I am suppose to go to look at a 1965 2+2 fastback in couple of days that supposedly has a factory original 289. I want to know how to quickly determine via either the VIN or the engine marking how to tell if the 289 could be an "A" code "Hi-Po". Please advise as I own a 1969 Mach1 and I am not that familiar with pre 1967 mustangs.

 

Just check the VIN on the inner fender on the driver' s side of the engine compartment. The engine code will be the 5th digit.
T= inline 6 cylinder
C= 289 2v-200 HP
A = 289 4V - 221Hp
K = 289 4v - High performance (HiPo) 271Hp
Of course, the engine could have been changed out. Pull the starter and get the block code from there. Pull the valve cover and see if there is a stamping in the valley.

 

I think he's asking how to make sure that the engine is in fact what the VIN says it was.

 

Thats a TOUGH one...it is hard to tell if the engine is an "A" code or a "T" code...You can tell if the engine is a "K" code or not...alot of factors involving a "K" code...

 

Well, it is easy to tell a T code from a C, A or K because a T code is a 6 banger. The C code has a 2V carb, and the A and K codes have 4 barrels. If it has a 4 barrel carb, it will probably be an A code engine because the K codes are pretty rare. However, if you have time to look at the engine carefully, here is how you can tell if it is a hipo K code.
https://mustangforums.com/m_766107/tm.htm

 

k code blocks are stamped with a partial vin regula a,c codes are not

 

Thanks all to responded. I thought A-Code was Hi-Po but now I know I should be looking for "K" code. Either would be good!

 

If you stumble onto a K code engine for sale, you will be very, very lucky. But if you actually want to buy it, you best have a wheel barrow full of big money.