[JHausladen]

First, I want to say, thank you for the add and I am fortunate to discover this forum, where there appears to be so much wisdom! I recently purchased a 1969 F100 with a 289 (I know, I know). Before everyone starts hating, please continue to read; afterall we are all blue bloods here and anomalies do tend to happen!

Without saying, I'm sure everyone here could easily see that my issue is the lack of power from this 289. She revs really nicely but just doesn't have the necessary "GO" that's required to drive in the left hand lane. The reason for my post is to pick y'alls brains and find out if anyone has any experience waking up a 289 from the deck up...
Here's what I'm wanting to do:
289 Stock (possible rebuild bored 30-40 over)
170 TF Heads
Airgap Edelbrock Intake
570 Holley
XE268H Comp Cam KIT
AOD (currently C-4)
Detroit Locker (keep 3.7 gear ratio)

There are many who will say that engine doesn't belong. I am very aware and eventually she will go in my daughter's mustang after I have the money to build a 427W 750hp w/Kaase Heads, etc. But until then, I want to make this engine wake up.

What kind of HP will this combo creat? Is this Intake the best for torque? What about Valve clearance with these heads and cam? I have jets, so do I really need a bigger carb or is this sufficient? And all the other questions I don't know to ask. Thank you in advance for anyone who chooses to chime in.

 

[patrickstapler]

How much power do you need to drive in the left lane wherever you live? Just a few months ago, I was driving my 250K mile '66 GT with completely original and stock 289 issues with no problems passing anyone in any lane I chose too.

 

[JHausladen]

I'd like to cruise faster than 65mph. Can't really do much more than that with a truck equipped with a C4 and 3.7 gears. I'm looking to spend c. $5,000 in parts to upgrade necessary components

 

[patrickstapler]

My car had a C4 and 3.55s. Something just doesn't sound right here with all the goods you already have.

 

[patrickstapler]

My apologies, I thought you already had those parts. I just reread your post. Those would be more than enough to get you where you want to be.

 

[patrickstapler]

Your going to get lots of opinions on cam, intake, and heads. Most will also push you into a stroker kit. I say keep it a 289. I just broke in my K'ish spec 289 two weeks ago. Cobra Intake. Fair amount of head work on the exhaust side and some valve work...not the standard 1.90/1.60 fare, but less on my iron 289 heads. Before I seized my TL yesterday, the two previous test drive were very very encouraging.

 

[JHausladen]

Sorry for the confusion. Currently it's a stock 289 that might have been rebuilt recently. The only thing I want to keep is the long block and carb, everything else will go. I'm looking to have a little fun with it by doing the above mentioned modifications. I have a budget of 5,000. Enough to do the things I listed, but not enough for engine and/or complete rebuild plus transmission too.

 

[rhutt]

Now I'm confused! In your first post, you stated that you wanted to purchase 170 TF heads and in the last post, you say that you want to keep the long block. Which one?

 

[Huskinhano]

GT40P. They were designed to pull around a 4500 to 5000 pound SUV. I have one in my 66 that I put a 5.0 cam and 1.72 roller rockers. This pulls a lot harder then the 302 it replaced and loves to rev. Compared to a 289, this will be a night and day difference. You can pick these up pretty cheaply. Even with 150K miles they'll still be in great shape with a lot of life left in them. They're not hard to swap.

 

[2nd 66]

289's are cool I have one but what that truck needs is some of this action

or maybe this

or

 

[patrickstapler]

Sorry for the highjack, but in case you haven't seen KC is rebuilding the green truck. I didn't watch the video you posted, that might be the rebuilt version.

 

[2nd 66]

Sorry for the highjack, but in case you haven't seen KC is rebuilding the green truck. I didn't watch the video you posted, that might be the rebuilt version.

I noticed a few videos to that effect but haven't watched them

 

[Huskinhano]

Yeah, if the budget allowed the Coyote would be a great engine. It pulls my crew cab around very well!

 

[67Modcoupe]

I like your build list - will give you 125+ more HP than you have now, as well as a bump in torque. Adding a 4th gear in the transmission and the lower axle will really wake it up as well.

Are you going to convert to hydraulic roller? Edelbrock makes roller and flat tappet top end kits if you want to buy as a package and maybe save some money.

-- Mike

 

[Woodchuck]

Paxton.

 

[zray]

Paxton.

my favorite period correct modification for a 289 or 302. Done right, a vintage Paxton will not require any other engine modifications and be very reliable. I put about 85,000 miles on my last Paxton equipped GT350 without any engine issues that couldn't be fixed in a few minutes.

and surprisingly, the gas milage improved, despite my best efforts to use gas as fast as possible.


Z