[Doug Flint]

Looking at purchasing a 302 4V (J-code) from a 68 Mercury Couger for $800. I want to drop it into my 68 Mustang Coupe. The owner says it was a strong running engine when pulled last year. It's on a stand and garaged at this time. How can I tell if it's a J-Code engine, is there coding on the block that I can look for.

Thanks

 

[OldMil]

The block is the same, C8OE-6015 A or B. Heads are unique 68 only, C8OE-6090-J 4-V heads, Rods are C8OE-6200-A, Crank is a 2M casting, Crank balancer is C8OE-6316 A or A2, Carb should be an autolite 4300, Intake is c8ZE-9425 A, and exhaust should be C6OE-9431F. The comp ratio is 10.5:1. Good luck, Jack

 

[ponies]

holy crap!, atta boy Jack!

 

[68RCodeConv]

I don't trust engines that I can't hear run. Lots of "rebuilt" or "good running" engines out there that are total junk and you don't find out until you get home. The only defense is to disassemble the engine before buying it which kind of defeats the purpose of buying a good running engine.

I wouldn't pay more than $400 for it UNLESS it's somebody that you KNOW will give you your money back if the engine is junk.

 

[6t9mach1]

Sounds pricey for a motor that you dont know how many miles are on it, the compression numbers and the oil pressure. Motors can run strong and still have many problems; there have been many motors that were running the best they ever had, making tons of power, and then blow up (race motors are made to looser tolerances to make more power; worn motors have looser tolerances as well). If you still want to buy it I would try to work something out where you could return it if you install it and it has issues.

 

[cmayna]

That's taking a big risk for that amount. I paid $450 for Red's 302 from a local guy I "kinda" trusted and it paid off. You need that warm fuzzy feeling before you dish out the dough.

 

[GT_SCODE]

I sold my 302 running with trans for $500. Guy came and heard it, then I pulled it the following week. You really need to hear it running.