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Car Forum / Ford / Ford Mustang / May 2005

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289 or a big block?

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mtdubvee - 03 May 2005 04:13 GMT
My mustang currently has a 289 in it and I was wondering how hard a big
block conversion would be or if I should just build the 289? thanks
Laurie S. - 03 May 2005 05:06 GMT
> My mustang currently has a 289 in it and I was wondering how hard a big
> block conversion would be or if I should just build the 289? thanks

It's not that hard, but it will cost you.  I did the same thing with myh 68
fastback--took a 289 car and put a 390 in it.  If you check my website,
http://www.tucsonpony.com/Trouble   you'll see what I had to do.  Basically,
change motor mounts, put in shock tower supports, change brackets,
suspension, etc.  Nothing that's really difficult, of course, but you want
to make a thorough change so that the car will support and handle the weight
of the big block properly.  For example, I went with the Edelbrock Performer
RPM intake and lightened the front end quite a bit that way.  I also moved
the battery to the trunk to offset the heavy nose.  The more you can do to
lighten the load, the better off you will be in terms of handling.

--------------
Laurie S.
Thunder Snake #7
Thomas Cameron - 03 May 2005 05:17 GMT
> My mustang currently has a 289 in it and I was wondering how hard a big
> block conversion would be or if I should just build the 289? thanks

I have a '68 coupe with a 289 2V that I am wrestling with that question,
too.  What year is yours?  My mechanic said that the timing chain is getting
bad on mine, and it's got almost 100,000 miles so I believe that the motor
is really due for a rebuild.  A racing shop in town says that they can put a
stroker kit into the 289 and do a performance build for about $3900 giving
me around 300 horsepower at the rear wheel.  Not bad at all...  But for
$5900 I can get a 460 with 550 HP and 545 ft/lbs at
http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=6587.  Of
course, that means that I need to showhorn a C6 transmission in and then
swap the rear for a 31-spline 9" so it's going to be really expensive by the
time all is said and done.

I have also thought about getting a cheap rebuilt motor from here:
http://www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?catid=119&eid=
119202&sid=1AlF2z1Ew5TKEbH-02105595755.f6

but again that would mean a C6 and a 9" rear end, so it would not be cheap.
This would allow me to at least get a big block in, then I could build the
engine in less expensive stages.

By the way, Crites has the parts you need at
http://www.critesrestoration.com/mustang.htm.

Thomas
one80out@hotmail.com - 03 May 2005 17:44 GMT
> I have a '68 coupe with a 289 2V that I am wrestling with that question,
> too. What year is yours? My mechanic said that the timing chain is
getting
> bad on mine, and it's got almost 100,000 miles so I believe that the motor
> is really due for a rebuild. A racing shop in town says that they
can put a
> stroker kit into the 289 and do a performance build for about $3900 giving
> me around 300 horsepower at the rear wheel. Not bad at all... But
for
> $5900 I can get a 460 with 550 HP and 545 ft/lbs at
> http://www.fordracingparts.com /parts/part_details.asp?PartKe
yField=6587. Of
> course, that means that I need to showhorn a C6 transmission in and then
> swap the rear for a 31-spline 9" so it's going to be really expensive by the
> time all is said and done.

That is an acute case of the "might-as-wells," going from an ailing
timing chain (a one-day, $100 job) to a 460/C6/31 spline 9".  :-)

My idea for a low bux package is to start with a cheapo 302 short block
with forged pistons and 9:1 CR, then add a centrifugal blower.  I'd use
a carb and one of  these "hat" things.
http://www.sd-concepts.com/Carbhathats.htm  This combo would run
$4500-5000, and would produce 400 rwhp -- more than enough for a '65
Mustang -- without destroying the handling like a big block will do.

180 Out
Spike - 03 May 2005 06:29 GMT
It has been suggested in some circles to do a 347 stroker kit with the
289 rather than a total swap. Just a thought.

