Best motor ??
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Roseville, CA
Best motor ??
What are most of you all running ? Chevy or Ford ? I just purchase this 53 F100 with a 289 & a T10 Tranny ??. I know nothing about this 289. Looking for input.
Thanks
Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,352
Likes: 5,374
From: Central PA
What is wrong with the current 289?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 3,646
Likes: 816
From: Swan River Valley M.B Can
289 is a good little engine if it's put in nicely I wouldn't go the trouble of re engineering everything for something else . If need to have more power the 302 is very easy to come by and lot's of parts around or you cane go to a 351 Windsor which is the same block but would need different intake
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,699
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
I'd give it a try. 
Change all the fluids first! Check the fuel tank and make sure there's no junk/gunk in it. Put some lube down the spark plug holes and let it soak at least overnight. Then see if you can get it to turn over. If you get it to turn over then see if it's got oil pressure (you may need to temporarily put a oil pressure gauge under the hood) if you've got pressure, put the plugs back in and see if it will start. You may need a shot of gas in the carburetor. If you get it running Flush the Engine and Radiator to remove the crud in the cooling system and run something like sea foam (follow the instructions on the can) through the oiling system.
Just a FYI
Don't be surprised if you need to rebuild the carb (get gaskets that can handle alcohol), replace the fuel pump or in a few hundred miles you need Head Gaskets (don't ask how I know
). If you can get it running you may be money ahead to just do this stuff.
Change all the fluids first! Check the fuel tank and make sure there's no junk/gunk in it. Put some lube down the spark plug holes and let it soak at least overnight. Then see if you can get it to turn over. If you get it to turn over then see if it's got oil pressure (you may need to temporarily put a oil pressure gauge under the hood) if you've got pressure, put the plugs back in and see if it will start. You may need a shot of gas in the carburetor. If you get it running Flush the Engine and Radiator to remove the crud in the cooling system and run something like sea foam (follow the instructions on the can) through the oiling system.Just a FYI
Don't be surprised if you need to rebuild the carb (get gaskets that can handle alcohol), replace the fuel pump or in a few hundred miles you need Head Gaskets (don't ask how I know
). If you can get it running you may be money ahead to just do this stuff.
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Logistics Pro
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Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 190
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From: Lewis County, WA
Best motor for what?
If you're looking to use your rig as a daily driver or weekend cruiser, I'm with bjmayberry2 - see if you can get the current 289 running. You'll spend a lot less time and money working with what you've got, versus looking at an engine/trans swap. See if the engine turns over by hand, change the oil, top off the radiator, get a source of clean fuel in there (running the fuel pump intake line into a clean gas can is pretty easy), check your oil pressure, and see if she'll fire.
The 289/302 has plenty of aftermarket support, and a good running Ford small block will push your truck down the highway just fine. So will a SBC, but honestly, you're just trading apples for apples there.
Now, if you're looking to build a drag truck...
EDIT: BTW, I'm still running the original 215/T98 in my Effie.
If you're looking to use your rig as a daily driver or weekend cruiser, I'm with bjmayberry2 - see if you can get the current 289 running. You'll spend a lot less time and money working with what you've got, versus looking at an engine/trans swap. See if the engine turns over by hand, change the oil, top off the radiator, get a source of clean fuel in there (running the fuel pump intake line into a clean gas can is pretty easy), check your oil pressure, and see if she'll fire.
The 289/302 has plenty of aftermarket support, and a good running Ford small block will push your truck down the highway just fine. So will a SBC, but honestly, you're just trading apples for apples there.
Now, if you're looking to build a drag truck...
EDIT: BTW, I'm still running the original 215/T98 in my Effie.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 4
From: Southern SC.
I would try to get the 289 running as it was a very well built engine. If you want more power you can get a radical cam, solid lifters, better heads, bigger carbs, and headers this will really push the horse power. But as a stock 289 it was a good engine. save it if possible, it may not take much as some others have said. Have fun. POST pictures. Where are you located?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Roseville, CA
Its a Ford
Well I decided and try to get the 289 running, when it stops raining (Northern Calif). I also have a 30 Ford coupe with a 350. Just order some parts from Carpenter & a catalog. Never done a Ford before, it should be fun. Need more Ford F-100 Catalogs. Where Where ???
Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 190
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From: Lewis County, WA
