Ford 289 Small Block Is A Rumbling Proof That Size Doesn’t Matter

It all started with a modest 221 Cu

That’s right, the 289 wasn’t an original engine rather it was based on its economical and lightweight 221 Cu. predecessors that were designed for the mass market and came in cars like the ’62 Ford Falcon and Fairlane.

For the latter, the bore was slightly increased resulting in 260 Cu of displacement and a respectable 164 hp. Then in the mid-60s, the famous horsepower wars were on with big block 4-4-2s and Plymouths proving to be a hit with their lightweight designs and beefy engines.

Ford decided to fight back and went back to the drawing board. They took the 260 motor and enlarged it with a bigger bore which now stood at 4 inches and added a lightweight nickel liner resulting in a high revving dependable and now legendary 289 Cu Ford Small Block AKA Challenger V8

Ford stuffed 289 in practically everything

Torino, Granada, Monarch, Mercury, and Cougar received 289 in various states of tune and power. The most famous being the now iconic Ford Mustang. Earlier 289s only came in a 2bbl version putting out 190-ish horsepower and 280 lb-ft +.

It was featured in full-size Fords like Fairlane, Galaxie, Ranch wagons, and Falcon. A year later 4bbl ( D-Code ) was put on sale with 210 hp and 300 lb-ft as an option on Mustang making them super rare among all the 289s.

The C-Code 289 had a 2bbl setup with a raised CR of 9.31:1 and was available from 1965-68 with 200 hp, except in 68 when the power was reduced to 195 hp and torque increased to 288 lb-ft. 4bbl 289, also known as A-Code had 225 hp and 305 lb-ft from the factory.

K-Code engines only came with a 4-month warranty

It wasn’t long before Ford realized that with just a few modifications 289 could push power that would rival even the mightiest of big blocks. So in 1963, they launched the 4bbl “HiPo” version of the 289 that came with 271 hp@6000 rpm. It featured numerous modifications compared to plain old 289 like

• Connecting rods with 3/8″ bolts and Aluminum Pistons
• Cast Iron Heads borrowed from early GT40s
• Solid lifter cam with Flat Tappets
• Screw-in rocker arm studs
• Machined valve spring seats
• A 595 CFM Auto lite carburetor
• Special crank dampener and counterweight
• C3OZ-6306-A crank sprocket
• Dual point mechanical advance distributor
• H-Pipe low-restriction exhaust
• The crankshaft was made from 80 percent nodular iron to cope with extra stress and Mustang equipped with K-Code came with special badges on fenders, (289 High Compression)

Initially, this K-Code 289 was offered in some lucky Fairlanes and Mercury Comets but once it was featured in Mustangs made from 1964½ onwards people realized its true potential.

Ironically, despite its street cred for durability, Ford offered only 4 months of warranty as opposed to 2 years for regular V8s. Regardless, 13,214 K-Code ‘stangs were built and generally sell for $50,000 or more.

Ford’s obsession with racing led to one of the greatest K-Code 289 of all time

Ford or as I like to think Lee Iacocca in particular had it out for Ferrari during mid 60s and decided to take part in any and every type of racing around the world.

As a result, some legend called Carroll Shelby famously replied “So, Lee, you want me to make a racehorse out of a mule?” Shelby and his team of hooligans were hired to fulfill Ford’s dream of taking part in B Category SCCA.

But here is where things got a little tricky as to qualify for SCCA you would have to get homologated which meant building street-legal cars which Shelby did in the form of GT350 and GT350R the former also came with a factory-fitted Paxton Supercharger option.

Both of them packed a 4 bbl hi-po 289 pushing 306 to 375 (with blower) horsepower depending on who you ask. Most people think that was it for 289 but you are about to find out it was just a start.

Shelby’s love for 289 was limitless

After winning SCCA three times in a row Carroll Shelby decided to stuff the 289 motor in a wee English chassis AKA the FIA Cobra. The Cobra was able to dominate Jaguars and Ferraris in GT class but suffered in aerodynamics due to its open-seater design, especially on Mulsanne straight during Le Mans.

Shelby was determined to beat Enzo and his beloved Ferrari in their backyard as a result created the Daytona Coupe with the help of Pete Brock and Ken Miles who signed it off after it reached 190 mph in testing pushing both the car and the 289 small block to its limits.

Shelby also created a Le Man’s spec 289 with Four Weber DC48IDM carburetors rack-and-pinion steering gear and an aluminum radiator.

This particular spec broke several Land Speed Records at Bonneville Salt Flats further proving 289’s insane potential.

Later in the 60s Shelby also created something special for NHRA or Drag races vividly explained by a noted small block historian. He took AC Cobra roadsters and converted them into “Dragon” Snake. They had a 4.45 rear end, big cams, and an optional Le Mans upgrade. These machines could run low 11s all day long with a trap speed of 117-120 mph.

Fine, I’ll buy one, can I still get it?

Sadly Ford doesn’t offer 289 crate units anymore as the last years for these motors were 1967-68. But aftermarket pros like Shelby Engines, S&J, and Summit Racing have them in stock. S&J even offers them in Stock Spec with 7 year/100,000-mile warranty. While Shelby Engines has them with Aluminum blocks for $33,000 and change.

Ford 289 Small Block Specifications