A 302 is not a "punched out 289." The two engines share identical 4 inch bores. The difference is in the stroke of the crankshafts. The 289 has a stroke of 2.87 inches while the 302 has a stroke of 3.0 inches. The 302 block is nearly identical to the 289 block, having slightly longer cylinder bores, but that is it. Power wise the two will be very similar. The 302 should have slightly more torque but the 289 should rev better, but both are probably valve train limited on rev ability.
As far as advantages to a 289, imho the advantage is purely originality and nostaligic. You can have a 302 that looks from the outside to be a 289 and vice versa. If somone has rebuilt the engine, it could have 289 or 302 internals. Otherwise, look for casting numbers on the block. C9 and latter will be 302. C7 and earlier will be 289, C8 could be either.
|