Topic: 289 spec question (Read 1198 times)

smallblockfloyd · « **on:** March 26, 2008, 01:21:20 AM »

Hey guys. I got recommended to this forum by aussie66fastback(i think thats right) From MF.com. Ok to the point.

First, I have a 71 sportsroof, and I want to take it with me, when i move(going to college). It had factory a 351c 4v in it, but it is out due to cam bearings going out, it's .03 over already, and i don't want to rebuild it until the car has been restored, because i am going to put the factory engine in for value reasons.

Until then, I want to put an engine in it, that can handle a 1300mile trip one way, for a move. Yes, bad choice for gas mileage but i want to take her with me, to work on during college.

So, I want to put a 289 in it(i loathe the 302, just because it is so common, and I know, I know. The 302 is just a stroked 289). First v8 I had was a 289 hipo. Fell in love with it.

I want the 289 because it will fair a bit better on mileage, than a 351w, or 302 would(arguably). I'm running 3.02 gears, and 4th gear is 1.00 ratio(wide ratio toploader). So, i will be turning aprox 2800 rpms to do 75mph.

Now, I was curious what is the difference between the 289's? I was referencing some info, such as http://www.carmemories.com/cgi-bin/viewexperience.cgi?experience_id=131 and it looks to be by the specs of the valves, that all the heads are the same? Is that true, or are the 2bbl layouts using smaller ports?

The only difference in hipo heads, and just 4v heads are the thread in studs, and the 'cups' to the seat of the valve spring yes?

Also, just for sake of asking, are the 302 maincaps interchangable with the 289 ones? I was looking for aftermarket maincaps, and such and had run across a few 289/302 maincap advertisements, but was unsure. I would imagine they would, as the difference is the cranks offset, and the diameter should be the same? (just guessing due to 289/302 rebuild kits using same main bearing/rod bearing sizes).

Thanks for looking, and hopefully some more specific info that I was needing. Thanks guys. You can be sure I've missed something i wanted to know, and will be posting more newb questions :-p

66GTKFB · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2008, 11:16:25 AM »

Quote from: smallblockfloyd on March 26, 2008, 01:21:20 AM

Hey guys. I got recommended to this forum by aussie66fastback(i think thats right) From MF.com. Ok to the point.

First, I have a 71 sportsroof, and I want to take it with me, when i move(going to college). It had factory a 351c 4v in it, but it is out due to cam bearings going out, it's .03 over already, and i don't want to rebuild it until the car has been restored, because i am going to put the factory engine in for value reasons.

Until then, I want to put an engine in it, that can handle a 1300mile trip one way, for a move. Yes, bad choice for gas mileage but i want to take her with me, to work on during college.

So, I want to put a 289 in it(i loathe the 302, just because it is so common, and I know, I know. The 302 is just a stroked 289). First v8 I had was a 289 hipo. Fell in love with it.

I want the 289 because it will fair a bit better on mileage, than a 351w, or 302 would(arguably). I'm running 3.02 gears, and 4th gear is 1.00 ratio(wide ratio toploader). So, i will be turning aprox 2800 rpms to do 75mph.

Now, I was curious what is the difference between the 289's? I was referencing some info, such as http://www.carmemories.com/cgi-bin/viewexperience.cgi?experience_id=131 and it looks to be by the specs of the valves, that all the heads are the same? Is that true, or are the 2bbl layouts using smaller ports?

The only difference in hipo heads, and just 4v heads are the thread in studs, and the 'cups' to the seat of the valve spring yes?

Also, just for sake of asking, are the 302 maincaps interchangable with the 289 ones? I was looking for aftermarket maincaps, and such and had run across a few 289/302 maincap advertisements, but was unsure. I would imagine they would, as the difference is the cranks offset, and the diameter should be the same? (just guessing due to 289/302 rebuild kits using same main bearing/rod bearing sizes).

Thanks for looking, and hopefully some more specific info that I was needing. Thanks guys. You can be sure I've missed something i wanted to know, and will be posting more newb questions :-p

If you are a typical college kid, you don't have much money. Get a 302 and get off your 'high horse'. Unless you have a rebuilt 289 waiting to be installed, don't limit yourself, and consider a rebuilt 351C to use as well. As well a engine size, gearing and carburation, mileage is also a function of the foot feed (you can quote me on that).
As to the rest of your questions:
- there are two basic differences in 289 castings, 5 bolt and 6 bolt - the way they bolt to the transmissions. You want the 6 bolt type.
- Heads. There are over a dozen different heads, mostly valve and combustion chamber differences. Ford used the same heads on 2 barrel and 4 barrel engines with pistons making up the difference in compression ratios. HP heads are unique in their use of special rockers, studs and springs. Machining makes them work. You will pay big bucks for them, if you can find them.
- Main caps: what ever you select, stock, donor or performance, they will need machining, so don't worry about them.
What is a 3.02 rear axle ratio?
Remember this: 'Speed (and performance) costs money - how fast can you afford to go?'.
Jim

smallblockfloyd · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2008, 01:30:59 PM »

I don't understand your question on the gears. what is a 3.02 rear axle ratio? That's what is in the rear stock. That's what the buck tag decodes as for the rear. 9" open 3.02 gears. I've actually got a 289 laying aruond that needs a rebuild, in 2v form, but i do not have a 302. Rebuild kits run the same. That's my ultimate motivation.

Thank you for the info. I was aware that the 289 blocks were similar thou, with a difference in bellhousing cast. I ran into some troubles with a 5bolt 289, being sold to me with a 6bolt trans. Long story short, the engine was in a chassis i bought, the trans was stuck in the bed of my truck. didn't think to look, as the guy 'promised' they would line up. guess line up/bolt up are two different things.

Anyways, I am thankful for your helpful post. The reason why i do not wish to rebuild the 351c, is i want to save it for when the car is completely restored, as it still has the factory longblock/trans/rear. That, and a 351c rebuild kit is almost 2 times as much as a 289/302 rebuild kit. Thank you again for the helpful posts. James.

66GTKFB · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2008, 02:18:41 PM »

'Bird in hand worth two in bush'. That applies to engines as well - maybe. Now to the hard stuff: Got alternator brackets for a 289? Effectively, nothing from a 351C will fit. For example, the water pump-radiator hoses are on different sides, the fan spacer is different, exhaust manifolds are different, the 'H' pipe won't work and I'm not sure about the wiring. It's back to the drawing board.
The only rear axle ratio offered for a 1971 Mustang 351C, 4 barrel carb with a 4 speed non-traction lock is 3.25. With an auto trans, the 3:00 ratio was standard with 3:25 or 3:50 as optional ratios. There is no listing for a 3:02 rear axle ratio in Ford documentation for any passenger car from 1965 thru 1972.
Jim

Soaring · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2008, 02:48:57 PM »

Welcome to the site. There are a few here who used to be on at MF.

Yeah, as Jim pointed out, no such animal as a 3:02.1 rear end gear ratio. It's most likely a 3:0.1. It could be several others above that such as a 3:25 or 3:55 etc, but no 3:02. Here is a chart. http://www.metropartsmarket.com/rearend/ratio.html
Now, as far as changing out to a 289 from a 351, you may as well put a Buick engine in there with all the changes you are going to have to make and parts you are going to have to buy such as a new radiator with the hose connections on the correct side. It can be done, but what a pain in the ass it will be.