor trying to figure out the model of a weber/edelbrock for a rebuild when I noticed the edelbrock intake was a performer 289. This threw me off as there is a performer 302 available, why was it not used instead. Maybe over 50 years a 289 snuck into the engine bay instead of the G code 302 or just clearence.
Any links or photos would be great.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The Performer 289 is a non-emission intake
The Performer 302 is an emissions compliant intake.
They are interchangable. If you are building a non-emissions 302, you use the Performer 289 intake.
Really just about everything is interchangable between a 289 and a 302. Including the innards of the engine if it has ever been rebuilt.

For what you are looking for, look for some casting numbers above the starter. That will give an engineering number of when the block last got revised. It isn't a build date, just a design date. So you know the block is no older than the design date, but could be several years newer.

 

[serial car restorer]

My Bronc's PO had similar concerns about whether the "302" in it is really a 302. I've been told the most concrete way to tell is by the stamping on the crankshaft. I can't remember which is which right now, but a short stroke 289 crank is marked with a different code than a longer stroke 302 crank. Since I'm getting ready to replace the pan gasket soon, I'll look for that mark at that time to be certain.

 

[Speedrdr]

You can also get the block casting #s in the area of the starter and decode that way. Pic shows how to date them.

 

[ared77]

This site I've used over the years - https://www.mustangtek.com/index.html

Then click on "blocks" in the left column and see if you can find your casting number

 

[RustDrop]

Great info! Ive always wanted a carbed 302 for the nostalgia.
Now ive gotta wait for this central texas rainy cold front to go on to check block numbers, waiting on parts anyways.