>My mustang currently has a 289 in it and I was wondering how hard a big
>block conversion would be or if I should just build the 289? thanks

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
Thomas Cameron - 03 May 2005 06:34 GMT
> It has been suggested in some circles to do a 347 stroker kit with the
> 289 rather than a total swap. Just a thought.

Can you actually do the 347 on a 289?  Prewitt Racing here in Austin said
that the 289 stroked was 331 (which I'd never heard).

Thomas
Spike - 03 May 2005 19:30 GMT
It's what I  was advised to do rather than swap for a 351. I have done
neither, so I can't say first hand. But it does seem that I have read
in the kit description in one of the many catalogs (Ford Racing,
Summit, Jegs, etc) that it can be done. I would be doing a lot of
investigation and consulting engine shops (more than one) before
making the move.

>> It has been suggested in some circles to do a 347 stroker kit with the
>> 289 rather than a total swap. Just a thought.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
>Thomas

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
66 6F HCS - 03 May 2005 21:33 GMT
> Can you actually do the 347 on a 289?  Prewitt Racing here in Austin said
> that the 289 stroked was 331 (which I'd never heard).

I can see 331, but I don't think there's enough deck to do a 347. I think
the assembled height would be too tall (barely).
Signature

Scott W.
'66 HCS Mustang 289
'68 Ranchero 500 302
'69 Mustang Sportsroof 351W
ThunderSnake #57
http://home.comcast.net/~vanguard92/

Spike - 03 May 2005 22:35 GMT
No disagreement. Like I said, it was suggested to me, but I didn't go
that route. My 289 is rebuilt as the 289 A Code it was in the
beginning.

>> Can you actually do the 347 on a 289?  Prewitt Racing here in Austin said
>> that the 289 stroked was 331 (which I'd never heard).
>
>I can see 331, but I don't think there's enough deck to do a 347. I think
>the assembled height would be too tall (barely).

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
Spike - 03 May 2005 23:10 GMT
I just checked the Ford Racing engine listing and it lists :
Stroker Short Block (www.cjponyparts.com)
2 bolt 302 HD Sportsman Block in either
342 (M6009A342)                $2499.95            
347 (M6009A347)                $2499.95

302 Stroker Kits (www.cjponyparts.com)
fitting 1983-00 302 blocks w/ 1 piece rear seal
-342 CID Standard Bore        $724.95          
-347 CID .030" Over            $1099.95
-Forged 347 CID                  $1694.95

As for rebuilds (www.cjponyparts.com)
-65-67 289                           $2099.95*
-68-74 302                          $1799.95*
-69-73 351W                       $2349.95*

* plus core and freight

Of course, there is the 5.0L Cammer Modular Engine for a paltry
$14,449.95.

>> Can you actually do the 347 on a 289?  Prewitt Racing here in Austin said
>> that the 289 stroked was 331 (which I'd never heard).
>
>I can see 331, but I don't think there's enough deck to do a 347. I think
>the assembled height would be too tall (barely).

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
Spike - 03 May 2005 23:12 GMT
Ah, yes, there is also the Paxton 64-68 SB
Supercharger for $2699.95 : )

>> Can you actually do the 347 on a 289?  Prewitt Racing here in Austin said
>> that the 289 stroked was 331 (which I'd never heard).
>
>I can see 331, but I don't think there's enough deck to do a 347. I think
>the assembled height would be too tall (barely).

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
66 6F HCS - 03 May 2005 21:30 GMT
> It has been suggested in some circles to do a 347 stroker kit with the
> 289 rather than a total swap.

