The 289-2V V-8 replaced the 260-2V V-8 engine. Instead of the 260'slight blue valve covers and air cleaner, for 1965, the 289-2V had goldvalve covers and air cleaner. The 289-4V engine, with highercompression, four-barrel carburetion, and 225 horsepower, also receivedgold valve covers and air cleaner. If you have trouble remembering this,think of the 289 engine as the gold standard of Mustang power for 1965.The 289 High Performance for 1965 continued unchanged, with theexception of the alternator instead of a generator.
1966
For many years prior to 1966, Ford engines were color-keyed to specificapplications and carlines. For 1966, this practice changed, when allFord engines were painted Ford Corporate Blue. Instead of color-keyedvalve covers and air cleaners, the entire engine would be Ford Blue,like the Ford Blue Oval and the Ford Blue offset dealer signs popping upin 1966. Ford's message for 1966 and beyond was simple--if it is blue, itis power by Ford.
As in 1964-'65, Ford continued to paint the valve covers separate fromthe engines. Engine long-blocks, which included block, intake manifold,heads, and oil pan, were all painted Ford Blue, a darker blue thatcovered all hardware except the valve-cover bolts. Valve covers wereinstalled toward the end of engine assembly using natural metal boltswith integral lock washers. We've learned through observation andconversation with restorers that Duplicolor's Dark Ford Blue (1606) isan accepted color for '66 and later Ford engine restorations. Analternative, when Duplicolor isn't available, is Krylon's Dark FordBlue, which is also the correct shade of dark blue. Plastikote isanother paint brand, Royal Blue (1134) an acceptable color for '66 andlater.
1967
The engine lineup for 1967 didn't change much, with the exception of theoptional 390ci High Performance big-block from the FE-series family.Ford Blue was again a mainstay for all Ford engines, including the base200ci six, the base 289-2V small-block V-8, and the 225-horse 289-4Vengine with a new carburetor design--the Autolite 4300. The 271-horse 289High Performance returned for 1967 with mechanical lifters and a moreradical camshaft profile than its 2V and 4V sidekicks. However, thebiggest news for 1967 was the 325-horse 390, also clad in Ford Blue,with chrome stamped-steel valve covers and a chrome-toppedhigh-performance air cleaner.
1968
Base power for 1968 was again the 200ci six, with either Thermactor orIMCO emissions improvement systems. Although we tend to associate the289ci V-8 with the beginning of the '68 model year, it was offered andproduced for the entire model year. New for 1968 was the stroked 302cismall-block that would ultimately replace the 289. The optional 289 HighPerformance was dropped after 1967. Contrary to fantasies, there neverwas a 302 High Performance with a mechanical camshaft and special heads.The most we can dream about there is the 302 Tunnel Port HighPerformance V-8 Ford produced only for Trans-Am competition that year.
Back was the 390 High Performance with chrome-steel valve covers andair-cleaner lid. The 390 returned virtually unchanged for 1968. Thebiggest flash for 1968 was the 428 Cobra Jet introduced mid-year onApril 1, 1968. One engine we rarely hear about is the X code 390-2V V-8installed in a handful of Mustangs for 1968. What do all of theseengines have in common? They're all blue--Ford Blue--from air cleaner tooil pan.
'65 Mustang Engine Color Quick Reference |
The base V-8 for August 1964 and beyond was the 289-2V with gold valvecovers and air cleaner. Identical in appearance was the ChallengerV-8--the 225-horse 289-4V engine with higher compression. Block, heads,and intake were black. Some Canadian-delivered Mustangs received redvalve covers and air cleaner. No one has been able to determine why. |
Aside from an alternator in place of a generator, the 289 HighPerformance rolled into 1965 with a black block, heads, and intake withchrome valve covers and air cleaner. This is the 306-horse Shelby 289High Performance with the Cobra dress-up kit, high-rise intake manifold,and Holley carburetion. |
In 1966, Ford painted all of its engines Ford Corporate Blue. This isthe base V-8 for 1966, the 289-2V engine. Beneath the Ford Blue aircleaner is an Autolite 2100 two-barrel carburetor. |
This is the 271-horse 289 High Performance V-8 with a hotter mechanicallifter camshaft, Autolite 4100 carburetion, and a dual-point Autolitedistributor. Everything besides the chrome valve covers and Hi-Po aircleaner is Ford Blue. |
Unchanged from 1966, the 200 returned with invisible improvements thatmade it a more reliable engine. This engine is the dark Ford CorporateBlue that made its debut in 1966. Valve-cover bolts are natural metal.Sports Sprint models have a chrome air-cleaner housing, just like the'66 Sprint 200, which was available during Spring 1966. |