Posted by Charlie (131.204.83.168) on May 08, 2001 at 12:14:04:
In Reply to: 302 block posted by rickyracer on May 07, 2001 at 14:23:56:
D2 is the engineering number for 1972, but it doesn't mean that this block was ever used in a 1972 car. Case-in-point, 1997 F150s have special lug nuts but the engineering number on them is F6 (1996). They will not fit a 1996 F150.
A D2 engineering number also means that the block was re-engineered for a new casting in 1972. If the deck height was changing for 1973, would Ford reengineer a new block casting for one year? Probably not. Like Ricky said, most engineering numbers for powertrain castings (like Heads and rearends) don't change for several years because it is very expensive. I suspect that all the tall blocks have a D2 number because the taller casting was engineered in 1972.
What I would do though, is order the pre-1972 kit, and when you bring the block to the machine shop they can mill the deck down to pre-1972 specs. Its better anyway, and no worries. -CP
: If it's a D2, it's a 72, and there is actually a build day/month/year, cast in it. Check the build date on your driver's door side, month/year. And did you know that the 429CJ 4 bolt blocks were put in any car with a 429/460 after the 429CJ/SCJ were discontinued? Deck height changed for emissions/comp. The kit is mainly different because of the EGR gaskets. Plus there is also been changes is valve cover gaskets, cork/rubber. Check the casting date on your differial housing, bet it's from the 60's.
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: : I was looking for a rebuild kit for my 73 302. Many places show two kits. They show a 72 and earlier kit and a 73-76 and then a 77 kit which happens to be the same for the 72 and earlier. It says the deck of the 72-earlier and the 77-up is shorter, while the 73-76 has a taller deck. Here is my problem: My block casting number is D2** which means it is a 72 casting, but my car is a 73. Is the D2 casting going to be the same from a 72 as a 73, or is it going to change because of the year of the vehicle even though it has the D2 casting? I always thought all 68-80 blocks were essentially the same, guess I was wrong. I just don't want to buy a kit that is wrong.
: : Can anyone confirm which deck hight the D2 casting is and be absolutely sure the D2 casting didn't change for 73 model year vehicles built in 72.
: : Thanks.