Guys - my original 289 engine in my 1966 Mustang has a pretty noticeable tapping, clicking sound. It is a 57 year old engine. Do I go with a rebuild/refurbishment of my 289? Or, buy a new 302 crate engine? It’s just a car for car shows, occasional Sunday drives. Summit Racing offers an ATK 302 crate engine, about $4,400. My mechanic hasn’t found an engine shop that has time to do a rebuild. 4 to 6 months out from even starting the work. But he estimates it may end up costing about the same as buying a crate. Tough decision. Any thoughts or experiences on this topic would be appreciated. Thx all.
289 rebuild or crate engine?
iwantapony
1 - 1 of 64 Posts
Lots of good advice so far. I'm learning engines myself and I have often wondered what I would do in your situation. Thankfully I have some resources that would probably help me. But if I was on my own I would likely be in the same boat as you, so here are my thoughts. -
First - As mentioned the engine may not need a rebuild. I would at least do a compression test first. Maybe go to another shop and get a second opinion if your mechanic just wants to do a rebuild based on a sound. The 289 is a great engine. I wouldn't just pull it on a whim.
Second - I have a hard time believing the cost to do a stock 289 would be over 4k. Maybe I'm out of touch and maybe this is based on you're location but I call BS. I would at least start making calls and doing some shopping to make sure.
Third - if it DOES need a rebuild, and it IS going to cost over 4k, then get the crate engine and call it a day. Just keep the 289 and use it to learn on. That way you'll have a back up and the original engine stays with the car if you sell.
Good luck!
First - As mentioned the engine may not need a rebuild. I would at least do a compression test first. Maybe go to another shop and get a second opinion if your mechanic just wants to do a rebuild based on a sound. The 289 is a great engine. I wouldn't just pull it on a whim.
Second - I have a hard time believing the cost to do a stock 289 would be over 4k. Maybe I'm out of touch and maybe this is based on you're location but I call BS. I would at least start making calls and doing some shopping to make sure.
Third - if it DOES need a rebuild, and it IS going to cost over 4k, then get the crate engine and call it a day. Just keep the 289 and use it to learn on. That way you'll have a back up and the original engine stays with the car if you sell.
Good luck!
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