eddithomas

This '65 Mustang 2+2 has been in the family for 25 years. I am now the proud owner of it. I am planning on restoring it completely but am having trouble finding the engine codes for it. Can someone who knows more about this help me? I cannot find the identification plate on it. There are some numbers on it, but I think they are just part numbers.

svopaul

The 5th digit in your VIN stamped on the inner fender under the hood is your engine code....T=200 6cyl, C=289 2V, A=289 4V, K=289 HiPo.

eddithomas

I can decipher the VIN. It originally came with a C-code 289. The problem I am having is that I think the engine is not original. The engine that is in it now is an older Ford motor but I don't know if it is also a 289. I can't find the identification plate that should be on it. I tried to attach a picture of it, but it's gives me an error message no matter the size of the file.

svopaul

You can tell by looking at the harmonic balancer if it is a 302 or 289. The 289 balancer is roughly 1" thick all around and the 302 balancer is much thicker. If you remove the starter you will find a number on the block....that will tell you the year casting of the block...for example C5AE would mean 1965 but that number alone only tells when that block casting was first made....for example: the engine block in a 1990 Mustang will not have a 1990 casting date.


If you remove the valve covers you can tell what the heads are....they will have "289" or "302" stamped on them.

eddithomas

Thanks, judging by the harmonic balancer it is a 289. I'll need some time to check out the heads to double check. Another question. How will I know if it is the original motor and not just the exact same year and size. Are there serial numbers I can cross reference somewhere?

svopaul

Back then there are no VIN numbers stamped onto the engine....so as long as it is a 1965 Casting on the block and heads you can consider it original and "numbers matching"