How to tell a 260 from a 289?
In the world of automotive enthusiasts, the ability to accurately identify engine models can be a source of pride and knowledge. Two popular V8 engines that are often confused are the 260 and 289 cubic inch (CI) variants. This article will provide a detailed, journalistic-style guide to help you confidently tell the difference between these two iconic Ford powerplants.
Identifying the 260 CI Engine
The Ford 260 CI V8 engine was produced from 1962 to 1964 and was a popular option in the Ford Falcon, Fairlane, and Mustang models of that era. The 260 CI engine is characterized by its smaller displacement compared to the 289 CI, as well as several other distinguishing features:
- Bore and Stroke: The 260 CI engine has a bore of 4.00 inches and a stroke of 2.87 inches.
- Horsepower and Torque: The 260 CI engine typically produced between 164 to 210 horsepower and 258 to 272 lb-ft of torque, depending on the specific model and year.
- Valve Cover: The 260 CI engine features a valve cover with a distinctive "FORD V8" logo, unlike the 289 CI engine.
- Engine Block: The 260 CI engine block is slightly shorter in length compared to the 289 CI block.
These key differences in displacement, bore and stroke, power output, and visual cues can help you confidently identify a 260 CI engine.
Distinguishing the 289 CI Engine
The Ford 289 CI V8 engine was produced from 1963 to 1968 and was a popular high-performance option in the Mustang, Fairlane, and other Ford models of that era. The 289 CI engine is larger in displacement compared to the 260 CI, and also features several other distinguishing characteristics:
- Bore and Stroke: The 289 CI engine has a bore of 4.00 inches and a stroke of 2.87 inches, the same as the 260 CI engine.
- Horsepower and Torque: The 289 CI engine typically produced between 195 to 271 horsepower and 282 to 305 lb-ft of torque, depending on the specific model and year.
- Valve Cover: The 289 CI engine features a valve cover with a "FORD V8" logo, similar to the 260 CI engine.
- Engine Block: The 289 CI engine block is slightly longer in length compared to the 260 CI block.
While the 260 CI and 289 CI engines share some similarities, these key differences in displacement, power output, and physical dimensions can help you distinguish between the two.
Conclusion
Accurately identifying a 260 CI engine versus a 289 CI engine requires attention to detail and a good understanding of the distinguishing features of each. By focusing on the differences in displacement, bore and stroke, power output, and visual cues, you can confidently tell these two iconic Ford V8 engines apart. With this journalistic-style guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming an expert in Ford engine identification.
What is the difference between 289 and 289 hipo?
The 289 Hi-Po's exhaust manifolds are a cast-iron shorty header, which offers better exhaust scavenging than the standard vanilla 289/302 exhaust manifolds. The 289 High Performance V-8's personality comes from an aggressive mechanical flat-tappet camshaft that does its best work at high revs.
How can I tell what size my Ford motor is?
You can find your vehicle's engine size on your Window Sticker. It will be listed under "Vehicle Description" at the top of the window sticker. Ford replacement Window Stickers, also known as Monroney labels, for 2007 to current model years may be purchased from the Ford Show Parts website or by calling 1-800-367-3788.
How can I tell what size engine I have?
you should know the size of the engine. often its on emissions label under hood. if not the vehicle identification number on dash and on registration can be be given to auto parts store or dealership and they can tell you.
How to identify 289 hipo heads?
One of the most obvious is screw-in rocker studs. The press-in studs found on regular 289 heads would not survive the high rpms that the Hi-Po was engineered for. Guide plates were not required; the heads used the same "close tolerance" pushrod holes as the early 289 heads.
Where do I find the size of my Ford engine?
How do I find the engine size of my Ford? You can locate your vehicle's engine size on your Window Sticker or a Build Sheet, or by contacting the Customer Relationship Centre. If you are considering buying a vehicle, you can learn more about our current vehicle engine sizes by visiting the Ford website.
How much HP does a 260 V8 have?
This engine was rated (SAE gross) 260 hp (194 kW) at 5800 rpm and 269 lb⋅ft (365 N⋅m) at 4800 rpm. This engine was termed the HP-260 by Ford and was specifically made for Carroll Shelby – about 100 were made.
How do I know what cylinder head I have?
Cylinder heads may be identified by their casting number, located between the #4 and #5 pushrods.
Did a Mustang ever come with a 260 engine?
Three optional V-8 engines are offered -the Mustang "260" V-8 at 164 horsepower, the Mustang "289" V-8 at 210 horsepower, and the Mustang "289" High-Performance V-8* at 271 horsepower.
How to tell a 289 from a 260?
With the heads removed, the 260 will show a 3.80″ bore, and the 289 will have a 4.00″ bore, which would consistant throughout the life of this motor – all the way through the 302 versions and the later 5.0 Liter engine.
What is the difference between a Mustang 260 and 289?
The main difference between a 260 and a 289 is the 260 has a 6 inch space between the motor mount bolt holes, while the 289 has a 7 inch space. All 260 engines have a 5-bolt bellhousing bolt pattern. The 1963 and 1964 1/2 289 engines have the same 5-bolt pattern. The 260 has a smaller cylinder bore.
