390 vs. 289

penguin · 05-17-1999, 03:52 PM

I'm debating whether I should rebuild (and modify) the 289 in my '67, or if I should build a new 390 (which, judging by the VIN #, is what the car was born with). I figure I could then sell the 289, which is in decent shape.
I'm looking to go as fast as I can for as little money as possible (isn't everybody?!) and still go around the occasional corner.
anybody got any opinions?

dark horse · 05-17-1999, 06:03 PM

I word, 390!

thunderbolt · 05-17-1999, 07:09 PM

As a counterpoint, remember big blocks are expensive. But I think I would rather do 390 as well. Why not 428 if originality is not an issue?

2bav8 · 05-17-1999, 10:57 PM

IF you're going to stuff an FE motor in there, it might as well be a 428.

Remember, the big blocks are called that for a reason! Everything is a lot tighter.
Since a 390 and 428 block are the same on the outside, just slap a 390 4V sticker on that aircleaner and stomp some unsuspecting butt :-)

------------------
http://www.comports.com/2bav8

66fastback · 05-18-1999, 05:40 AM

I have to agree, if power is your goal, build a bigger engine. If you decide to go with the big block, build the 428. It will definately fill up the engine compartment, and will make the car more nose heavy. Your choice comes down to how much you value acceleration vs. cornering. Even a 289 can make respectable power, but you have to buy the good parts.

hehhehmule · 05-18-1999, 08:01 AM

It depends on what you want and how you want it. FE's are much more expensive to build. The 390 that came it the 67 is rated at 320hp, not exactly phenomenal. The 428 and even the 427 sideoilers are externally identical to the 390 and make lots of power, but it's not a cheap way to go. You'll need some specific parts to put together your big block project, motor mounts, exhaust, a big block tranny (C6) a special cross member and linkage. The 390 is a tire roasting machine but you don't get the high winding run forever powerband of the 289. If you want cheap horsepower, the 289 can get you into 390 power without as much hassle. Either has it's merits and I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice. One last thing, if it matters to you, you'll get alot more raised eyebrows when you drive a big block mustang.

red · 05-18-1999, 10:03 AM

WOW! Lots of big block fans. My '65 pretty much prohibits me from a big block, but I have worked on a few. From a practical standpoint, the small block is easier to work on and tinker with. You could pull the heads off and lift them out of the engine bay without the help of a friend, but I still would look for some help. I wouldn't try it alone with the big block heads. The small blocks really seem like tinker-toys after working on the big blocks. Go with the big block if you have willing helpers, you can't beat the torque it will put out. I think the small block experience was good for my first engine though. Let us know what you decide!

hehhehmule · 05-18-1999, 10:37 AM

Red, big block heads,FE's anyway, are actually about the same weight as small blocks. The intake is what's a bear. The upper part of the cyl head is actually part of the intake.

Jerry · 05-18-1999, 10:46 AM

If you want an affordable big block, you should consider a 460. They are plentiful and this helps to make parts more affordable. There is not a lot of aftermarket support for the 390,427,428. Your front end is going to be very heavy. That being said, I have two 67's. One has a 289 and yes the other one is getting a 460.
Good luck

Dark Knight · 05-18-1999, 11:18 AM

I'm going to put a 460 in my 68 too...gobs of torque.. easy to make 500HP with one...hooker makes headers for the swap too...

------------------
84 convt,'95 302, performer
3.55's, underdrives shorties
and a '68 stang that WAS nasty ;-)

dark horse · 05-18-1999, 09:19 PM

From a stock point of view:

289 2v C-code - 200bhp@4400 282ftlbs@2400

289 4v A-code - 225bhp@4800 305ftlbs@3200

289 4v K-code - 271bhp@6000 312ftlbs@3400

390 4v S-code - 320bhp@4800 427ftlbs@3200

If you need help finding a 390, they were offered in 1966(comet,fairlane),1967(comet,cougar,fairlane,mu stang),and 1968-69(cougar,fairlane,montego,mustang). Each year made a little different HP but torque was the same 427 pounds of chevy smoking power! Hope this helps!

