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1968 289 vs. 302 block

Tequila

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 29, 2013
Messages
347
I am in the process of getting a new reman engine for my 68. According to the VIN it is a 289 2V engine. I know they previous owner(s) installed a 1973 302 engine in it. I worked with a local shop to locate all the period correct brackets for a 68 as well as the c-code intake manifold.

I read somewhere that Ford switched to 302 block sometime mid year. My car was actually built on 6/20/1968. So if they used a 302 block, would they have changed the VIN number to reflect this change or would it still be classified as a C code? I am trying to see if I can get away with using a 302 long block engine (to gain the extra HP) but still use all the period correct brackets, including the 3 bolt crank pulley. Are the brackets for 68 interchangeable with a 289 & 302?

Any input? Thanks!!!
RT
 

rvrtrash

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
3,649
If it's not going to be numbers matching, use a mid 80's and up roller rocker 302 motor, stroked to 347cu in., forged pistons, about 8.0/1, fuel injection with big throttle body and a supercharger running 6 psi of boost, long tube headers with an X pipe.

Steve (filling in for brother Rob)
 

Ruppstang

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2009
Messages
3,032
I am not certain of you goals for the car but if to wish to keep it as it was a late C code
with a 302 block you will need to use 289 head and dress it as a C code 289. A lot of the parts, brackets interchange between the 289 and the 302 but the crank drive pulleys are different. Since it is not a numbers matching car you may as well go for the HP and I would add the 4V as well.
Good luck Marty
 

robert campbell

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
4,321
If it's not going to be numbers matching, use a mid 80's and up roller rocker 302 motor, stroked to 347cu in., forged pistons, about 8.0/1, fuel injection with big throttle body and a supercharger running 6 psi of boost, long tube headers with an X pipe.

Steve (filling in for brother Rob)

Now were talkin!!! Might raise the boost to 12 pounds!!

Plus 1 on what Marty said. A tasteful installation of a 500 CFM Edelbrock four barrel carb and intake would not hurt the cars value one bit. They sell a nice complete top end package that includes a mild camshaft, lifters, and such. a great package and it will up your performance without affecting gas mileage.

You can even go a bit stealthy and paint the intake if you wish to match the stock stuff. The stock air cleaner covers everything and to the casual passer by it looks rock stock.

Rob
 
OP
OP
T

Tequila

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 29, 2013
Messages
347
I am not certain of you goals for the car but if to wish to keep it as it was a late C code
with a 302 block you will need to use 289 head and dress it as a C code 289.

I am hoping to keep it as original as possible, however the engine I was planning on getting is from sanjengines and they don't offer much in terms of different configurations. They either have a 302 or 289 long block.
 

CougarCJ

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2006
Messages
2,186
Your original engine was probably a 302 block with 289 cylinder heads and 289 crankshaft.
All of the brackets and pulleys will interchange if you stay with the 3 bolt crank balancers. Presuming that you have your vintage brackets and pulleys?

I would be concerned with what components Sanjengine uses. They are likely using 1970's cast iron cylinder heads. I think that 1980 was the cutoff year for 28oz. and 50oz flex plates. Later blocks also had the oil dip stick in the block, not the timing cover.
 
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