[Pete Munroe]

I am using a 65' 289" block primarily because 5 years ago I thought I had to have a 65' or earlier block to squeeze through smog laws in California.

There is now a new bill in CA that allows 500 per year "kit cars", ie: you built it... vehicles to be registered as the year they were completed and meet the smog laws of the YEAR THEY REPRESENT!

Never in my life did I think anything good could come from Sacramento, the capitol of the left coast.

I am now a "built in 2002, smog exempt 1965 Cobra"...and the 65' block wasn't necessary. Arggggh!

That said, the 289/302 weighs a little less than a 351, and is about an inch lower profile.

I don't think the weight is 100 lbs less than a 351, more like 30?, but I may very well be wrong.

Can you guys check on real bare block weights....289-302 vs. 351 ?

So, with every bolt on item aluminum, I have a little lighter engine than the same in a 351, but probably not more than 50 pounds.

In a 289" car, I wanted handling over warp speed, so it will work for me untill I discover I am Ken Miles reincarnated...not likely!

The lower profile of the 289" lets me run a high rise and full 3 inch tall aircleaner without a hood scoop...I have a ERA 289 FIA, without the hood scoop, still room to spare, but a 351 high rise has to have the scoop I think..although with air horns shaved off a Holley maybe it would clear.

I am a little concerned about side loads on the block in theory, but I have a 6k chip in the MSD, and hope it's not a problem.

Time will tell!

If it blows in open track, I will try a 302 Sportsman block, or an unbored 302 if they are still available, whatever!!!

Have fun.

Pete