------------------
still lookin for the right stang!

wilkes-barre/scranton, pa

mslcr · 05-19-1999, 05:32 PM

My wife and I each own a 69 Mach 1.
Hers with the 351v4 ("M") and mine the (S)390.
They are both a blast! It don't take much to overpower a set of street radials, and once this happens, does it matter?
They both do easily.
The small block car is a bit easier to drive in town, but... I do sit a little prouder in the big block Mach! I like the big block idea, of course with a choice.

penguin · 05-19-1999, 07:30 PM

sounds to me like the big block wins hands down.time to get some slicks I guess...

what's the swap like with a 460? seems like it wouldn't be THAT much tougher than swapping a 289 for a 428.

anybody got any experience with the Ford Motorsport crate 460? the easy way out for sure, but with as little engine-building experience as I have, it might even be cheaper in the long run.

thanks for all the help --

red · 05-20-1999, 10:56 AM

Plenty of cheap Lincoln's out there with 460's. A new intake and carb and they run strong. The carb they came with is quadra-junk (small primaries and huge secondaries) type for fuel efficiency.

Jerry · 05-20-1999, 11:21 AM

Well, my friend, it is an easy swap (according to my research). It involves motor mounts, headers, trans mount,big block springs, and drive shaft. Of course, when your done you will want to brace that car up a bit, install a posi rear, and some front disc brakes.
There are a couple of companies that sell kits. Let me know if you want more info.

penguin · 05-21-1999, 06:52 PM

yeah, I'd like to get some more info.

I'm thinking I'd better set a HP goal and work towards that, otherwise I'll get lost in the options. Any of those big blocks should be able to make 500HP without TOO much fancy stuff, right?

that oughta put me in the low to mid 10's - yup, fast enough for a STREET car.

thanks again to everyone who's given advice -- my wife is cursing all of you up and down right now ; >

05-17-1999, 03:52 PM	#1
penguin Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5	390 vs. 289 I'm debating whether I should rebuild (and modify) the 289 in my '67, or if I should build a new 390 (which, judging by the VIN #, is what the car was born with). I figure I could then sell the 289, which is in decent shape. I'm looking to go as fast as I can for as little money as possible (isn't everybody?!) and still go around the occasional corner. anybody got any opinions?

05-17-1999, 06:03 PM	#2
dark horse Registered Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA 1968Mustang Posts: 188	I word, 390!

05-17-1999, 07:09 PM	#3
thunderbolt Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 380	As a counterpoint, remember big blocks are expensive. But I think I would rather do 390 as well. Why not 428 if originality is not an issue?

05-17-1999, 10:57 PM	#4
2bav8 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 32	IF you're going to stuff an FE motor in there, it might as well be a 428. Remember, the big blocks are called that for a reason! Everything is a lot tighter. Since a 390 and 428 block are the same on the outside, just slap a 390 4V sticker on that aircleaner and stomp some unsuspecting butt :-) ------------------ http://www.comports.com/2bav8

05-18-1999, 05:40 AM	#5
66fastback Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 208	I have to agree, if power is your goal, build a bigger engine. If you decide to go with the big block, build the 428. It will definately fill up the engine compartment, and will make the car more nose heavy. Your choice comes down to how much you value acceleration vs. cornering. Even a 289 can make respectable power, but you have to buy the good parts.

05-18-1999, 08:01 AM	#6
hehhehmule Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 608	It depends on what you want and how you want it. FE's are much more expensive to build. The 390 that came it the 67 is rated at 320hp, not exactly phenomenal. The 428 and even the 427 sideoilers are externally identical to the 390 and make lots of power, but it's not a cheap way to go. You'll need some specific parts to put together your big block project, motor mounts, exhaust, a big block tranny (C6) a special cross member and linkage. The 390 is a tire roasting machine but you don't get the high winding run forever powerband of the 289. If you want cheap horsepower, the 289 can get you into 390 power without as much hassle. Either has it's merits and I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice. One last thing, if it matters to you, you'll get alot more raised eyebrows when you drive a big block mustang.