If the 289 is a good solid builder block, I wouldn't turn it into a stroker.
Good 289 blocks are impossible to find these days. Most are bored to hell,
cracked, or rusted beyond belief. If you want a sleeper motor, then drop in
a stroker 351W. Take it out to 427 and it'll still bolt right in. BB
displacement from a SB. Or you can run a more economical stroker 351 like I
did. 393 stroker- the only part that isn't bone stock is the crankshaft. You
use the original 351 rods and use 302 pistons. I saved over $1k by doing it
this way.
Signature

Scott W.
'66 HCS Mustang 289
'68 Ranchero 500 302
'69 Mustang Sportsroof 351W
ThunderSnake #57
http://home.comcast.net/~vanguard92/

one80out@hotmail.com - 03 May 2005 21:44 GMT
> you can run a more economical stroker 351 like I
> did. 393 stroker- the only part that isn't bone stock is the crankshaft. You
> use the original 351 rods and use 302 pistons. I saved over $1k by doing it
> this way.

Scott, OE rods and pistons and a $220 steel stroker crank (as
referenced on your web site) have definitely got my attention. I wonder
if you could price list the whole deal, or at least broken down into
major categories like rotating assembly, machine work, etc. Any tips on
scoring a junkyard 351?

180 Out
66 6F HCS - 04 May 2005 02:06 GMT
> Scott, OE rods and pistons and a $220 steel stroker crank (as
> referenced on your web site) have definitely got my attention. I wonder
> if you could price list the whole deal, or at least broken down into
> major categories like rotating assembly, machine work, etc. Any tips on
> scoring a junkyard 351?

It'd be hard to say EXACTLY what each step cost. First, I haven't recieved
the final invoice from the builder, and second, I did more than just the
stroker.

Here's the engine specs and other minor details...
351W .060" OB.  [Came with the car]

3.85" stroke crank (CHP's 393 crank) [new $220]

D0 heads-ported, polished, roller rockers, new pushrods and valves [rebuilt]

12cc dish cast 302 pistons (compression set at 9.5:1, confirmed by burette
on all 8 cyls.) [new $100]

Camshaft& Lifter kit- Comp Cams grind XE262EH  [new $325]
adv duration in-262 ex-270 (@.050 in-218 ex-224).
Valve lift in-.493 ex-.50

Edelbrock Performer intake [came with car]

Edelbrock 650 CFM 4bbl carb (rejetted and metered for altitude in Denver)
[new $280]

1" 4-hole spacer [new $20]

Engine balance- $150. You HAVE to balance stroker's. Without the balance, my
351 would have flown apart by now.

For everything including R&R of the motor itself; machining, balancing,
honing, notching the block and slight mods to the oil pan, rebuilding the
heads. All told it cost me ~$4000.

On actually FINDING a block? Well, check with the local club guys and just
start asking around. There's GOTTA be some wierd old guy who hordes blocks
(CJ comes to mind). Just kidding TS#1. That's where I found the 302 block
currently sitting in my Ranchero. I think I paid $100 for it, then had it
rebuilt. That build cost me $3200, installed. That block will end up going
in my '66 if I ever get around to it (or never if I sell it [the car]
first). You might have a local mass rebuilder who'd be willing to sell you a
bare used block that's already been machined. There's a local  Co. here in
Denver called Ridge Reamer. You walk into their warehouse and it's just
crammed full of engines. Complete, incomplete, bare blocks, ready to build,
just pulled and needs everything. etc. You walk in and tell'em what you want
and they'll get it. They have some pretty rare stuff too. Some fairly decent
428 blocks. Sweet! Maybe you can find someplace like this locally. But I'd
still start with the clubs.
Signature

Scott W.
'66 HCS Mustang 289
'68 Ranchero 500 302
'69 Mustang Sportsroof 351W
ThunderSnake #57
http://home.comcast.net/~vanguard92/

one80out@hotmail.com - 04 May 2005 02:46 GMT
Thanks for all the info, Scott. The wheels are definitely turning. Now
if I can just convince the wife that 400 rwhp would be a safety feature
for a 16 year old driver.

