Hello everyone, I just purchased my first Mustang after 30 yrs of Bowties. My wife has been bugging me to get an old Mustang, here it is. I'd like to add horsepower to the 200hp 2 bbl 289 and have a question. For investment/value purposes is there significance to keeping the numbers matching block? If so, I'll just modify it instead of a motor swap. Not looking for big hp, maybe 300. Where on the block do I find corresponding numbers and what do I match them to on the car? Thanks, Siggy

 

no vin on the block but the casting and date codes can be found under the starter, that likely needs to be removed to read. Date codes on the block, heads, intake etc. should be within a few months beforethe build date of the car.

As far as investment value, depends on what model you have and how long you intend to keep it.
Rare models, keep it original.
More common models, are becoming more rare with original equipment, because of the new fad of restomod. So depending on how long you intend to keep it ... .
A good compromise is to take the 289 put it on a stand and keep it, put in a good crate engine.