Aussie66Fastback

300-350 I dont think it matters which block you use.

I am wondering if a good rebuildable 289 is becoming a bit rarer over there? If yes, maybe keep it for originality.

PJC Racing

350hp with ease?I don't think so, havn't had it dynoed. My guess is 290rwhp andI can't say it was easy. I have alot of money init concidering it's stock stroke rotating assembly, so I can say it was with ease. I should have gone 347.

Back to topic, piston rock is very minimal if the block is machined correctly to the correct tolerances.Even the new BOSS 302 block has shorter walls than the 302 (about the same as the 289)and the5.4" strokehas zero issues in that block. Don't get me wrong I amnot saying the piston skirts don't clear the cylinder wall(they do), but with proper machining and assembly this is not an issue evenin street cars.And this still does not change the fact that a 289 block is stronger than a 302 H.O. block. And yes IN STOCK FORM the 302 makes more power, but put the same parts in each block and they will make the same power, but the 289 will be able to withstand more rpm.

JohnnyK

An 87-91 would be your best bet I believe. They had forged pistons, forged rods, but a cast crank. I wouldn't put too much faith into this stronger block/block splitting, you won't be making that much power anyways, so imo, it would be better to get the 5.0, with it's roller cam, and forged internals.

Also remember when someone tells you the 196x 289 put out so much power, that is NOT net horsepower like it's rated today. It would have far less horsepower when dynoed against an engine today. Now of course if you want to strip it down and rebuild it with todays parts, ok, but thats a whole other story.

FuzzyDiceRule

92 had forged pistons too, it was 93 when they went with that hypereutectic crap

PJC Racing

Don't forget about the 5 versus 6 bolt bell housings. You will need an adaptor plate or change the bell where applicable. Reminder from 89Ford

Aussie66Fastback

hey PJC, i thought the reason the 289 was able to withstand more revs than a 302 was an issue with rod length on the 302s...rod length to somethingorother ratio????

PJC Racing

Yes, BUT what you are referring to is the cababilty af the rotating assemble. I am reffering to block structure. The reason I say the 289 block can withstand more rpm is the primary factor in windsor block splitting is rpm related and starts in the main webs.A block with thicker main webbing willhave less deflection than a block that has less thickness. Ask yourselves why aftermarket blocks are stonger, yes the chemical composition is slightly different adding to strength but the primary foundation is much thicker.

Again, a 289 blockIS stronger than a post 1974 302 block. Please take both blocks apart andmake note of the difference inmain web material.