ok guys, need some advise, and probably going to be a little vague, as i haven't got it in the shop yet. 1st, as you'll be able to see, i'm no mechanic...
I purchased a 65 conv 289 2barrel (but someone stuck a 4brl on it), auto trans, in pretty good shape about 6 months ago. At purchase was told engine/trans were recently rebuilt, but no documentation. (yeh, can you say sucker)

Anyways, price was right. here is my situation. Compression is going at about 120 in 7 of 8 cylanders, the 8th is only at 95 or so. there is a slight ticking noise, so i'm thinking a sticky lifter or some deposits etc.

It doesn't smoke, or blow or burn oil. And all in all runs good. Obviously not the fastest mustang around, but it has some go to it. Just not a lot.

I'm taking it in soon to see what needs to be done with the engine, and hopefully it's a fairly small ($ wise) fix. What other recomendations would anyone have for increasing HP's but not distroying the originality of the car? (ie: i don't want to throw a 302 or 351 in there etc)

I'm sure i left a lot of unanswered questions. but any advise is greatly appreciated.

 

Your compression readings indicate it's about time to put this engine out to pasture. You can put exterior visual improvent items on, if you want. (chrome this and chrome that), maybe headers. But it's time to sink about 500 up into a 289 shortblock or longblock (probably more than 500 if you have some one do it for you)

 

exhaust will help with performance and its pretty cheap.

 

headers, and exhaust. a tune

 

thanks, i've done the tune up, and really nothing.
have appointment monday for mechanic that my buddy uses for his 69 chevy, and trusts, will post next week outcome.
have heard increase HP with headers, but wasn't sure if it would be minimal. 1st things 1st, find out how much the engine needs.
thanks

 

The compression numbers are ok. The Non Hipo 289s didn't have very high compression. The important thing is that they are all close to being the same. I would look the engine over well, look at gasket areas, particularly the oil pan gasket, and see if they look new. I wouln't doubt if the engine was newer. The ticking is just a loose rocker arm more than likely, and is no big deal to fix. I wouln't worry about tearing it down unless it burns oil, or has other issues such as low oil pressure.

As far as performance, I would suggest trying to find a vintage Shelby intake. They are a cool upgrade that is very vintage, and if you set a 500 CFM Holley on top of it, you will see a nice power improvement. I would also suggest some Heddman Headers, and a mild Comp Cam. These will not hurt the originality of the car.

 

The only problem with the compression is the low compression on 8. I think the specs are that the cylinders should be within 10% of each other, so this motor is out of spec.
Its not that big a deal but don't expect it to idle/accelerate real smooth.

Anyway, I have had good results with multi spack capacitive ignition.
On an older motor the multi sparks help promote complete burning.
It will also produce a hotter spark. You should be able to open your plug gap to say .045.
Lastly they will make ingntion points last for years and the point gap is no longer critical.

The summit racing box is on sale for $107.

 

I had the same problem with my 302. I was getting 120 in 7 of the cylinders but only around 75 or 80 in the 8th, my problem was that the internals of one of my lifters blew out. I just replaced the lifter and the problem was solved.

 

Thanks guys, this is awesome advice. Let me address the points.
tyler72 - i plan on changing out headers / exhaust / carb, but want to figure out engine first, as that could either be minor or major repair depending.
65coupester - thats what i heard, 10% max, so concerned too much, hence maybe lifter, or valve. will look into summit racing box, distributer was converted to electronic pre me owning it.
fast65 - thats what i thought, same issue, did you have work done at shop? if so, ballpark $. I'm taking it monday to a shop recomended by a guy who's had a ton of stuff done there, hopefully an honest guy, and i don't get dinged.

Thanks again everyone. How do you post a photo in the text? I can't seem to add it.

 

No, I just did the work myself, it's not too difficult.