302 vs 289 - Page 2

Woodz428 · #21 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 04:06 PM

Regardless of which, a 289 or 302, thank goodness it isn't a 255,LOL.

puppster · #22 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 03:14 AM

The 5.0 HO engines are not so much different from a design perspective, but they do offer more strength due to metalurgy and casting improvements. Also many of them are built to accept roller cams. I've always been a lover of the 289, nothing sounds like a 289 at 6000 rpm, however my next small block build will definitely be a 5.0 liter.

Snakebit · #23 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 08:59 AM

The older blocks are stronger than the newer blocks, pre 1980 I believe. There are many horror stories on the Mustang site with guys using super chargers with the newer 5.0 blocks. Anything over 500 HP and the blocks split in two. I have a 68 302 Windsor block. Ther are 302 blocks that were cast in Mexico "Mexican blocks" and are a bit beefier. The next step is the new Boss 302 block or an after market Dart or World 4 bolt main block.

Maricopa · #24 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 09:24 AM

"Mexican blocks" and are a bit beefier.

Plus, they will do the jobs American blocks don't want to do!

1985 CCX · #25 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 12:54 PM

289 is better.....
Why

2+8+9 = 19
3+0+2 = 5

289 better...

tkb289 · #26 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

289 is better.....
Why

2+8+9 = 19
3+0+2 = 5

289 better...

Jeff ... nice math !

tkb289 · #27 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 12:26 AM

OK guys ... time for a question:

If one was to build a 302 today, there are (4) basic options for a block:

- Use a vintage used 302 block ('68 to ??)
- Use a used 5.0L block (?? to '95)
- Use a new Boss 302 Block from Ford racing
- Use a new DART or World Products block (Iron or Aluminum)

Is this correct ... are there other options ?

Thanks.

DAVID GAGNARD · #28 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkb289

OK guys ... time for a question:

If one was to build a 302 today, there are (4) basic options for a block:

- Use a vintage used 302 block ('68 to ??)
- Use a used 5.0L block (?? to '95)
- Use a new Boss 302 Block from Ford racing
- Use a new DART or World Products block (Iron or Aluminum)

Is this correct ... are there other options ?

Thanks.

One other option, check with Summit/Jegs, a few years ago they had brand new Ford 302 blocks for about 500 bucks, they may still have some left.........

If you are building a "street motor" with no more than 400 hp, any factory block new or used would be fine. Even if you plan to make more than 400 hp, but are only going to use the car on the street and not turn more than 6500rpms, a factory block will do....... If you plan to race or turn high rpms (7000+) and plan to make a lot more than 400hp, go with an aftermarket 4-bolt block, I would use the Dart/World Products block personnally....

They are more $$$ than the BOSS block, I have a BOSS block,I know..... On the BOSS block, not everything bolts up as suggested and you have to use special head gaskets as in about 70 bucks EACH!!!!!!!!!!

Just my 2 cents on the block issue.......

David

Snakebit · #29 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 09:46 AM

If you are building from scratch you should stroke it to 331 or 347.

FrankJohnson69 · #30 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkb289

OK guys ... time for a question:

If one was to build a 302 today, there are (4) basic options for a block:

- Use a vintage used 302 block ('68 to ??)
- Use a used 5.0L block (?? to '95)
- Use a new Boss 302 Block from Ford racing
- Use a new DART or World Products block (Iron or Aluminum)

Is this correct ... are there other options ?

Thanks.

You can also still find excellent Mexican blocks with the higher nickle content and thicker main caps. Great block and Morg has one for sale.

1985 CCX · #31 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 01:00 PM

Tim

No pics in your gallery????

tkb289 · #32 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Tim

No pics in your gallery????

Jeff,

I have some photos in my build thread ...

ERA 2136 Build Log

... have not set up a gallery yet, guess I'll need to figure that one out!

Woodz428 · #33 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakebit

If you are building from scratch you should stroke it to 331 or 347.

Kind of takes it out of the 289/302 equation doesn't it. If someone wants a 331 or 347 that's O.K., but by no means a neccessity. The money could be better spent elsewhere.
I'll take a standard size one any time over either of the other two. If I want something that big I'll use a standard 351W.
I also have a Mexican block, still as a complete engine. Not sure about the head casting #s.

tkb289 · #34 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakebit

If you are building from scratch you should stroke it to 331 or 347.

Snakebit ...

Good point and I had thought about a 331, but in my case will probably just stick with a 302.

cobra32 · #35 (**permalink**) 12-05-2010, 10:58 AM

i have a 302 in my cobra i was wondering what kind of cam i could stick in it that will give it that loping sound also i need to know what roller rockers i would need for the engine and the springs i should use im just trying to get a little more horses out of it cause i rebuilding the engine over christmas also cleaning the engine bay up a little bit

blykins · #36 (**permalink**) 12-05-2010, 11:41 AM

The difference would be those guys who are wanting a certain cast number for their 289 Cobras.

I've been helping a customer find a good core for the past few weeks. He has a 289 car and wants a 289 to go in it. I'll be stroking it along with adding some performance goodies.

If you have a 289 car and you're not worried about cast numbers, a 302 block or even a short deck Dart block would work great, depending on how much horsepower you're wanting to make. The 302 blocks won't stand much more than 500hp, while the Dart blocks will hold much more than that with no issues.

zrayr · #37 (**permalink**) 12-05-2010, 12:01 PM

although a generalization of engine design, but nonetheless true:

with equal displacement shorter stroke engines will wind up quicker & longer stroked engines will have more torque. This concept was 1st demonstrated to me when I began a career as a motorcycle mechanic in 1969. The long stoke Triumph 650's had more usable torque than the big bore BSA 650's. In that era, on the half mile & mile dirt tracks the Triumphs ruled.

Z.

Marvin · #38 (**permalink**) 12-05-2010, 12:28 PM

Z
You are right about that, I had a Bonnieville and also a Lightining Rocket.

The BSA was a tempremental machine and a high comp, high winder but the Bonnivlle was much more practical and more torque.

Anyway i think for a small block Cobra i would rather have the short deck 302 or 5.0 as the 351, they are sweet sounding little motors.

Like someone said, for an inexpensive route find a lower milage 93-94 Mustang Cobra engine, add a 4bbl and maybe alum. heads and cam would make a good running reliable engine.