When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
If your looking for 289 parts suggestions try this. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/f...?s=&forumid=55 It's the 221,269.289,302 and 351 forums. And If your looking for hipo parts my guess is that your 289 wont smoke any FE.
But a 289 is built more for a car (revs higher, not much bottom end torque) in most cases, and it is my general understanding that the FE's are the exact opposite to that. Both would be very fast if built. If you had both what would you guys use??
There is no replacement for displacement. An extreme engine at the most will get (horsepower = 1.3 x cubes). A good engine will get horsepower = cubes.
I would pick the 390.
An extreme 289 even at its best will make 375, a good 390 will make 390, and extreme 390 will make 507 hp. Easy choice.
The only advantage even the newer 302 EFI/5 spds have over my 390 NP435 is they shift much smoother and quicker. They certainly are not as fast as my worn out 390 and will not out pull it or out plow it. I know from personal experience using both.
I think a built 289 is a great motor for a Cobra that weighs about 2000lbs. A bit less appealing for a 4000lb truck.
If you like the smaller V8s, a late model 5.0 and 5 speed will move a 1/2 ton truck and get decent mileage. I'm not saying it will move as if it had a 390. But there is something to be said for 15 MPG vs 10 MPG.