Im starting to restore my 68 fastback C code. It has the original 289 with the 2v and the auto 3 speed tranny. My dad keeps bugging me that I should put something bigger like a 390 under the hood. I would rather keep it original but also increase the power. Ive been GM my whole life. How do you get the max horsepower from a 289 without screwing up the block? I want to be able to reverse it to original condition. Also if I needed to buy a crate or rebuilt engine, where would be the best bang for my buck? I dont want to go completely overboard on spending. Lastly ,where is the best place for price to buy parts, emblems, upholstery etc...

 

if it were my car, i'd park the 289 in the corner and put a crate motor in it.

parts emblems etc - auto parts stores for most of the mechanical stuff and there are dozens of online mustang parts vendors to choose from for the mustang specific bits. General rule of thumb is choose one close to you to keep the shipping down.

 

I've been down this road before so I'll bite on this one... You can do some serious internal modification to a basic 289/302 that will boost hp to over 300+ and cosmetically appear stock. However, we’re talking hp has a direct correlation to dollars spent. I believe the formula is: hp=$$$$.

As for most of us, and I’ll assume you’re no different, have a limited amount of funds to dedicate to a project. So start with a budge to determine the best bang for your buck and start your shopping list.

- One of the cheapest and biggest gains in hp is selecting a larger cam. I would recommend that whatever cam you choose it complements the other engine components. Some company’s such as Comp Cams[/i][/b] or Edelbrock [/i][/b]package cams/lifters/pushrods/rocker arms into a single kit. (roller rockers+$$=more hp too!)
- Higher compression ratio piston such a Forged TRW pistons will add longevity to your engine and allow for future modification such as Nitros or a Paxton Supercharger
- Ported and polished heads with the optional larger valves will help the engine breath better.
- Invest in a high volume oil pump if you plan on driving this thing “spiritedly�. Cheap investment to protect the rotating parts.

Of course the above are internal modification. If you wanted to squeeze every once of hp out of the engine think about headers, aluminum intake manifold, 4bbl Carburetor, electronic ignition, high flow fuel pump.

As for me I started with a stock 289 3bbl engine and performed the following which translated into big $$$$!!!!

Block modifications; top deck resurfaced 0.010 to true it up, piston bored 0.030, crank shaft bored 0.010
-- TRW forged piston and rods bored 0.010 and all rotating assembly balanced
-- Crank shaft bored 0.010
-- ARP high strength bolts throughout
-- High volume oil pump
-- Comp Cam 268
Heads ported and polished with larger intake/exhaust valves
-- Comp Cam roller tip rockers
-- Mollly push rods
Edelbrock performer intake manifold with holly 4bbl vacuum assist secondary’s
Hooker headers with flowmaster
Electronic Ignition

I assembled the engine myself so dollars saved on labor was spent on parts. If your mechanical inclined and have the know how this would make a great father son project! Good Luck! [sm=signs003.gif]

 

depends your build you can get a 347 stroker for a ok price id stay away from ford racing there crates are really high. do you want a big block or small block efi or carb how much power and whats your budget.

 

Build a strudy carb'd 302 and spray it!!!! [sm=nxsmile.gif]is your friend!

 

Im not looking for outragous horsepower. around 270 or so would begreat with me. I dont want to spend outragous money. my budget is pretty flexible tho but like I said I dont want to blow too much on it.

 

Like i mentioned you can get over 300+ from a 289/302. I'm just guessing here about you'll spend 2-3K if done with quality parts and machine shop rates. Keep us posted!

 

a good cheap budget build would be stock 289 shortblock, have your heads ported by power heads, a comp cams 260h cam or 268h, perfromer rpm, 600 cfm carb, 1 5/8 headers, 2 1/4 exhaust, good ignition. Or the same combo but the 268h cam and put a 347 stroker kit in the 289 block, it will run better than a 390.