how do you identify year model of engine

[Krusher 5.0]

I got an 85 Capri with what I know is a 302 (5.0) but what 3 need to determine is the exact year. The PO said he THOUGHT it was from a 95 butnot sure. It has aluminum intake and holley carb on it but those are add ons I know. I gotta buy some gaskets for it and need the year model. any help will be appreciated. and by the way, this is actually my first Ford cause I've always been a bowtie man.

[FoxChassis]

You need to get at the engineering number and date from the starter area of the block. That will get you close but won't tell you exactly what the engine is from.

If you want to know what vehicle the engine is from you need to get at the VIN stamped on the top-rear of the block, on the flat pad behind the intake.

[bwguardian]

What gaskets are you wanting for it?

[Krusher 5.0]

What gaskets are you wanting for it?

Probably the oil pan, intake, valvecovers, and front harmonic balancer seal.

[Krusher 5.0]

What gaskets are you wanting for it?

Probably oil pan, intake, valve covers and front harmonic balancer seal.

[bwguardian]

Probably oil pan, intake, valve covers and front harmonic balancer seal.

Doing the oil pan will be easier with the engine out of the car and doing it this way is about the same time as just jacking the engine up as you already have the mounts loose. You might consider going ahead and getting the whole gasket set since you really could go ahead and do the timing cover and make the heads optional depending on mileage...but it would give you a good opportunity to open it up and look inside at condition and clean up a little. Since you have a carb I would probably order a set for the 85 given a 302 is a 302 and the gasket sets generally come with several options for certain year changes...like water pump gaskets. The biggest difference is going to be the carb versus efi which you stated it is converted.

[Krusher 5.0]

Doing the oil pan will be easier with the engine out of the car and doing it this way is about the same time as just jacking the engine up as you already have the mounts loose. You might consider going ahead and getting the whole gasket set since you really could go ahead and do the timing cover and make the heads optional depending on mileage...but it would give you a good opportunity to open it up and look inside at condition and clean up a little. Since you have a carb I would probably order a set for the 85 given a 302 is a 302 and the gasket sets generally come with several options for certain year changes...like water pump gaskets. The biggest difference is going to be the carb versus efi which you stated it is converted.

So all 302 engines are basically the same ( like most small block V8 chevy's are) as for the gaskets? The PO said he THOUGHT it may be a 95 model engine but I'm not sure. I about got it ready to set out anyway. I want to dress up the engine bay and got to change the rack and pinion and its easier to get to with engine out also.

[Krusher 5.0]

You need to get at the engineering number and date from the starter area of the block. That will get you close but won't tell you exactly what the engine is from.

If you want to know what vehicle the engine is from you need to get at the VIN stamped on the top-rear of the block, on the flat pad behind the intake.

I got my engine pulled out today, was easier than any chevy I ever done ! I looked by the starter area and saw the number 88 in the block. Does this mean its an 88 model engine?