289 build

[frnkeore]

I've taken many stuck engines apart, including a 6 cyl tractor, that was setting outside, for 20 years with the vertical exhaust open.

The most highly penetrating solvent, is Xylene, next is Toluene. I mix equal parts Xylene, solvent and ATF. But, that would be expensive, to fill a 5 gal bucket. I would try adding a qt, of Xylene to the diesel.

If you take a brass hammer, to the valves, you'll be able to tell if they are stuck, by the sound. If they make a pop (valve head slapping the seat) you should be able to get them out w/o soaking the head. Just oil the valve stem, push it back and forth and unless it's mushroomed, it will come out w/o damage.

[BattlestarGalactic]

Is that a 6 bolt bellhousing?  When did they change from 5 bolt bellhousing?  65?  My wagon was a 5 bolt 289 originally.  I sold the complete 70K mile running motor for $100.

[frnkeore]

Many people say '65 but, my 65 1/2, 2+2, 271 HP had a 5 bolt block.

[machoneman]

A small factoid: Sunbeam Tiger owners in England needed the 5-bolt blocks (260 or 289) for rebuilds.

[frnkeore]

Yes, and the 5 bolt is the only one that was used in the 289 Cobra.

I had three 271 HP engines. The one in the 2+2, a 64 Fairlane 500, Sports Coupe, that I bought in July '67, when I came home from VN and one that I bought with dual AFB's and put in the 2+2. The Fairlane pic with the white front wheels, was 3 weeks, after I bought it.

I sold the extra to a Cobra guy.

[390owner]

I have another question. I pulled a piston and rod this evening and the rod is real tight Should I just soak the piston and rod to loosen up the wrist pin?

[machoneman]

Sure! Oil, WD-40, ATF or a solvent.

[frnkeore]

If your open to suggestions, this is what I would do the the 289 and it's 5.155, C/C, rods.

Have the wrist pin bores, in the rods, reamed and honed to SBC specs.

Get a set of Speed Pro H345 pistons, in .020 or .030 over. They have a compression height of 1.548 and they are a standard cast piston and not expensive.

Exchange your crank for a 302 crank and bearings.

That will give you a deck clearance of .003

1.548 Piston CH
1.500 1/2 crank throw
5.155 rod
--------
8.203

 8.206 289 Block Deck Height
-8.203
-----------
   .003 Deck Clearance

Most 289 heads have ~54.5cc chambers and with a .040 head gasket, that would give you a 9.99 C/R, 58cc=9.56, 60cc=9.34

It will give you a very noticeable power increase. Add a 218 @ .050 duration cam and a small 4 bbl carb and you'll wonder what happened! It will also be just a streetable as a stock engine.
 

[390owner]

If I was keeping the mustang that would be a good idea. I am going to restore it and then sell it after I have driven it  some then on to the next project. I am wondering now if I should just put the engine back stock with the 2 barrel and the exhaust manifolds or go headers and cam and 4 barrel. I wonder which would sell better?

[BattlestarGalactic]

I suppose it depends on the crowd you are building it for.   Stock or modified?
If the exhaust is in good shape, maybe a simple dual plane 4bbl intake and 600 Holley would be a nice upgrade without a bunch of fuss.

[machoneman]

If I was keeping the mustang that would be a good idea. I am going to restore it and then sell it after I have driven it  some then on to the next project. I am wondering now if I should just put the engine back stock with the 2 barrel and the exhaust manifolds or go headers and cam and 4 barrel. I wonder which would sell better?

Would be cheaper to use the OEM stock parts, for sure, unless you already have the 4-barrel and intake and/or headers.

[390owner]

I have a 600 edelbrock and can get a 4 barrel intake. Headers are cheap so I dont know

[cammerfe]

If you decide to modify, you might include the original parts when you go to sell it.

KS