I have been debating and thought about getting some input.

My Stang currently has a 289....it was a crate engine that was built and shipped then the previous owner had it put in the car. Engine overall still seems in good shape, it has about 45k give or take miles on it. Completely stock right down to the two barrel carb.

The current motor burns a little oil but nothing serious...as much as I drive the car figure I have a couple years. It doesn't burn too much however. I changed the oil about three weeks ago and have driven the car some. Yesterday when I checked it was still completely full of oil and the oil on the stick looked like it was fresh out of the can, not dirty at all.

First thing is first and I have to address my floor pan issue first.

However, after that I was thinking of getting a block and starting to build an engine before I "have to have one" put in the car. Thinking it would be nice to have one sitting on an engine stand before it is a dire need.

It is my understanding that a 302 is for the most part a 289 configured a bit different and should mount right up.

Is it better to stick with a 289 and give it a decent cam, etc or pull the switch to a 302.

By the way, thinking of building either a 289 or 302 with a cam, 4 barrel and so forth but not going crazy with it, looking to stay on the streets and off the drag strip. My thinking being I have twin boys that are 7 now but before I know it they will be 17 and I don't want some super fast ride from hell because odds are at some point they will want to drive it and I am sure most of us have been 17 at one time.

 

keep your 289. add a mild cam, an intake, 4bbl, headers, and well flowing duel exhaust - you will be a happy *** camper[8D]

 

I agree! You may need to have some machine work done though, or at least re-ring the pistons and hone the cylinder walls.. So long as its not too worn.

 

there are still lots of 302s out there and good rebuildable 289s are getting a little harder to find. As far as which one...its your choice and you are right, they are very similar. There can be minor issues with the z bar on manual trans with a late model 302 as they werent set up for mechanical clutch linkages. I'd suggest buying agood running 302 as a runabout engine and rebuilding your 289 as thats what the 66 came with.

 

"good rebuildable 289s are getting a little harder to find."

That was the main reason I was considering looking for a 302 more than any other reason but I would prefer keeping the 289 in the long run.

Not a bad idea regarding getting a 302 for "temporary use" while the 289 is rebuilt.

Z bar on a manual isn't an issue for me...I have an automatic.