I need help cranking more horses out of my 289 K code without going overboard like roots turbocharger(Blown) or 5 bottles of NOS or Stroking it too the high 300-400 Cub range =)
Save the 289 If you in fact have a real K-code 289, the Hi-Po 289 as available in Mustangs, Comets, Falcons, Fairlanes and some other cars, I would not put it in a Maverick. I am not a purist, although we know a 289 never came in a Maverick. The 289 was discontinued in 1968, and there were not many of those put in cars as the 302 was introduced that year. I would save or sell that 289 K code to some 'purist' looking for that valuable casting with the hardened crank. The K code heads aren't any different other than again for the purist. More than that, unless you are looking at certain race applications, the original solid lifter camshaft will not benefit you either. Sell it through e-bay or something like Hemmings Motor News Magazine. Use that cash to build a 302, maybe even the newer H.O. Roller motor. thats my $.02
Re: Re: Save the 289 If you really do want to keep the 289, go for it. Not trying to push anyone or anything, but if that's what you have and dont really want to sell it, go for it. Aftermarket heads would help greatly, but be prepared....289's LOVE rpm. They dont make much bottom-end torque, but above 5000, they really start coming on. If you've got a 4 speed or 5 speed, it would be neat to be able to spin it up to 7000 (easily on a 289) in a street-driven maverick. But, if you've got an automatic, I'd do what the others are saying to do and sell it to a purist and use the $$$ to build a stout 302, possibly even a hydraulic roller engine.
Another reason Not to put it in... ...Although I do not have my manuals with me, there was a difference in some 289's and I believe the change was made around 64-66. Old Guy may know this one off of the top of his head. The bellhousing had more bolt holes in later years. I think it is 6 versus 5, again, I am going from memory. If you have the early version, you may have a tough time locating a bellhousing, or an A/T to hook up to your 289 block. If I had the books, they are at home, I could tell you exactly what to look for. Either way, Sell that puppy and buy you a 302 or 302 H.O. 'roller' motor. Best of luck- Seth
Pre 65-1/2 were 5 bolt bell hookup. Give us the block number and we can tell you what you have. A late 5L-HO engine will out perform the 289 overall and you have a roller cam and some factory offerings. To do the 5L motor, you need to have an electric fuel pump system to feed the carb and either go with the wide serpintine belt or go with the corrrect pullies and a 302 water pump to use the narrow belts. The reason for use of a 302 water pump with narrow belts is if you keep the 5L pump it will turn backwards. You could have a problem with getting a good auto trans or would have to go with a manuel that fits that bolt pattern, with its attendent clutch pedal and linkage needs. You didn't say what you now have so the info here is general.
I found my books...FYI According to Anthony Young, author of FORD Hi-Po V-8 Muscle Cars, Motorbooks Int'l, the HI-PO 289 as designated by 'K-code' was: -initially offered in 1963 -271 hp at 6000 rpm with 312 lb-ft at 3400 rpm's(not at the rear wheel!) -the 2 bolt main bearing caps (no 4 bolts) were stronger than standard 289's -The crankshaft, 'hardened', was cast-iron but Brinel tested for hardness -it came with an additional counterweight pinned to the timing chain sprocket, and a wider crankshaft damper was used -Heavy-duty connecting rods with 3/8 rod bolts (std. was 5/16) -Intake/Exhaust valves: 1.66/1.45 until 1965 when theintake valve was enlarged to 1.78. -combustion chamber volume averaged 48.5cc. Compression ratios were reported as 11:1 and 11.6:1 (?) -1965 Mustang brochures listed 10.5:1 ratios (? again) -Heads had screw-in rocker studs, seats were cast iron -mechanical (solid lifter) camshaft was 310 degrees, an 82 degree overlap and an intake and exhaust valve lift of .46 inch -intake was ast iron 4V like the regular 4V 289's, but topped with a 480 cfm Autolite carb I hope that this helps
More on the last post... I am not sure if this designation covered all vehicles, but as far as Mustangs go, if you don't have an actual 'K-code' 289, it could be an 'A-code' 289 with 4V carb and 225 hp. The 2V carb Mustangs were denoted as 'C-code' By the way, do you know what yours came out of? Seth
