How much horsepower does a 1967 Ford 289 have?
Two numbers capture the landscape: the base 289 with a two-barrel carburetor produced about 210 horsepower, while the four-barrel high-performance 289 (HiPo) delivered about 271 horsepower. Exact figures depend on rating method (gross vs net) and the specific package in the car.
The 1967 model year offered multiple 289 variants across Ford's lineup, most notably the 2V base engine and the 4V HiPo, with additional trim and Shelby-tuned versions affecting the final figure. This article breaks down those variants and explains how enthusiasts commonly reference horsepower numbers for the year.
Understanding the 1967 289 engine lineup
The 289 cubic inch V8 was a staple of Ford's lineup in the late 1960s, appearing in Mustangs, Fairlanes and other models. Horsepower depended on carburetion and tuning, and Ford used different rating practices that can affect the published numbers. Here's a breakdown of the main factory outputs you’re likely to encounter for 1967.
Base 289 with two-barrel carburetor (2V)
For the base 289 powering many non-GT configurations, the two-barrel setup provided modest performance compared with the hi-po variant.
- Horsepower: about 210 hp (2V variant, 1967 era rating)
In practice, this version offered solid, reliable performance suitable for everyday driving of the period, but it was not aimed at the high-performance market.
Four-barrel high-performance 289 (4V HiPo)
The 4V high-performance variant used a four-barrel carburetor and targeted performance enthusiasts, including GT Mustangs and certain Shelby-tuned models. The factory rating for this setup is around 271 horsepower in the 1967 period documentation (gross horsepower).
- Horsepower: about 271 hp (4V HiPo, gross rating)
As with other 1960s engines, net horsepower (what you’d see on some contemporary brochures) could be lower due to emissions equipment and accessory loads. The 271 hp figure remains the commonly cited number for the 4V HiPo in 1967-era sources.
Notes on variants and rating methods
In 1967 the two-barrel and four-barrel engines followed Ford's rating conventions of the era. Some documents used gross horsepower numbers, while others used net horsepower, which can produce differences of roughly 10–25% depending on configuration and measurement. Shelby and racing variants sometimes carried slightly different tunes, but the core 289 V8 line for 1967 most commonly produced about 210 hp or 271 hp depending on the carburetion and package.
Summary
The horsepower of a 1967 Ford 289 depends on the version: about 210 hp for the base two-barrel 289, and about 271 hp for the four-barrel high-performance 289. Variations in rating methods and special packages can affect the published figures, but these two numbers capture the main factory outputs you’re likely to encounter in that model year.
Context for collectors and restorers
When evaluating a 1967 Ford with a 289, verify the engine code, carburetor configuration, and accompanying options (GT package, Shelby involvement, etc.) to confirm the expected horsepower classification. This helps distinguish between the standard 2V setup and the 4V HiPo variant that defined Ford’s performance image in that era.
