MustangWorks.com - The Ford Mustang Power Source!

Go Back   MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums > Mustang & Ford Tech > Classic Mustangs
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Notices


Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 05-17-1999, 03:52 PM   #1
penguin
Registered Member
 
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 5
Default 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?
penguin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-17-1999, 06:03 PM   #2
dark horse
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA 1968Mustang
Posts: 188
Default

I word, 390!
dark horse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-17-1999, 07:09 PM   #3
thunderbolt
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Oct 1998
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Posts: 380
Default

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?
thunderbolt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-17-1999, 10:57 PM   #4
2bav8
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 32
Default

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
2bav8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-1999, 05:40 AM   #5
66fastback
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 208
Default

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.
66fastback is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-1999, 08:01 AM   #6
hehhehmule
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Sep 1998
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 608
Default

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.
hehhehmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-1999, 10:03 AM   #7
red
Registered Member
 
red's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 1998
Location: Millburn, NJ
Posts: 310
Default

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!
red is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-1999, 10:37 AM   #8
hehhehmule
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Sep 1998
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 608
Default

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.
hehhehmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-1999, 10:46 AM   #9
Jerry
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Nov 1998
Location: lakewood, nj
Posts: 23
Default

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
Jerry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-1999, 11:18 AM   #10
Dark Knight
Registered Member
 
Dark Knight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 1998
Location: Az
Posts: 854
Default

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 Knight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-1999, 09:19 PM   #11
dark horse
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA 1968Mustang
Posts: 188
Default

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


dark horse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-1999, 05:32 PM   #12
mslcr
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: WY
Posts: 41
Default

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.
mslcr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-1999, 07:30 PM   #13
penguin
Registered Member
 
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 5
Default

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 --
penguin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-1999, 10:56 AM   #14
red
Registered Member
 
red's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 1998
Location: Millburn, NJ
Posts: 310
Default

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.
red is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-1999, 11:21 AM   #15
Jerry
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Nov 1998
Location: lakewood, nj
Posts: 23
Default

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.
Jerry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-1999, 06:52 PM   #16
penguin
Registered Member
 
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 5
Default

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 ; >

penguin is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:56 PM.


SEARCH