So I've got a Ford 289 with headers, 3 deuces and a decent cam in it, I dont know anything else it may or may not have. It's backed by a built C4 trans. It's pretty fast but just not fast enough. What would be a good plan of attack to really get some power out of this thing without going into it? Is there a good head/cam package out there that would be worth doing? I dont want to go crazy with it since we just had bad experiences having two other mills totally built, but I really want to make this thing pull. Any suggestions? Thanks, -Dean
im not 100% but i think you can put 302 heads on it. they have a more hollowed out combustion chamber and bigger ports.
Yes, the 302 heads do have a larger combustion chamber and larger valves, but you will lose compression in compared to the 289 heads. If you put some high compression pistons or deck the head you can have the best of both worlds. You can also do a roller rocker and roller lifter conversion to help things spin up.
Edelbrock alum heads with 1.94 valves and roller rockers,and matched RPM Performer Cam and intake. watch what you do though. You can make a high hp, high rev engine. Not the "pull" you say you want. consider a 347 Stroker kit.
I go the opposite direction for a low rpm street engine. I use the late model 5.0 heads and cams. They are small port, high velocity. They make lots more bottom end than any of the original 289 heads. The only head to stay away from is anything from 1986. The 83 and newer are all similar. If you're looking for big horsepower, this won't help. This is only good for bottom and mid-range.
i thoght it was 351 windsor heads that use to be the big deal but they'd drop the compression a bunch...
I put Trick Flow heads on my 289 (302 crank) and run a mild cam with a 6oocfm, dual point, and a 3.00 rear gear....completly woke the car up. The heads are key. You can get a lot more (increase cam size, carb, ignition, and rear gears) but you begin to lose dependability and economy (especially if you want to drive long distances, which I do).
Watch your exhaust size too. Ususally the max for smaller motor is 2 1/4". for best efficiency.That with alum. heads with 194's, hei maybe but I'd say a mid to upper 3's for a gear.The 289 winds quick and can take a bunch of rpms . Edelbrock also offers head and cam matched kits.good luck
Valve size for 289 and all 302s except Boss and the 90s GT40 versions in the Lightning pickup and 93 - 95 Mustang Cobra were the same size, 1.74 intake, 1.45 exhaust. Combustion chamber size varied by year, generally larger as they got newer. AirFlow Research 165cc heads will probably make the most power out of the box for a small cube SB Ford, but you may need to notch the pistons for valve clearance. cheers Ed N.
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