289 or 302

Fox · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2004, 08:44 PM

In keeping with ERA600hp question of which came first the engine or the car...

I am planning on getting a rebuild project from one of the local junkyards or even buying a block and starting from scratch. One part learning project, one part getting my hands dirty while saving for the roller, a 289 FIA. Street driver, no racing.

I have been reviewing Tom Monroe's book on small block rebuilds and am wondering what are the practical pros/cons of a 289 vs. 302.

For the same reason I am leaning to the older body style, I am leaning to the 289, just to be a little different...is this a mistake when it comes to the engine? I don't seem to see as many parts available for the 289's, is that true?

I would appreciate some input and experience on the subject.

-John

427sharpe · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2004, 09:18 PM

Almost any part for a 302 will fit a 289, except parts of the rotating mass. I personally believe that the 289 is a bit superior, just because it seems to rev a little faster. I real terms though, I do not think you would notice any real difference unless you are going for 100% authenticity. I can tell you for sure that 289 blocks are a heck of a lot harder to find....If you go searching about, look for a Mexican 302 block (which will say "Hecho In Mexico"in the lifter valley (under the intake). THe advantage to these blocks over the plain (non Boss) 302's is that they were cast from a better content of metal, and the main caps are thick and solid as opposed to tapered like the plain 302. This is because the Mexican 302's were cast at Hermisillo, the same plant that cast the K code 289's (the 271 hp version) and they have many of the same features as the hp 289. Look for these 302's in service and other hd use trucks in the yards..they really aren't too hard to find. To go all out, DART casts an excellent 302 block for hp use at a reasonable price. Just depends on what you want to build around...max perf or max originality.

Excaliber · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2004, 09:32 PM

I understand one of the problems with the 289 was piston slap at the bottom of the cylinder. Seems like they made the cylinder deeper on the 302 to address this problem.

Ernie

Bruce Edwards · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 05:19 AM

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.

auto10x · #5 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 05:38 AM

Go with the 302. There are no good reasons to go with the 289, unless you tend to be a purist and it will allow you to "sleep better at night" because you know you have been "true to the 289".
auto10x
Bill

Tongue Pirate · #6 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 08:07 AM

I was going to build a 64' 289 but have since decided to go with a 302 crate from Ford Racing. It has just about the right amount of power & a warranty! Less to worry about on the road too

Fox · #7 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 04:35 PM

Thank you for the feedback. The insight on the 302 is appreciated too.

I'm not a purist, so I think the 302 is it. I am sure I'll be back for more advice/guidance soon.

Tongue Pirate...with envy I have been following you build/posts, thanks for the .02.

-John

Tongue Pirate · #8 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 05:07 PM

No prob! We were all in lust at one point

I'm planning on the first color this weekend. I'll try to get some pics up by Monday

blubyu2 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 05:42 PM

Brian D aka quik1,s "Little 289"
http://www.norcal-cobras.com/videos/MVC-001V.MPG

Rich · #10 (**permalink**) 01-28-2004, 06:35 AM

Good video...great sound!!! Thanks.

Bruce Robles · #11 (**permalink**) 02-03-2004, 10:39 PM

Fox-
The 289 HI-PO or K motor came with a 5 bolt bell housing until 1966 and then with 6 as does the 302. The 289 HI-PO motor has a stronger casting down in the webs and larger thicker main caps than regular 289's and 302's. The Boss 302 is basically the HI-PO 289 with a .30 higher deck and 4 bolt main bearing caps on the middle 3 journals. It had basically the same strong webbing, but it came with threaded Freeze plugs and 1 less water jacket above the cylinders.
I ran a Boss Block as a 289 in my GT-350 R back in 1970 in one race before we retired the car from SCCA Competition. I still have the engine, unassembled of coarse and was going to put in an FIA Shelby or Kirkham before I changed and went with a 427. If your interested and want more info E-Mail me----
brucerobles@earthlink.net By the way you can get 400+hp with a 289.