Stroker kits for '65 289?

Dangerous Doug · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2006, 05:49 PM

Anyone have experience with the stroker kits available for 289's? Specifically, Probe Industries' 306 and 331 stroker kits?

My objective is to build an engine that is more-or-less streetable, but nasty enough to wake the neighbors and scarry enough so that my wife doesn't ever want to drive my Cobra (heh, heh, heh). I see this as 60% street, 40% "open track".

Any wisdom you can share is appreciated.

DD

Woodz428 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2006, 07:27 PM

A 306 is really just an overbored 302 assembly. The 331 is probably one of the more reliable and longer lasting strokers because of pin location and other things. I believe they used to run something in the 327 area back when the 289 WAS the engine. I am speaking on engine specifics and not Probe themselves, because I have never used one of their assemblies. They have a good reputation and I think most of the kits (from all suppliers) in the same displacement use the same rod length and piston pin height.

Dangerous Doug · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 09:29 AM

I've heard that it's not such a great idea to stroke a 289---something about the cylinder sleeves not extending down enough for the stroke? Anyone else ever hear this, or am I just imagining things?

Rick Parker · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 10:15 AM

327 was just a 4.0 (stock bore) with the stroker crank. Many of the kits being promoting now anticipate the cylinders needing to be bored. A .030 bore creates a 331, which is the ticket for everyday reliability. 347 will have more torque but will require attention periodically. A well built 331 will increase the adrenaline level quite a bit.

blykins · #5 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 10:19 AM

I've heard that Doug....

Dangerous Doug · #6 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 12:02 PM

Anyone out there with a 289 stroked to a 331? Anyone know someone with a 289 stroked to a 331?

*13* · #7 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 12:49 PM

A decent cam, good heads & a carb would be plenty enough to keep the wife at 20'

saltytri · #8 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 12:50 PM

Maybe Keith Craft would set you up with the right parts. My 331 based on a 302 block is very nice: torque at 420 and HP at 450 and very streetable.

Dangerous Doug · #9 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 02:09 PM

13: I'm thinking more like 40'...

I go back and forth. Rebuild the 289 as-is, or stroke it...

Jac Mac · #10 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 03:50 PM

Preferably use the 302 block due to the amount the cylinder wall extends down into the crankcase. Actually you guys need to get on the case of all the stroker kit manufacturers and get them to make a 331 kit that use's the5.56" rod(400 chev) rod with a piston of 1.00" pin height. This would give a better rod ratio, & keep the piston skirt up on the cyl wall @ BDC as well as make the combo live in the 289 block. I prefer the 3.25 stroke motors over the 3.400. They just seem smoother and happier to run up in the high rpm's.

Jac Mac

Lindy · #11 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 04:15 PM

If you can wait roughly 2 weeks, I will have a new 331 from Keith Craft installed in my ERA/FIA, and would be happy to give you a "seat of the pants" perspective on the 331 vs. the 289 that is coming out of the car. I should also have dyno numbers as well.

Dangerous Doug · #12 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 04:28 PM

Lindy: I'm game. You in CA?

tpiini · #13 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 05:27 PM

I agree with the above comment that you really don't want to stroke the 289. Mostly because it can make GOBS of HP if built for high RPM running. I have a BB in one car and a 289 in another. My 289 will blow the big block car in the weeds, but you have to keep the R's up to do it.

Lindy · #14 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 06:53 PM

Doug,

I worded that poorly - I meant my seat of the pants, which of course is pretty subjective! We may have the car in CA, but probably not until August.

Dangerous Doug · #15 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 09:25 AM

Lindy: Drop me a line if you bring your car to the CA Bay Area. I don't get to see very many ERA 289's around here!

smallblockhead · #16 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 10:51 AM

Anyone out there with a 289 stroked to a 331? Anyone know someone with a 289 stroked to a 331?

I have a 331 in my 289 FIA, which was delivered by ERA in 2001 to the PO as a turnkey. It was built by one of their engine builders, Danbury Competition Engines (Engineering?). It dynoed at 356 HP at 5600 rpm. It will move you along quite smartly.

I say go for a 331!

Gary

Tony Ripepi · #17 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 11:10 AM

Hi Doug,

Larry Davi AKA Mr. Potatohead has an ERA with a stroked 289 that is always at BACC breakfast on Saturday. He has webers on the top end and has been open to taking people for a ride.

There are also several other FIA Cobras that come regularly ---- Custom 289 slabside, Unique (Stroked 302), Kirkham (stock 289) etc. I know that the Kirkham FIA, Aluminum Body, SB100 with original leaf spring suspension for sale.

If you are not familiar with the Bay Area Cobra Club go to the web site at :

http://www.bayareacobraclub.com/index.html

Information is also in the SFO Chronicle Automotive section every Sunday under Car clubs, the web site gives you some history.

Stop on Saturday or contact Larry through CC.

Tony R.

Dangerous Doug · #18 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 08:35 AM

Tony R: If Larry's car is a blue ERA 289 FIA with white stripes, and "289 COMP" as the CA license, I have a phote of that car in my office AND it is THE ERA I had a chance to look over at Athens in my decision process, leading to the purchase of ERA#2108---now being built in my garage.

I'll be at the Athens gathering before Summer is over.

Dangerous Doug · #19 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 08:39 AM

I should rephrase that.

I'll be at the Athens gathering before Summer is over to look at everyone else's completed Cobras.

DD

Tony Ripepi · #20 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 08:46 AM

DD,

You can come over and feel what the stroked 289 does from the passenger seat, I'm pretty sure Mr. P would give you a ride. There is also one of the regulars that has a Unique FIA with a small block Stroker in it and Gary is also pretty open to giving people a quick tour down the block on the highway and back.

The guy that built Mr. P's engine is also a regular and Neil could give you some good info on what to expect, parts etc.

As a point of reference I would be open to giving you a ride in CSX4264 with a 427 SO......maybe bring you over the the big block dark side or at least a trip in my Daytona with the stroked 351/418 with down stack, injection etc.

TR