Ford 289 V8 Engine for Sale | OEM Windsor 4.7L Small Block

Description

Engine Background

Ford’s 289 is one of the cornerstone engines of American performance. Introduced in 1963 as the 4-inch-bore evolution of the 260 small block, the 289 became the foundation of the Windsor family and went on to power the first-generation Mustang, the early Shelby GT350 program, and the AC Cobra. With its short deck height, 4.00-inch bore, and willingness to rev, the 289 set the template that the 302 would later refine and the 351 Windsor would scale up.

Three main factory variants exist. The 289 2V (standard) used a 2-barrel carburetor and produced 195 to 200 hp. The 289 4V upgraded to a 4-barrel for 225 hp. The 289 HiPo (K-Code) is the famous one: solid lifters, screw-in rocker studs, larger intake valves, low-restriction exhaust manifolds, and an aggressive cam profile produced 271 hp from the same 4.7-liter displacement. Shelby took the K-Code further with Cobra-spec dual-quad and Tri-Y intakes for the GT350.

For a 1965 to 1967 Mustang restoration, an early Falcon, a Comet, or a Cobra-style build, a documented 289 with the correct variant identification is the engine that earns the project its credibility.

When Replacement Becomes Necessary

• Knock or bottom-end noise under load, typically rod or main bearing wear on a high-mileage unit
• Blue exhaust smoke at startup or under throttle, generally pointing to valve seals or worn piston rings
• Lost compression on one or more cylinders, often from ring failure, scored bores, or head gasket issues
• Cooling system pressurization without external leak, frequently head gasket on Windsor blocks
• Excessive oil consumption past one quart per 1,500 miles, indicating ring or valve seal wear
• Low oil pressure at hot idle on a warmed engine, suggesting main bearing clearance moving out of spec

Known Weak Points

• 5-bolt versus 6-bolt bellhousing change in 1965: Early 289 blocks (1963 to mid-1965) used a 5-bolt bellhousing pattern. Mid-1965 onward switched to the 6-bolt pattern that became the small-block Ford standard. We confirm the pattern on every block before shipment.
• HiPo K-Code authentication: A genuine K-Code is significantly more valuable than a standard 289. Block code, head castings, and rocker stud type (screw-in versus pressed-in) all need to match. We document casting numbers and identification markers on units claimed as K-Code.
• Timing chain wear: The factory timing chain and gear set wears on high-mileage 289s. Replacement during any rebuild is standard practice.
• Cylinder head reproduction supply: Reproductions of K-Code-style heads exist in the market. We document casting numbers so authenticity is verifiable.
• Oil pan and dipstick application differences: Mustang, Fairlane, and Falcon 289s used different oil pans and dipsticks. The oil pan ships with the engine; the dipstick may need to match your chassis.

289 Variant Reference

What Ships and What Does Not

INCLUDED (Long Block): Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pan, timing cover.

NOT INCLUDED: Intake manifold, carburetor, exhaust manifolds, distributor, ignition system, alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, starter, flexplate or flywheel.

Core policy: No core return required.

Direct-Fit Vehicle Applications

Swap compatibility: The 289 shares the small-block Ford Windsor architecture with the 302 and 351 Windsor. Motor mount locations and bellhousing pattern (post-1965) match the 302. Transmission compatibility: Toploader 4-speed manual | C4 3-speed automatic | T-5 5-speed manual (with aftermarket conversion).

Search Terms Buyers Use

Ford 289 | 289 Windsor engine for sale | 289 4.7L engine | 289 K-code engine | 289 HiPo engine for sale | Ford 289 small block | Mustang 289 engine | Shelby GT350 289 | Cobra 289 engine | 289 ci engine

Used OEM Versus Professional Rebuild

For a 1965 to 1968 Mustang or Falcon restoration where original-spec hardware matters, a documented used OEM 289 is the right starting point. Our units ship with casting numbers, variant identification, and compression results on record. A professional rebuild makes sense for a Shelby clone, a show-quality build, or a K-Code-spec recreation. Rebuilt K-Code-spec 289s in correct configuration typically run $8,000 to $14,000 from established Ford small-block shops. Contact us to discuss the right approach for your build.

Inspection Workflow

• Compression test logged across all 8 cylinders
• Block walk-through for cracks, deck condition, journal scoring, and thread integrity
• Casting number, date code, and variant (2V, 4V, or K-Code) verified and recorded
• Bellhousing pattern (5-bolt early or 6-bolt later) confirmed
• Cylinder head casting numbers documented
• Rocker stud type (screw-in versus pressed-in) noted on K-Code-claimed units
• Gasket surfaces leak-checked for active seepage

Pre-Purchase Buyer Notes

• Bellhousing pattern matters for your transmission choice: Pre-mid-1965 5-bolt blocks need a 5-bolt bellhousing. Confirm your bellhousing on the call so the correct block ships.
• K-Code authentication is detailed work: A real K-Code has specific block markings, head castings, and rocker hardware. We document these but you should verify with a Ford small-block specialist for a numbers-correct restoration.
• Oil pan application differs: Mustang pans clear the front crossmember of a Mustang chassis. A Fairlane or Falcon pan will not necessarily fit a Mustang and vice versa. Confirm your chassis on the call.
• Crankshaft interchangeability with the 302: 289 and 302 crankshafts are different. They are not directly interchangeable in stock configurations. A 302 crank in a 289 block produces a 302; this is a stroker conversation, not a stock rebuild.

Why Part Nests

• Variant identification before payment with 2V, 4V, or K-Code documented
• Casting numbers and date codes recorded for every unit
• Bellhousing pattern confirmed (5-bolt or 6-bolt)
• Compression results logged across all 8 cylinders and shared before order confirmation
• Fitment verified against your specific chassis before shipment
• No core return required
• Free freight pallet delivery nationwide with no hidden fees
• 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
• Call (240) 306-7051 to speak with someone who knows 289 Windsor variants, K-Code authentication, and Shelby-spec builds