i now have a 289 in my 66 coupe however it doesn't run well. i want to either rebuild it or put a 302 in. i was thinking rather than to spend money to rebuild a 289 i should just buy a 302 to put in there but i talked to a guy and he said you can make a 289 as fast as a 302 with only spending around $1500. is that possible and if so should i do that or just buy a 302 to put in it. thanks for all replies, kevin

 

a 289 is a 302 - 13 cubes (not much difference really). your probably only looking at a 5-10 hp difference in the two motors with identical parts on them.

 

a 289 with a 2bbl puts out 200hp. 4 bbl puts out 225. a 302 puts out 235.

 

Ha kevin,

It also depends on what you plan on doing with your mustang. If keeping it original is important then the 289 stays.

Also something to thing about, adding a cam, headers, intake and a 650cfm carb will jack up the HP to around 270. Using the same cam profile as the 289 HiPo does wonders. But this could be done with a 302 as well with the same results.

Or look at it this way, the 289 HiPo with tri-y headers made 306HP (Thats what the GT-350 Shelbys had). Yes, the HiPo had mechanical lifters but that only helps with high RPM and the typical 289/302's do not need to go to 9,000 RPM

Vince[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

I, myself, wouldn't swap engines just for a few more cubes - but if it was a similar cost to go either way - of course I would go the 302 route - hell, why stop there? I mean if Im gonna change the engine, why not just slap in a 351w?

 

For the money, your 289 could be built to have 270+ HP.

 

the thing is, those stock horsepower numbers arent the same anymore, its been close to 40 years, wear and tear prolly brings a stock 289 down to 170hp or so

 

forget the 302, and squeeze in the 390, i know it can be done my buddy as a 66 with a 390 man that thing can go too

 

I would stick with a 289 for a couple reasons it is original you can do just as much to it as you want to do to a 302 and in my mind they are just as fast

 

WOAH WOAH!! a 390?!!?! theres enough room to get one in there?? did he have to make ne cuts?? to the wheel well or ne thing?!