05-18-1999, 10:03 AM	#7
red Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Millburn, NJ Posts: 310	WOW! Lots of big block fans. My '65 pretty much prohibits me from a big block, but I have worked on a few. From a practical standpoint, the small block is easier to work on and tinker with. You could pull the heads off and lift them out of the engine bay without the help of a friend, but I still would look for some help. I wouldn't try it alone with the big block heads. The small blocks really seem like tinker-toys after working on the big blocks. Go with the big block if you have willing helpers, you can't beat the torque it will put out. I think the small block experience was good for my first engine though. Let us know what you decide!

05-18-1999, 10:37 AM	#8
hehhehmule Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 608	Red, big block heads,FE's anyway, are actually about the same weight as small blocks. The intake is what's a bear. The upper part of the cyl head is actually part of the intake.

05-18-1999, 10:46 AM	#9
Jerry Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: lakewood, nj Posts: 23	If you want an affordable big block, you should consider a 460. They are plentiful and this helps to make parts more affordable. There is not a lot of aftermarket support for the 390,427,428. Your front end is going to be very heavy. That being said, I have two 67's. One has a 289 and yes the other one is getting a 460. Good luck

05-18-1999, 11:18 AM	#10
Dark Knight Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Az Posts: 854	I'm going to put a 460 in my 68 too...gobs of torque.. easy to make 500HP with one...hooker makes headers for the swap too... ------------------ 84 convt,'95 302, performer 3.55's, underdrives shorties and a '68 stang that WAS nasty ;-)

05-18-1999, 09:19 PM	#11
dark horse Registered Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA 1968Mustang Posts: 188	From a stock point of view: 289 2v C-code - 200bhp@4400 282ftlbs@2400 289 4v A-code - 225bhp@4800 305ftlbs@3200 289 4v K-code - 271bhp@6000 312ftlbs@3400 390 4v S-code - 320bhp@4800 427ftlbs@3200 If you need help finding a 390, they were offered in 1966(comet,fairlane),1967(comet,cougar,fairlane,mu stang),and 1968-69(cougar,fairlane,montego,mustang). Each year made a little different HP but torque was the same 427 pounds of chevy smoking power! Hope this helps! ------------------ still lookin for the right stang! wilkes-barre/scranton, pa

05-19-1999, 05:32 PM	#12
mslcr Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: WY Posts: 41	My wife and I each own a 69 Mach 1. Hers with the 351v4 ("M") and mine the (S)390. They are both a blast! It don't take much to overpower a set of street radials, and once this happens, does it matter? They both do easily. The small block car is a bit easier to drive in town, but... I do sit a little prouder in the big block Mach! I like the big block idea, of course with a choice.

05-19-1999, 07:30 PM	#13
penguin Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5	sounds to me like the big block wins hands down.time to get some slicks I guess... what's the swap like with a 460? seems like it wouldn't be THAT much tougher than swapping a 289 for a 428. anybody got any experience with the Ford Motorsport crate 460? the easy way out for sure, but with as little engine-building experience as I have, it might even be cheaper in the long run. thanks for all the help --

05-20-1999, 10:56 AM	#14
red Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Millburn, NJ Posts: 310	Plenty of cheap Lincoln's out there with 460's. A new intake and carb and they run strong. The carb they came with is quadra-junk (small primaries and huge secondaries) type for fuel efficiency.

05-20-1999, 11:21 AM	#15
Jerry Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: lakewood, nj Posts: 23	Well, my friend, it is an easy swap (according to my research). It involves motor mounts, headers, trans mount,big block springs, and drive shaft. Of course, when your done you will want to brace that car up a bit, install a posi rear, and some front disc brakes. There are a couple of companies that sell kits. Let me know if you want more info.

05-21-1999, 06:52 PM	#16
penguin Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5	yeah, I'd like to get some more info. I'm thinking I'd better set a HP goal and work towards that, otherwise I'll get lost in the options. Any of those big blocks should be able to make 500HP without TOO much fancy stuff, right? that oughta put me in the low to mid 10's - yup, fast enough for a STREET car. thanks again to everyone who's given advice -- my wife is cursing all of you up and down right now ; >