180 Out
cprice@here.com - 17 May 2005 05:27 GMT
    I agree, 351W stroked to 427ci, or 393ci (budget depending). I think a
full engine with afr heads was advertised in the last mustang monthly
for about 8k USD, assembled, and dynoed. Seems like lots of cash, but
not bad when you consider all new parts and a quality machining ; 8k
comes pretty quick...

    Altho I have to say that I have not done a 351w stroker yet. I did a
347 a while back using a probe kit. Easy as pie once you have all the
pieces.

    I also agree with the leaving the 289 block intact. Find a junkyard
351w (aka 'seasoned') block and build up from there. A good 351 truck
block that has not been bored will have been through enough temp cycles
to make it strong (or it would likely have broken already).

>>It has been suggested in some circles to do a 347 stroker kit with the
>>289 rather than a total swap.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> use the original 351 rods and use 302 pistons. I saved over $1k by doing it
> this way.
.boB - 17 May 2005 05:47 GMT
>     I agree, 351W stroked to 427ci, or 393ci (budget depending). I think
> a full engine with afr heads was advertised in the last mustang monthly
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> block that has not been bored will have been through enough temp cycles
> to make it strong (or it would likely have broken already).

    The Ford 393 crate motor is a heck of a deal.  You
won't get that kind of quality at a cheaper price anywhere.

    I purchased my 427W short block from PAW.  Some
assembly required. Good price, excellent machine work,
quality parts, and no surprises.

    Coast High is probably a better product, but at a
higher price (as you would expect).  If I was building
a race motor, that's what I would have used.

.boB
1997 HD FXDWG - Turbocharged!
2001 Dodge Dakota QC 5.9/4x4/3.92
1966 Mustang Coupe - Daily Driver
1966 FFR Cobra - Ongoing project
cprice@here.com - 18 May 2005 00:17 GMT
    Does the FRPP engine come balanced? And I mean a real balance, not the
factory 'get it mostly close' balance. Even if it didnt, I suppose you
could disassemble and send out for a balance at a local quality shop.

>>     I agree, 351W stroked to 427ci, or 393ci (budget depending). I
>> think a full engine with afr heads was advertised in the last mustang
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
> 1966 Mustang Coupe - Daily Driver
> 1966 FFR Cobra - Ongoing project
.boB - 18 May 2005 00:51 GMT
>     Does the FRPP engine come balanced? And I mean a real balance, not
> the factory 'get it mostly close' balance. Even if it didnt, I suppose
> you could disassemble and send out for a balance at a local quality shop.

   They say it is balanced to a pretty tight
tolerance, but can't remember exactly what that is.
Signature

.boB
1997 HD FXDWG - Turbocharged!
2001 Dodge Dakota QC 5.9/4x4/3.92
1966 Mustang Coupe - Daily Driver
1966 FFR Cobra - Ongoing project

66 6F HCS - 18 May 2005 02:46 GMT
> cprice@here.com wrote:
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>    They say it is balanced to a pretty tight tolerance, but can't remember
> exactly what that is.

Even the 392/393 stroker would scatter itself in short order without a
balance. I know. You should see the flywheel for mine. Holy Crap!!! I've
never seen so much weight before.
Signature

Scott W.
'66 HCS Mustang 289
'68 Ranchero 500 302
'69 Mustang Sportsroof 351W
ThunderSnake #57
http://home.comcast.net/~vanguard92/

cprice@here.com - 19 May 2005 02:39 GMT
    That makes sense. I know that some of the FRPP stuff (5.0 replacement
shortblocks) don't have a true balance job. They get the reciprocating
assembly components very close, but not nearly as accurate as a
precision balance.

    I have taken original 5.0's apart for a re-ring and had the
reciprocating assembly sent out for balance and the con rods (most of em
anyways) and crank always come back with some material removed. The
shops I use always provide me with a 'report card' for the balance results.

