Do you remember the saying "There's no replacement for displacement"? A 302 will fit anywhere a 289 will and will make more power. The 289 needs a heck of a lot of RPM to make power. I'd stick with a 302 unless you're trying to have the original engine in an old stang. However it is cool when you smoke a Chevy and tell them they got ate by a 289
. I saw a jet black mustang at LACR run nines at 3000ft with an honest to god 289. Lots of nitrous and RPMs. You should have heard that thing scream.