hi, i just joined and was looking for some info on swapping a 289 into my '66. i have a bunch of questions so i think ill jsut make a list.

1. how much am i looking to spend on the 289 and a new auto tranny(i dont want the 2 spd any more and i dont wanna convert to a manual)
2. how reliable would a new old engine be?
3. is it really worth the time and money to get the 289?
4. i would REALLY like to swap in a 302 from a '69 BOSS but ive heard that the biggest engine that will fit into the '66s is the 289, is this true and if so, how much cutting would i have to do to get the 302 in that little engine bay?

thanks in advance

 

1. how much am i looking to spend on the 289 and a new auto tranny(i dont want the 2 spd any more and i dont wanna convert to a manual)
Alot, ask yourself this instead - "How much money do I have to spend"

2. how reliable would a new old engine be?
Just fine, unless you build/buy a motor and ask it to do something it was built to do.

3. is it really worth the time and money to get the 289?
Depends, what you got now? What you want to do with it?

4. i would REALLY like to swap in a 302 from a '69 BOSS but ive heard that the biggest engine that will fit into the '66s is the 289, is this true and if so, how much cutting would i have to do to get the 302 in that little engine bay?
https://mustangforums.com/m_1627542/tm.htm


Ask and answer these:

What kinda car do I want? (daily driver street car, track only car, strip/street)
How much power do I want? (200 rwhp, 300rwhp, 400rwhp, 500rwhp, more?)
How much money do I have to spend?

All three should work together before opening your wallet.
For instance....
I want a daily driver street car with 500 RWHP and have $2,000 to spend obviously doesn't work

 

go to the FAQ section to find info on the 289 swap, I assume you have an inline 6 now right? give us more details about your car

 

As for the biggest engine you can put in there is the 351 but its tight. A 302 is the same size block as a 289 they are interchangeable and use the same motor mounts. the boss 302 is differnt though, I don't know in what exteral ways though.

 

I have actually seen 289 engine and C4 tranny's in the local trader for about 500 bucks. More than once. Way back in 1974 I had a 65 with a 6 and swapped out to a 289. Motor mounts were different but bolted up. To do it right, changing a 6 to an 8 is really more than just swapping the engine. You can do that but other issues are at stake. Suspension. 4 bolt wheels -vs- 5. Rear end, driveshaft, all considerations that Ford made different from one to the other for a reason. Torque, power, strength, all hand in hand. Good luck!

 

it seems like its alot more work than i thought.all i was after was around 350RWHP for around 2500$. oh well, what could i do to the I6 to give some more power, because ive heard that the I6`s are REALLY slow. i would know how fast it is but its not running now so i gotta wait a week or so untill i can feel for myself.

 

Considering 350RWHP is about 440 crank HP, thats a pretty warm 289, and for $2500 for whole swap? No chance! Are you sure you need 350RWHP? a dead stock 289/302 4v will put a smile on you dial, and may come in closer to your $2500. (if you can find all the supporting brake/suspension part for next to nothing)

 

300 crank hp in my 05 puts a big grin on my face every time i drive it. I cant wait too see what 300 crank hp in my 65 which is a 1000 lbs lighter will do

 

It cost me about $1,400 to have my 289 rebuilt into HP engine, however I already had the carb and intake manifold. Have not had her on the dyno yet, but when I punch it getting on the freeway, it can make me sing opera style