Just 289's

[289ERAkit]

Bob,

I'm looking at a machine shop rebuild 289, .60 over for the rebuild. I have someone saying that this engine should not go over .40...if that. Should I stay away from this engine? tx mike #2115 FIA

[1bad66]

A 302 you might be pushing it, but a 289 I would think you would be o.k.

[imagine2frolic]

Reading High Performance Ford by George Reid. Ford makes oversize up to .040. You can get aftermarket up to .060. That gives me the impression that Ford is only comfortable going that far.

[289ERAkit]

Thanks for the reply. Still looking for more input....keep it coming. mike

[Rick Parker]

Can the cylinder walls be sonic checked? That would be the only true way to determine if it is a safe overbore. When you remove too much material you may begin to experience heating issues, but more importantly the rigidity and structural integrity of the block begins to be compromised. Ring seal is not as good due to cylinder wall flex.

[blykins]

Rick's right....even if blocks have successfully been taken to .060" overbore, it doesn't necessarily mean that one will. I'd pay the money to have it sonic tested first. Then you'll know for sure.

[Dangerous Doug]

289ERAKIT:
I've looked into this myself. Everything I found was that on a 289 0.040" over is the max if you are going to drive this in traffic and expect it to not overheat. If you' drag racing (short, hot runs then shutting down) then you could get away with 0.060" over, so I'm told.
I was going the rebuild direction recently with a 289 that I have. The machine shop I went to wanted to go 0.060" over. This indicated to me that he was more of a Chevy specialist than a Ford (he should know to take it to 0.040" max if he's read anything about SBF's). My machine shop wanted to charge me $7600 for a long block assembly rebuild* (Dart heads, comp cams, built with "interesting" HP, but nothing spectacular). I found essentially the same engine options (with a warranty!) from T&L Engines for $4000. You can also get a respectable long block assembly from Ford Racing for about $3500 (see Summit Racing catalog). So, if you're trying to save some money by rebuilding you will probably spend the same amount in machine work and shop time as you would on a long block from T&L or from Ford Racing. Incidentally, if you really just want an engine for your ride, I saw "basic" long block assembly's in Mustangs Unlimited for $1800 (stock engine---and that included a $300 core charge). Don't stop looking there. Check Coast High Performance, Keith Craft, et cetera.

So, unless you're wanting to build an out and out mind blowing 289 (and in that event, you should be talking to Gessford, or the likes, NOT your local machine shop) you can get a better deal for the cash you're going to shell out by buying a long block from a reputable source that's churning them out of a factory.

DD

* Note: I was originally quoted $7600 for my 289 rebuild. This sounded high to me, and it didn't include the options I wanted, so I opted out of this deal. I later found out that the Speed shop in question "has difficulty finishing projects" and that other customers have run into "severe cost overruns". One project at this shop has been going on for over a year and is over $100k in cost overruns (custom, chopped Suburban, I am told). I am SO glad i didn't go with this local shop.

[Dangerous Doug]

By the way, my above comments shouldn't be taken as an endorsement for any of the builders or shops I mentioned. You need to do your own homework and establish your own opinion. My point is that you should shop around on prep'd long block assembly's before you start writing checks to your local machine shop.

Cheers,
DD

[mrmustang]

0.040" is the highest overbore I would suggest for the 289/302 shortblock. 0.060" in my book is now a nice boat anchor or a door stop.


Bill S.

[snakebitekit]

Doug did you go with T&L. How satisfied were/are you.

[marcalan]

I too ran into the .040" overbore issue. My machine shop said no way to any size over for my 289. As Bill said, a boat anchor. I was able to find a stock bore block that I had bored .030" over.

[289ERAkit]

Thanks for the input. I've decided to stay away from this one and will look for a factory longblock. I've fliped flopped a bit here....it's not a ton of money but...my time accouts for some of this also......thank you. mike

[Dangerous Doug]

289ERAkit:
I didn't go with T&L, so I cannot speak to their quality. I did call them about their weber-topped 347, and it uses the 44 IDF carbs ($2300 for manifold and carbs, spec'd to ~400 hp) as opposed to the 48 IDA's. Not a big difference, but it didn't justify in my mind the pricing. I was told the FFR guys love T&L, but I don't have any connections to verify.
On the "good deal" route, I talked to Coast High Performance today. They have a 347 stroker long block (Performer RRM heads) for $3999, and a 347 short block for $2299 (on sale on 6/13/2007 at 10% off, Gaylin x2910 at Coast High Performance).
My point remains the same, which I think was well taken. You can spend a lot of money machining an old 289/302, but there are better, more robust, and cheaper solutions out there. I'm going to ditch my 289, and sell some of the parts off of it (anyone in the market for 12.5:1 TRW forged pistons? Used? Make me an offer. Pressed in wrist pins, so std rods come with 'em.).

DD

[Rickd]

289ERAKit:
Keith Craft has some nice complete engine packages, and they're using top of the line components. I looked at their 306, with Performer RPM heads, but I really wanted to get the AFR 165's, so for a few dollars more, went with their 331 "econo stroker", which has AFR heads, SCAT cast steel crank, forged mahle pistons, RPM air gap intake, Quick Fuel tech carb, MSD ignition. This little motor should put roughly 350 HP at the REAR Wheels. $6400 complete (+ $600 for break in, adjust carb, timing, and dyno testing). Good luck and have fun!!! Rickd

[tcrist]

I bought a 351W,352HP,414FT dyno'd thru Classic Roadsters for $7000.00 incl shipping from Minn to Calif. The engine is complete with ignition module. Just drop it in, hook up fuel and wiring & fire it up.

Terry