head identification numbers

[trevor'72]

First search all over those heads and post a reply that has all the numbers in it.

Here are the general guidelines:

Like your VIN the first # indicates the year of the item in question. From there things get more difficult. Dependeing on the type of code it is it will eather continue on in a part number type sequence.

Take for instance the famous big block D0VE heads. The D indicates '70's the 0 indicates 70.

The other code will take form in a stamp rather than a cast code although it too is cast into the heads. Look for what looks like the cast of a flat head screw on either side of this code.

It will read something like 3J... This stamp date indicates '73, 10th month (a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,...) wtich is october. This type of code however doesn't indicate the decade as do the other type of code. But there are generally speeking both types of codes on cylinder heads and blocks and intakes and exhaust manifolds, basically anything that is cast. Even your 3rd member (the center part of the diff) will have such codes.

So for the codes check the underside of the intake runner and for the other code I'm not sure but try the area near the bottom by the spark plugs. But check all over to be sure, Cause it's there!

Something good to look for is the square slots for the pushrod holes (instead of the conventional round hole) these are only available on the HiPo (high power) heads and are pretty rare.

Most of the 289-302 351 stuff is very much the same with obvious differences such as the valve sizes (biger = better of course) and slight port size differences.

Hope this helped.
Let me know what you find out and I'll help you de-code it all!

Trevor.