289 Hi-Po / K-code
1963–1967271 hp gross factory reference
Mechanical-cam high-performance version with adjustable valvetrain hardware.
Ford 289 Windsor V8 enginePhoto: Stephen Foskett · CC BY-SA 3.0 / GFDL
Ford · Windsor Small-Block
Ford 289 Windsor V8
The high-revving small-block behind classic Mustangs, GT350s and Cobra success.
289
Cubic inches
Few Ford engines have a stronger performance reputation. The 289 powered Mustangs, GT350s and Cobras that made Ford's small-block a worldwide racing name.
Key variants
All variants289 Hi-Po / K-codeShelby GT350 289
Displacement
289 ci
Bore
4"
Stroke
2.87"
Years
1963–1968
Key Takeaway
The 289 combined a 4.00-in bore with the short 2.87-in stroke, creating the rev-happy character associated with Ford's mid-1960s small-block performance cars.
Technical Specifications
- Compression
- Varied by application; representative 1965 Mustang ratings: 9.3:1 C-code 2V, 10.0:1 A-code 4V, 10.5:1 K-code Hi-Po
- Horsepower
- Varied by version; Hi-Po K-code rated 271 hp gross
- Torque
- Varied by version
- Architecture
- 90° OHV pushrod V8 · Windsor small-block
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Cast iron
- Valvetrain
- OHV · 2 valves per cylinder
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Carbureted
- Firing order
- 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
- Main bearings
- 5 main bearings
The 289 combined a 4.00-in bore with the short 2.87-in stroke, creating the rev-happy character associated with Ford's mid-1960s small-block performance cars.
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
Identification & Output
- Engine codes / RPO
- K-code / 289 High Performance
- Casting numbers
- C3AE / C3AE-N and C3OE-B (early 289 / Hi-Po references), C4OE-6015-F (1964½ 289 Hi-Po reference), C5AE-6015-A / C5AE-6015-E (1965-up six-bolt-bellhousing 289 references)
- Power rating
- SAE gross (period factory ratings)
- Horsepower RPM
- Representative 1965 Mustang: 200 hp @ 4400 rpm C-code; 225 hp @ 4800 rpm A-code; 271 hp @ 6000 rpm K-code Hi-Po
- Torque RPM
- Representative 1965 Mustang: 282 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm C-code; 305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm A-code; 312 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm K-code Hi-Po
Rotating Assembly
- Crankshaft
- Production crankshaft architecture; performance components varied by version
- Rod length
- 5.155 in
- Balance
- Internally balanced early small-block architecture
- Rear main seal
- 2-piece rear main seal
- Deck height
- 8.206 in
- Main journal
- 2.249 in
- Rod journal
- 2.123 in
Operating Specs
- Production notes
- The 289 became Ford's principal small-block performance engine in the mid-1960s. Output and hardware varied substantially by application, including C-code 2-barrel, A-code 4-barrel and K-code High Performance versions; early engines also differ in bellhousing pattern from later production.
Compatibility Notes
- 289 and 302 share much of the Windsor architecture, but exact crank, piston, balance and valvetrain details vary by year and performance package.
Notable Applications
Ford MustangShelby GT350AC/Shelby Cobra 289Ford FairlaneFord Falcon
Strengths
- 4.00-in bore with short stroke
- Excellent high-rpm personality in performance trim
- Huge historical and aftermarket support
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Early blocks and valvetrain details vary by year
- Original Hi-Po components are valuable and often misidentified
Common Upgrades
- Aluminum cylinder heads
- Four-barrel intake
- Roller rocker conversion where appropriate
- Headers
Racing History & Legacy
The 289 powered Cobras, GT350s and numerous road-racing and endurance programs during Ford's mid-1960s competition surge. Ford credits the GT350 with dominating the 1965 SCCA B-Production championship under Jerry Titus.
One of Ford's most important small-block performance engines.
References & Image Credit
Engine image: Stephen Foskett · CC BY-SA 3.0 / GFDL · source
Ford Performance — Basic Engine Dimensions
manufacturer specification
Ford Performance — Engine History
manufacturer history
Wikimedia Commons — 1966 Ford Mustang 289 Windsor
licensed media
Ford Media Center — 1965 GT350 SCCA championship history
manufacturer motorsport history
MotorTrend — Ken Miles' 1965 GT350 Green Valley debut win
motorsport history
CJ Pony Parts — 1965 Mustang VIN/engine-code specifications
specialist reference
EngineLabs — Ford V8 block casting-number guide
technical reference
Key Factory / Build Variants
Shelby GT350 289
1965–1967Shelby-tuned output varied by year
One of the defining American small-block performance packages.
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
01
Ford Performance lists a 4.000-in bore, 2.870-in stroke, 5.155-in rod length and 8.206-in deck height.
02
Ford identifies the 1963–1967 289 4V Hi-Performance engine as using a mechanical camshaft and threaded adjustable rocker studs.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Ford 289 Windsor V8
The 289 is where the Windsor family became a performance icon.
Shelby
01The 289 and the rise of the GT350
Shelby's Mustang program turned Ford's compact 289 into one of the signature small-blocks of the 1960s.
Cobra
02289 Cobra vs 427 Cobra
The lighter small-block Cobra and the brutal 427 represented two very different approaches to the same formula.
Documented motorsport results
Famous Race Wins
01
1965
1st overall in class on competition debutSCCA B Production · Green Valley Raceway
Driver
Ken Miles
Car / engine
Shelby G.T. 350 Competition · 289 V8
The 289-powered GT350 won its first SCCA race
Miles debuted the race-prepared Shelby G.T. 350 at Green Valley, Texas, on February 14, 1965 and won, launching a program that went on to claim the SCCA B-Production national championship.
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