289 for a 55f100

[Lumpy]

Need some advice about swapping my original 223 I6 for a 289 my uncle said came out of one of his late model pickups...My resto. will be mainly kept original except for a few comforts and I would really like a V8...Others have told me not to even waste my time on a 289 and go for a 351C...Any ideas are helpful..Scott

[4byford]

Scott,
For my first F-100 project (which has yet to be completed) I got a 66 289; before I got the swap completed, I had to put the project on hold due to military moves. Over a period of time, I saw a variety of different F-100s with various engines and realized that Windsor series small blocks looked lost in the cavernous engine bay. Since I have always had a soft spot for Clevelands, my current 55 is powered by a 351 Cleveland/C-6, and I like the way it looks under the hood. My 289 will still be installed eventually in an F-100, probably a daily driver/son's project pickup. I would advise to go with the best deal or whatever you have available; a mild 289 will still put out ~200HP and 260-275 ft-lbs of torque, which will be perfect for a nice driver and be relatively easy on gas. Any swap will give you more power than stock (6 or V-8) and a better power to weight ratio (289 is ~475lbs.)Everyone has their own favorites and opinions...
Good luck with your F-100!

[4byford]

By the way, if you decide later that you need more power, a 351 Windsor will bolt right in the replace the 289- tranny, mounts, etc are the same. So you aren't really burning any bridges...

[Franklin2]

351c will bolt in later also with no changes except exhaust.

[Lumpy]

Thanks for the advice guys, I really like the idea of a 351W..

[Corvettefan4ever]