Hi all.
I know there are many sources online for engine decoding, but I keep finding contradictory information. So I'm hoping my friends here can help me. When I bought my 67 Mustang C code, I was told the original engine had been removed and replaced with a 302 from a 1970 Mustang along with a 4 speed trans from the same 1970 Mustang. After having some parts for the engine not fit right...notably a replacement distributor, I started to think the engine isn't what I wadwas told it is. Removing the starter I found the block code to be C5AE-6015E with a date code of 4H26.
Some sources say this is a plain Jane 289. Some say it's a Hi-Po. What I'm sure of is that it's not a 302 from a 1970 Mustang. Can anyone tell me with any conviction what I've got here ( other than a bit of a headache)?
Thanks
Keith

 

 

I should also note that the engine doesn't have it's original distributor, so that's of no help. I have tried to install distributors (multiple) for a 302 engine and they do not fit.
Intake manifold is C6Oe-9425-B which I understand is for a 66-67 289ci 4V. What confuses me there is that if this manifold if from 66-67, the build date on the bock of 4H26 doesn't seem to line up, though of course I understand the manifold could be from a later engine.

 

 

Also should note that the original carb is gone as there is a Holley 4bbl in place now. I did find in the trunk the remains of a manual choke cable, which I understand the 289 Hi-Po had.

 

that is a 1965 289 engine cast in august 26 1964

you need to pull the oil pan and look at the caps to see if it is a hi po which it isn't.

 

It's a pretty weird engine. I confirmed the heads aren't hipo heads (no 2 dots above the 289 stamped into the heads, a "13 "stamped on the outer drivers side head and a "15" stamped on the outer rear over the passenger side head) but it does have the Hipo Exhaust manifolds (C3Oe-9431-B drivers side C42E-9430-A on passenger side). Does have the 6 bolt bell housing. Looks like it has the bigger harmonic balancer and counterweight.

 

nothing "weird" about it . it does not have a hi po damper . it is a stock 289 one . the hi po manifolds are probably reproductions . lots of people put those on instead of headers.

 

Thanks for the help Barnett468 and yes I am thinking you are correct they are probably repro headers. Oh well, it was all exciting for a few hours anyway hahaha.
A lot of things were changed on this car by a previous owner (such as the 4 speed non-OD Toploader it has) and I'm trying to sort out what the car is and what it isn't. I'm actually glad it is a 289 and not a 302 as the previous owner had said, since this is an original C code car.
One thing I can't figure out: the previous person had installed an electronic distributor. Took big and bulky looking for my taste, but I've now tried 3 different distributors for 289ci engines, and none of them will fit!

 

if the distributor doesn't go down all the way, look at the length of the distributor shafts . the 5.0 shaft is a different length than a 289 and 302.