What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

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What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

March 30, 2006, 07:31:56 PM

I wanted to get some feedback on a motor I've seen for sale here locally. It says "289 Hi-Po, needs rebuilt, C4 trans included, $250". Is that any kind of deal? I don't know what "Hi-Po" means. I'm betting that's one of those little phrases that people like to throw around that is very subjective. There were at least 4 different engine codes for a 289 between '65 and '68, ranging from 200 HP to 306 HP. Now if it was a "K-code" 289 like was put in the Shelby's, then I agree with "Hi-Po". Anyway, just thought I'd get some opinions on that price. I still kinda have the dream of someday dropping a built 289 in my '83 Cougar, and yeah, I know, a 302 is probably way more practical and economical to build. Two-eighty-nine just sounds cooler than three-oh-two or five-oh. Of course, they neither one sound as cool as three-fifty-one or four-oh-eight. Thanks for any opinions.

Fordman3

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #1 – March 30, 2006, 08:02:49 PM

well, technically the only difference between a 289 and a 302 is a matter of a few inches, everything that'll bolt on a 5.0 block should bolt onto a 289...
As for it being a Hi-Po, if it is, and it's any good at all, and complete, then it's worth more than 250, if you really need one to finish a numbers matching car, say a 66 Shelby or such...
For a hot rod motor, I'd stick with a later (but not so much later that the block is the infamous "thin casting") say an early 80's truck block.

I'm sure some others have more detailed info than what I can give right now.

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #2 – March 31, 2006, 12:25:11 AM

if it is real ... that is a steal. Look for scew in studs and guide plates on the heads.

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #3 – March 31, 2006, 12:54:27 AM

Also make sure it isnt a 5 bolt block. They aren't really worth that much unless someone wants to do a restore.

James

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #4 – March 31, 2006, 01:48:58 PM

if they will let you, pull the pan off. the hi po 289 has thicker main webbing than a standard 289. the heads are the same as a reg 289 except for the screw in studs/plates.also should have a heavier balencer. iirc the hp's also has a partial vin stamped on the block, the code for it will be "k". for that price i really doubt it's anything but a run of the mill 289

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #5 – March 31, 2006, 04:19:08 PM

the 289 hi-po if it aint bored out, the motor and tranny would be around 3-5 grand, even if it needs a rebuild.... that is one hell of a deal for 250 bucks...

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #6 – March 31, 2006, 06:30:47 PM

I thought I read somewhere that the Ford 289 Hi-Po was one of the rarest/most sought after Ford engines around. And I also thought that all of them were 5-bolts.

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #7 – March 31, 2006, 06:40:50 PM

Quote from: DakotaEpic

I thought I read somewhere that the Ford 289 Hi-Po was one of the rarest/most sought after Ford engines around. And I also thought that all of them were 5-bolts.

up until late 64 early 65 they were 5 bolt

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #8 – April 01, 2006, 11:19:29 AM

If it's the "C"(195/200hp)or "A" code(225hp) then it's worth about the asking price. If it's the "K"(271/306hp) then its worth major bucks wheather its it's a 5 or 6 bolt. The COMPLETE VIN of the original car will be stamped on the lower right side of the block IF it's a true HI-PO. Would read something like 5F03K123456 with the "K" being the idintifing digit(must be 5th digit)

Need to be sure, as I believe some '63-'64 intermediate Mercurys used the "K" code for the 260(Mercury has always been ****ed up)... Of course the block would NOT be stamped. I know for sure some of the 271hp HI-POs were coded as the "A" 225hp engine in the Mercs. Of course there arn't many with the HI-PO, so that makes them disareable.

What's a Hi-Po 289 worth?

Reply #9 – April 01, 2006, 12:38:12 PM

As a matter of fact I know where a HiPo 289 is sitting in someones garage. They asked me if I wanted it and I said no being it was a 5 bolt. I know they are worth some money but I really wasn't thinking. I wonder if they still have it.

James