289?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
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From: South west Idaho
I haven't tried it, but I don't see any problem if you were replacing a 6/cy or 302 as the housing would bolt up. The 289 would have a 28 oz. balance where the other two may have a 50 oz. I have a 66 289 and a 84 302 in my shop, the 289 will rev up faster from idle. I tried them both in the same car and as far as performance, I could not find much difference. In a truck though it may show up different as the truck may be ask to work a little harder. My $.02 W.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Southaven,Ms
289 was first, 302 came along later. 289 couldnt be a destroked 302 because in there day the 302 didnt exist yet
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Southaven,Ms
thats better, now my nit picky, crotchity personality is satisfied, lol . To the original question 289 is a fiesty little sucker and will drop in anywhere a 302 will go, butt there are many more 302's to be found as buildable 289's are getting scarce and more cubes never hurts imo !
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 741
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From: Western N.C.
Dom, I was looking at a '75 truck that had a 289 swapped in for a stock 302, and the guy selling it was clear in saying he didn't like it because it couldn't pull as well as the 302. I didn't care and he knew I didn't care, because I told him I just wanted it for the body. Otherwise, I have had no occasion to even look at a 302 or 289 truck.
Personally, I don't think 302s belong in older trucks. They weren't made to be truck motors...they just filled the need for a small V8 between the six cylinder and the FE.
I do, however, think that a warmed up 351W would serve you well. Same bellhousing pattern, more power, comparable size...Ford used it in a lot of F350s in the 80s and 90s, where it did an admirable job as a pulling motor.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Mississippi
thats better, now my nit picky, crotchity personality is satisfied, lol . To the original question 289 is a fiesty little sucker and will drop in anywhere a 302 will go, butt there are many more 302's to be found as buildable 289's are getting scarce and more cubes never hurts imo !
Last edited by bamaf150; Oct 3, 2010 at 12:00 PM. Reason: grammar
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Southaven,Ms
agreed on the 302vs300 , it was a sad day for all when Ford stopped using those torqey little inlines. And Bowties right about 351 being better truck motors, again more cubes never hurt anyone lol
New User
Joined: Feb 2008
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Hey Dom, I have a 289 engine, top loader 4 speed and a posi rear end from a 1968 Cougar in my 1974 Ford Short box Dentside truck the engine is done up too bored out 40-60 thou over headers mild cam Edelbrock 600 cfm carb goes good enough for me! I don't use it to haul things.I bought it off a guy that way!
