How can you tell the differance between a Ford 260 & 289 without tearing down or checking #ber's????????? Thanks, Lon
The difference is the bore, 3.8 inches to 4.0 inches. The easiest way is probably checking the numbers, and if all else fails take a head off and measure. I don't know of any other way from the outside.
Not sure about the 260, but every 289 I have had has "289" in raised letters on the head under the valve covers. Also has the year, IE a 66 would mean a 1966 head.
Numbers - Unless it's an early 289 with only 5 bellhousing bolts, instead of 6, 5 bolt could also be 260. Pull the valve cover and it will have 289 or 302 cast in. Cranks are different 2.87 stroke vs 3.0, but they look the same, 289 crank will have IM cast on the first counterweight, put you'd need th pan off to know. Bore is 4.005" on both, not 3.8 as listed above. 3.8 bore was the 260
Yes, the heads have numbers/letters on them and can be decoded. If you decide to replace your valve cover gaskets, clean the upper right corner (I think that's right) and look for numbers. Assuming the heads are original to that block. Didn't the 260 have a 5 bolt transmission bell but all or most 289's had 6 bolt bellhousings?
The timing covers are also different. 260 would def have a timing cover oil fill. However if they both claim to be early motors, your beat. Both the early 260 and early 289 had 5 bolt bells, so your beat there too. By early, I mean pre '65. Whats your situation? Maybe we can tell you what to look for.
any possibility it might be a 221? I think they were only in '62s, and look alot like 260s & 289s. There's probably a way to tell but I don't know for sure.
I had a test fit / shop motor that was said to be a 289. When the guy I gave it to rebuilt it, it turned out to be some weird-ass 247 or something. Beware. Gary
260 5 bolt belhousing but early 289s were too casting # by starter should be able to tell what year engine it is from there 1964 earlier 260 65 later prob 289 !
Here's the reason I ask, my friend has petered out on his '64 Ranchero project and want's me to rite up a 4 sale add on CL. It was a 260 V8, 3 speed from factory but he thinks the last owner said it had a 289 now, just dunno yet and want it rite in the add. Lon
not to be a dick or anything but just be honest in the ad dont think it will bother people either way if its the original 260 or has been swapped 2 a 289 !same apearing motor either way
Only the early 221 had 2 freeze plugs they also had a wider bolt pattern for the engine mount. 260 and 289 can be identified by the no. near the starter.
I think there could be a visual difference with the 260 versus the 289 heads but I dont know what it would be. Best start point is to check the bell housing bolt numbers and then work from there. maybe timing cover next and gradually eliminate the options. 260 had heads that lacked valve size and probably a little less technology.
That looks like a later 289 to me. See if you can check the number of bellhousing bolts, but barring that, its a 289. I'm almost positive that all pre-'65 SBFs had a timing cover oil fill, at least my '63 221 and many other I've seen have, and that one doesn't. I think its a later 289.
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