>>>    Does the FRPP engine come balanced? And I mean a real balance, not
>>>the factory 'get it mostly close' balance. Even if it didnt, I suppose
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> balance. I know. You should see the flywheel for mine. Holy Crap!!! I've
> never seen so much weight before.
Canadian Musclecars - 15 May 2005 00:55 GMT
As far as I know, you can't fit anything larger than a smallblock in a '65 -
'66 without a considerable amount of sheetmetal modification. If you want
big block cubes in a smallblock form factor then the 427 stroker is the way
to go. Built on a 351W block, it will fit nicely between your shock towers
and with 427 cubic inches it should satisfy your need for torque and
horsepower. As an added bonus, you won't have to pay the weight penalty that
you would with a bigblock. Coast High Performance advertises a kit to do
this and many other vendors, I'm sure, offer similar packages.

Richard up in Canada
65 GT350 replica
> My mustang currently has a 289 in it and I was wondering how hard a big
> block conversion would be or if I should just build the 289? thanks
John - 15 May 2005 01:16 GMT
> My mustang currently has a 289 in it and I was wondering how hard a big
> block conversion would be or if I should just build the 289? thanks

Replace the front suspension with the Mustang II or Fat Man kit.  Look in
any Mustang periodical.  Cut the shock towers out and put a bad a.s big
block in there!  Pick up a 460 for cheap and build it up, or order it
directly from Ford Racing as a crate engine.  A toploader, a 9" rear end,
traction bars, some wide sticky tires and spiffy wheels, reinforce the
frame, headers, an X-pipe, and some Ford truck mufflers.  Leave the 289
emblems on and go hunting for some vettes!  :-)

Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha

Signature

John
ThunderSnake #59

Spike - 15 May 2005 02:37 GMT
Seems like it would almost be easier to transplant the badges to a
Viper.... : ) LOL

>> My mustang currently has a 289 in it and I was wondering how hard a big
>> block conversion would be or if I should just build the 289? thanks
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
>Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
John - 15 May 2005 12:41 GMT
I agree 100%, but you wouldn't have a Mustang or the pride of the build!
Signature

John
ThunderSnake #59

> Seems like it would almost be easier to transplant the badges to a
> Viper.... : ) LOL
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
> w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
Spike - 15 May 2005 20:07 GMT
That's true. Which is why I have the 65 Fastback instead of a new BMW
or whatever. A used car lot right down the street did have a Viper.
Just not enough room for the family and luggage. The local Indian
casino bought it and gave it away as a bingo prize. Probably won by
some blue haired little ol' lady who was bussed in from the retirement
home.

>I agree 100%, but you wouldn't have a Mustang or the pride of the build!

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
one80out@hotmail.com - 17 May 2005 02:24 GMT
A used car lot right down the street did have a Viper.
> Just not enough room for the family and luggage. The local Indian
> casino bought it and gave it away as a bingo prize. Probably won by
> some blue haired little ol' lady who was bussed in from the retirement
> home.

But parked in her rickety old garage
Is a brand new shiny red super-stock Dodge.

And everybody's saying there's nobody meaner
Than the little old lady from pasadena
She drives real fast and she drives real hard
She's a terror out on colorado boulevard

It's the little old lady from pasadena

-- Jan Berry, 1964

180 Out
Spike - 17 May 2005 05:43 GMT
I have that LP. Bought it new when it was first released. Back when we
used to go sidewalk surfin' and hit the nicest people with a Honda....
errrr... met the nicest people on a Honda....

Now, I'm replacing all the old LP's and cassettes with CDs the way I
did with my 8 Track collection when 8 Tracks died.

And I'm just as apt to listen to Dr Hook....

Come on babies
grease yer lips
grab yer hats
and swing your hips
an' don't forget
to bring yer whips
we're going to the Freakers Ball

However, I did pick up a really nice Beachboys anthology set....
just for old time sake... : )

>A used car lot right down the street did have a Viper.
>> Just not enough room for the family and luggage. The local Indian
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
>180 Out

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16
 
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