1965 Shelby GT350R Engine

acinider · #1 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 08:23 PM

Hey Everyone, I have a 66 mustang fastback that I'm slowly building into an exact 65 Shelby gt350 r model clone and I had a few questions.

Does anyone know the exact specs for the 65 gt350 r model 289 engine? I want to build an engine as close to original as possible.

Anyone with an R model 289 built, any major problems with this setup on the street?

Is the 289 hipo used in the r model's the same as was used in 289 competition cobra's? If so, this could aid in my search for 289 engine info.

Thanks
Brent

G.R. · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 09:11 PM

289 "K" code engines were used in the Cobra and the GT-350 R...also known as hi-po's....usually with a single 4bbl....sometimes seen with Webers. I may be wrong but the "street version" 350 GT Mustangs used a slightly de-tuned 289 from the all out race Shelby versions.

As for engine build specs I don't know specifics.

427sharpe · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 09:22 PM

The R model motor would be a beast on the street. Very high compression (11.5-12 to 1) achieved by milling the cylinder heads so deep as to require welding some of the water jacket before milling. Plenty of head gasket problems as a result. My advice would be to can the 60's tech and make a modern motor. Plenty of engine builders out there that can achieve R model hp/torque numbers in a motor that will live well in todays world. The advancements made in cam and head technology have just made the 60's type of work obsolete IMHO.