I'm looking to buy a reman 302 for my DD '66 Coupe. I'm not sure what the best year engine is to buy though. On most websites they have the engines categorized something along the lines of 68-74,75-86, and 87-95. MustangsUnlimited also has an 85 HO, and 85 HO w/Flat Tappet. I'm not worried about period correct obviously as I'm putting a 302 into my '66.

I'm upgrading my accessories as well to include a new radiator, AOD, and serpentine setup, so I'm not concerned with having to swap oil pans, pulleys, and whatever else to modernize my engine compartment. I'm just looking for the best bang for my buck, and the most reliable block. I'm not looking for mad horsepower, but I'd like a bit more than my current setup (stock rebuilt 289).

I do not want to drop $4k or more on a new long block. I've seen a few online rebuilders that are selling longblocks for around that much, and then I've seen the crate motors from FRPP and others starting at around $6k on up. I'm leaning towards something in the 300 hp range. Most reman I've found are less than $2k, which is nice and leaves me with plenty of more money for other mods. Not to the engine necessarily, but things like disc brakes, A/C, coil-over suspension, etc. My wife gave me a budget of $15k total, and the more I spend on the engine, the less I have to spend elsewhere. I have a laundry list of projects I want to do, and $15k doesn't go a long way with these vehicles as I'm quickly figuring out.

I found this on the ATK website. This is about the max I'm willing to spend on a reman engine. This is a little more on the performance side, but still manageable within my budget. I've read some good things about ATK. Anyone have any experience with them?

r/s

Chris

 

why not rebuild your 289? you could have any decent local machine shop re-do your motor for cheaper than your talking about spending, and you could have them add a few small goodies while they are in there.

if your dead set on getting a motor from a major manufacturer i'd be looking at mid/late 90's explorers cause they had gt40/gt40p heads but chances are you'll get a motor shipped to you with E7TE (crap) heads anyways ;P

 

Its like beer. The best block is a free/cheap block. Unless it is a boss 302 with four bolt mains, I think a good condition block is more important than the year.

 

I'd have to recommend rebuilding a roller 5.0 block. You can pick up a full 5.0 motor for chump change at a pick n' pull, then you can either rebuild it using 5.0 components, or swap in your 289 crank and build a really windy 289 roller motor. Either way, roller cam is the way to go.

 

Thanks for the replies. I just realized I forgot to post the link to the ATK engine I'm looking at.

http://high-performance-engines.com/...duct_Code=HP08

I'm not necessarily opposed to rebuilding my 289, but I was hoping to get something with a bit more torque than my tired 289 thats already been rebuilt once. I also kind of wanted to pull the 289, keep it, rebuild it myself, and maybe drop it into my next project. I've been wanting to learn and rebuild an engine for a while now. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Maybe I should stick with a local builder, but I'm also worried about losing the car for too long as it is my daily - and only - driver.

 

I've always heard that 5.0s out of Explores are good to use sine have the gt40 or gt40p heads. You could probably get one on the cheap from a salvage yard too.

 

Ok, why not pick up a roller 5.0, then stroke it? My 331 has mounds of torque

 

The least expensive stroked long blocks from reliable builders I've seen online go for over $4k. Basing this off the prices I seen from fordstrokers.com and Coast High Performance. Are you saying to find my own roller block, and it'll be cheaper to have a builder stroke it for me (that sounded bad... ha ha)? I have no idea what a rebuild would cost at a local shop.

 

Starfury is right on the money. Get a used 5.0 from the junk yard or Craigslist, ebay, etc. They are always out there. Have the short block rebuilt and bolt on a set of AFR, twistedflow, or Edelbrock aluminum heads, Crane or Comp cams roller cam in the .540/234 range, performer RPM manifold, a Holley 650DP and you will have a great engine, pushing 400HP for around $5,000.

 

Just to share, I purchased from craigslist a 302 roller engine, for about 50.00! now comes the fun clean time, then rebuild!