Cal, that is right on the money. Ford was years behind on SB development--they made no distinction between BB and SB like Chevy did. Witness the hipo 390 w/ 401 HP in '60, shortly followed by a pedigreed race motor, the 406. And finally the 427. All pretty much ahead of the curve at the time.
The 289 was a very reliable motor but in either K code form (271 HP) or the SHelby motor at 312 HP, it was no match for a 365 HP fuelie 327 or 375 HP 327. But, as you said, the 327 was years ahead from a development standpoint.
Later, the 302's from Ford and Chevy competed on more equal terms--both made 290 HP and revved like gamgbusters.
And, Gary, shame on you.
