SPF 289 Slabside Owners

[1795]

Your height and weight are no problem for a 289 street or FIA cobra. If you do not go overboard on the engine you can do it with a roller and $80K, give or take a few thousand dollars and how much you can do yourself.

#1 Engines, regardless of size make more HP as the rpms go up within the limits of the cam and overall build. Typically, 3,000 rpms on up will have sufficient HP for these cars.

#2 302's are easier to find than 289's, but they are both available. some people put 351's in, which have a little taller deck height. Any SB will make more power than you need. Remember, the originals were racing with 289's and kicking ass.

#3 Can't hep you there, have only run 4 barrels and Webers.

#4 SPF makes a real nice roller that is period correct, you might be able to get into an ERA at that price, but I am not sure.. A Kirkham or CSX continuation car is out of the question.

Do not get caught up in HP numbers. 350 HP will sit you back in your seat and get you into more trouble than you can imagine in a hurry. These are light weight cars. Most of the modern cars that are running 400-600 HP out weigh these cars by 1,000-2,000 lbs. They do not drive like modern cars. They are a blast, but go slow and be reasonable. You can spend $30K on an engine, but do you really have to? No. Remember, the transmission and differential gearing have a huge influence on performance. A tractor with 35 HP will tow one of these cars with 600 HP all day long in a pull. Take your time and do the research.

Good luck.

Jim