How do you tell the difference between a 289 and a 302 ford engine?

To differentiate between a 289 and a 302 Ford engine, you can check the engine block casting numbers, as they are often stamped on the block itself. The 289 typically has a casting number of C3AE-6015 or C4AE-6015, while the 302 usually has a casting number starting with C5AE or later. Additionally, the 302 has a taller deck height, and the harmonic balancer on the 302 is often larger in diameter. Visual inspection of components like the intake manifold can also help, as the 302 typically has different mounting points compared to the 289.