All,
Forgive me for I am new at the forum, but I was hoping you could help. I am rebuilding my 65 fastback and I am trying to determine what engine to drop in it. I want to have more performance but dont want to make a lot of modificationes to the car. If I were to drop a 1969 351W into this car, are there any modifications I need to consider? Also If I purchase a long bloack engine what is compatible with by 289 (Oil pan, valve covers, timing coveres)? I would appreciate any insight.

 

a 351w will fit you just gotta buy the right headers and its a tight fit i wouldnt take anything off the 289 just keep it the way it is so you can put it back later if you want

 

since the 351's are a squeeze in the early model stangs, i would either

a) build the 289 - i promise you you'll be happy
b) store the stock 289, and build a 302/347 stroker (if your really wanting the cubes)

 

get the 289 and build it up you will be happy don't go for the 302-347 setup

 

what's wrong with the 347?

 

How much power are you looking to achieve? You can pretty easily get 350+ hp by either rebuilding your 289 with or buying a crate 302 with aluminum heads, performance cam,intake,carb and some headers. FWIW, I pulled the 351W out of my '65 Fastback and put in a crate 302 w/375hp. The 351W made gobs of torque but the tight squeeze just made it too much of a pain for my tastes.

People here swear by the stroker, but it would certainly cost more than having your 289 rebuilt and beefed up.

Good luck.

 

the 351w is for a motor that u want to make more than 500 hp, the block on the 302 can only hold about 450 wheel, b4 it splits. the 289 is a great motor, there are lots of parts for it and it will last forever, as well as rev forever. so i would just say rebuild and remake the 289 and u will be happy.

 

agreed. 289's are sexy..... its just a good number lol

 

If you're not racing, go with the 289. If you hate getting beat outa stop lights, drop ina 351 or a stroker, or ideally a stroked 351.

 

Im not looking for a ton HP, but I would like a bit. Heres the issue. At first I will be keeping it fairly stock. What started my interest is that I can get a 302 long block alot less than a 289 long block ($1000- vs $1500). I am trying to keep it fairly inexpensive, but get the most HP. The 351W long block runs about $1200 (less than the 289 as well)