[Bruce Edwards]

John,

As the old saying goes blowers maybe inches yes.
You will see no difference from the out side between the 289 and 302. The 302 will be much easier to build as you will be able to find a lot more piston companions to tailor the compression ratio you want. The 289 was a good little engine but that is just what it was little.
Remember that Ford took the 302 block and bolted a set of 351C 4V heads on it and called it a BOSS. Did not idle well but when it came on it was a hand full.
The extra few inches of the 302 translate to a bit more toque and more room for horse power. We pull 310hp out of a 302 with very little work and nothing all that fancy in the way of mods.
You can dress the 302 like a 289 and no one will know the it is not a 289. You could probably go to a 351W and most folks would not see the slight raise on the block that gives it the extra stroke and would not notice the wider intake.
It also all depends on what kind of power you are looking for and how much up keep work you want to do to the engine. The more power you make the more temperamental the engines become to being in tune.
Just my option.
Above all you need to ask yourself what you truly wish off the car. A fun cruiser or a beast.

Bruce Edwards
Gemini Motorcars Inc.