I have a 66 coupe with a 289 and the next step in fixing it up is the engine. I am trying to decide weather I should get the engine rebuilt or get a crate motor. The crate that i have been looking at is the ford racing 302 that puts out about 350hp. It is the cheapest crate engine that i can find that will make decent power. I want to make about 350 or so hp, and hopefully have a 13 second car with a C4. Im not really sure if that is possible cuz i dont know much about racing but i hope so. If I got a rebuild I would replace almost all of the parts. Let me know what is best... I am only 17 so money is definitely a factor, I want to keep it as cheap as possible but have a good engine.

Thanks.

[IMG]local://upfiles/86708/D6556B783EBB423E905B50D4B1841FBD.jpg[/IMG]

 

You can get a good rebuild for much less than the crate engine. The 350 HP will take some money, but you can always add stuff like an intake, headers, etc. later.

Get a good rebuild with a warm cam and everything else can be done later...

And Welcome to the Forum!!

 

Welcome to the forums first off

You may not think of it because people always look at upgrading the motor first but what kinda ratio are your gears in the back? a 3.55 or 3.73 would REALLY wake that thing up.

That being said..... whats your budget?

 

Try taking a look at these motors. Since i work for this crate engine builder I won't push rebuilding or going crate.
tandlengines.com

 

I forgot all the money stuff. The ford crate engine is about 3600. I have about 2500 saved, but i can prolly get the rest as a loan from my parents. I am just worried that the rebuild will keep adding up because it would take machine work, and then all the parts.

I am going to switch the rear end ratio to something in the high threes, once I get back there...

P.S.- This forum is crazy, all these responses in just a few min. This is more info then I have gotten in months from emailing clubs and stuff.

 

First Off Welcome to the forum!!If your looking to get more power/speed think about the rear gearing!3.73 for instance will make a big difference and is the motor worn out or are you looking to upgrade?Crate motors cost big$ compared to rebuilding and you can extra power thru headers,cam,intake,etc.Good Luck with it!![8D]

 

welcome to the forum.

i would suggest that you rebuild the 289. it will be cheaper to go this route and you will learn a lot more about motors if you rebuild it yourself.

 

You'll learn quickly that any project you start is going to quickly exceed your planned budget I tore into my 289 thinking I was going to do a mild performance rebuild for $2k. I ended up shelling out a good $5k (including other miscellaneous things that needed to be done) and finally dropped a well-built 331 in.

The rule is, try to figure out how much everything is going to cost, then double it:P Basically, don't plan on borrowing money before you even start the project. Chances are you'll never get it completed like that.

 

http://www.tandlengines.com/347_stroker.html


i dont have experience with them but read good things and you cant build something that good for that money.

 

i bought the 350hp ford crate motor from summit. added headers, rpm intake and a good carb. im happy