Jay1970Z Posted May 23, 2002 Share Posted May 23, 2002 Ok, I've got a 70 240Z and am definitely going through with the V8 conversion. I originally planned to go with the SBC 350 but now I am exploring other options. The 350 is still my number one choice, but an opportunity presented itself that is making me think twice. My uncle has been re-restoring (my cousin wrapped it around a tree) his '65 fastback. He bought another 65 mustang to use for parts in the restoration and it has (he claims) a running 289 hi-po in it that he would give me for probably really cheap if not for free. Now, my questions are, how difficult a swap would the 289 be since there aren't really any books or kits available. Also I believe the hi-po 289's from 1965 had somewhere around 275 hp, correct me if I'm wrong. I've never been in a V8 Z so I was wondering what kind of power that would produce, like 1/4 mile times, 0-60 etc. Also I am planning on using the car as somewhat of a daily driver, not an everyday driver though. Would this engine be reliable enough and cheap enough to maintain? Forgive me for going on and on, but I've been reading your forum here for months and finally decided to join and post so I've had a lot of time to think up questions Thanks a lot guys Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted May 23, 2002 Share Posted May 23, 2002 WElcome Jay!!!! Something tells me that there was this rare 65 Mustang motor that put out 271 HP and the average 4 barrell model was 210 HP. I know the regular 289 Mustangs back then would leave the 283 Chevys behind in third gear. There are some motor mount designs floating around for Fords on this site. Keep in mind the Ford powered winning Cobras were mostly small blocks and the first big block Cobra (390 cu.) was called the "turd" for it's unpleasant behavior. There were only a little over 300 of the big blocks and over 600 of the small blocks in Cobras.. I do not see where for a daily driver a person for reliability in mind would go wrong with a 289 or 302 Ford in a Zee.. I would like a 351 winsdor in a zee.I am doing the SBC but if I had the opportunity like you have I would fo FOMOCO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted May 23, 2002 Share Posted May 23, 2002 The 289 Hi-Po was rated at 271 hp but was still handicapped by the inferior-flowing 289 heads. A set of ported '69-'70 351W heads or 1.90" intake Edelbrock aluminum heads and headers should really wake up this motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted May 23, 2002 Share Posted May 23, 2002 The engine would be as cheap and easy to maintain as if it were in an early mustang. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueovalz Posted May 23, 2002 Share Posted May 23, 2002 A hi-po (real live OEM hi-po) 289 is not something that is given away. They command a fair dollar for the purest restoring an old K (is that correct) code Mustang. Anyway, I've run both the 289 and 302 motors in my '66 fastback, and in the end, always liked the 289 better. The 302 has a slight torque advantage, but the 289 would twist to 8 grand consistantly with the old SPS 5/16" rod bolts (inferior to the ARPs now days) and cast pistons. I wouldn't try that in a 302. The differences are slight, internally, but they to change the character of the motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay1970Z Posted May 23, 2002 Author Share Posted May 23, 2002 Thanks for the help guys! As for it being a real hi-po, I can't say that I'm certain, but my uncle is a real mustang afficionado and he says that it is. I've only seen the actual engine a few times and it looked to be in good shape and very clean. I recall it having headers and my uncle mentioning something about the belts on it. I will get more info on it this week and get back to you guys. Thanks again for the help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 The pullies on a actual hi-po are underdrives from the factory, so look for a larger than normal alternator pully. Also, if you pull the valve covers, there should be cast in spring pockets in the heads as well as screw in rocker studs. The cam will be solid in the hi-po. If this is an actual complete hi-po, it will fetch a pretty penny. If you can get it for free or next to it, sell it and build a hot 289-351 with a damn good set of heads. Flow wise, im pretty sure the hi-po heads are identical to the A code(225 HP) or the C code(200 HP) 289's. The designation for the hi-po is K code. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zpeed Posted May 27, 2002 Share Posted May 27, 2002 My cousin has got a 289 in his 64 ford falcon, and that is very very reliable... he has had no problem, stil runs original dizzy, and carb... that has around 130-140hp only thou he is building a turbo 289 with windsor heads, and a 8psi turbo, easy to get 290-340hp with something like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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