Early 289 into new A50 block

David W · #1 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 07:09 AM

I am rebuilding my '67 289 HiPo but I need a new block (the original had cracks in the bores and liners didn't work!). So I have a complete original HiPo with no block!

Here in England I am struggling to find a good 289/302 block and I am told most of them are now too brittle to be a safe bet.

It has been suggested that I use a new -A50 (same as -B50 sportsman) block for my rebuild. I understand that there are some subtle differences (rear main seal, coolant holes in deck surface, clutch pivot etc) but I need to talk with someone who has actually DONE THIS SWAP so that I can learn of all the pitfalls before buying the block and shipping it to England.

Can anyone help with this info?

David

cobra427hp · #2 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 08:34 AM

Are you racing this GT350, street use, or show? I have several original 289 HiPo motors including early 5 bolt motors. If you are going to race buy a new block and change over, street use or show buy a standard bore 289 block and install your HiPo main caps and allign bore for the crank. There are always 289 standard bore short blocks or bare blocks for sale on Ebay. If you ever sell the car you can explain and since the block is correct casting with hiPo mains, rods, crank and other parts it should not make a big difference. Sorry, my HiPo blocks are all in cars and NOT for SALE.

David W · #3 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 08:56 AM

The car is just for street use, so an old block would be good, but they simply aren't available in England. I would buy off ebay if I could see the block before I shipped it to England but I don't get to the US much these days!

I've done some further research and it looks like the A50 block needs -

* machine off the oil slinger from the crank rear main seal journal
* fit a clutch pivot adaptor (from Windsor-fox?)
* some people say drill holes to match the waterways in the HiPo heads, but not every one agrees.
* Some say might have problem with the front cover / fuel pump drive.
* Some say sump bolts might not fit.

Can anyone clarify any of this? Will the distributor fit? What about the trans bellhousing (6-bolt toploader).

Thanks

David

Satanpez · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 09:38 AM

Trans/dist should fit without a problem. (Unless you have a 5 bolt block now, not very likely, and if so you would need a new bellhousing)

Best bet is a 289/302 block. I'm sure someone here would go look at a bare block.

I would imagine almost all of the cost would be in the shipping. I sold a shortblock for $100 on ebay awhile ago, so the blocks themselves aren't much.

-steve in nj-

tm-jy · #5 (**permalink**) 04-22-2004, 03:23 PM

Consider contacting some of the US engine builders. They usually have an inventory of blocks or sources of 302's or 289's. You could trim your risk of buying and shipping a piece of junk by having them test and freshen the bores before shipping. They get better shipping rates to boot. You might get lucky and find the correct year of 289 if that is a big deal to you. The standard 289 block and hi-po are identical except for the caps, so you could just have your caps align bored to the new block when you get it.

Good luck,

tm

Rick Parker · #6 (**permalink**) 04-22-2004, 06:35 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33613

Here is something on Ebay?

68gt500 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-23-2004, 03:00 AM

Im in Germany - and it is absolutely no problem to locate an 289 or 302 Block.

Shipping & should be much easier too.

Interested? - Then drop me an email.

Fox · #8 (**permalink**) 04-23-2004, 04:14 AM

David,

Take a look at www.dscmotorsport.com. They sell many Ford parts including engine blocks...HiPo, Mexican,,,I think it would be more predictable than ebay, Good luck.

-John