A needed increase in hp, any suggestions...

[monkeyman08880]

I have a 68 mustang coupe, with a 289 2v. Ive already added a dual exhaust, any other suggestions for increased hp (ive got a fairly limited budget)?

 

[Ozsum2]

Since you are letting the engine breath, an intake and 4 barrel would help. It would have been better to add headers as well. You are kind of limited since you don't want to tear into the engine.

 

[rbohm]

start with ozsum2's suggestion. after you have the intake, try to scare up a set of gt40p heads from a late 5.0 explorer. after that scare up a set of 3.55 gears. that will wake up your pony.

 

[allcarfan]

start with ozsum2's suggestion. after you have the intake, try to scare up a set of gt40p heads from a late 5.0 explorer. after that scare up a set of 3.55 gears. that will wake up your pony.

That will wake up his checkbook too!

GT40P heads...$250 for a crappy set...
3.55 gears and install...$300
SPECIAL headers required for the GT40P heads....$200+?

 

[Ozsum2]

Yea, since he said he was economically challeged, I didn't mention it, that and he said he didn't want to do any engine work.

 

[91conv]

ozsum2, will he really see a difference in the intake and 4v swap w/o doing the cam too?

I ask because I am in a similar situation as he is. I have a stock un-rebuilt 289 in my 68 and am running duals and stock exhaust manifold also. I prefer not to mess with the internals of this engine untill it requires a rebuild.

Thanks

 

[allcarfan]

yes, you will feel a difference swapping to a 4bbl carb and intake....even if you dont change the cam right away.

 

[65fastback2+2]

i had a 2v 302 in my 67 stang before i put the roller 5.0 in it, in my 65 FB before, i had a stock 289 4v (A-code), lemme tell you, the 302 was SOOOOOOO slow (yes it was based on the carb since they had the same tranny and rear gears) so it will make a huge impact

 

[65fastback2+2]

but, just to say i said it, i dunno if your motor is original or not, but a 289 in a 68 is kinda rare.

 

[Pakrat]

but, just to say i said it, i dunno if your motor is original or not, but a 289 in a 68 is kinda rare.

Well, you said it, but what is that based on? I thought they didn't switch to the 302 until mid-year? Meaning roughly half of them would have been 289's, right? I'll have to check my statistics book, but I don't think the numbers are worlds apart.

 

[Ozsum2]

ozsum2, will he really see a difference in the intake and 4v swap w/o doing the cam too?

I ask because I am in a similar situation as he is. I have a stock un-rebuilt 289 in my 68 and am running duals and stock exhaust manifold also. I prefer not to mess with the internals of this engine untill it requires a rebuild.

Thanks

Yes, probably in the 30 to 40 HP range.

 

[Ozsum2]

I didn't see where he said the motor was original to the car. It is my understanding that they started putting 302's in 68s after they ran out of 289's so it could be original to the car. It would be interesting to know the vin.

 

[91conv]

Yes, I believe it is the original engine or darn close to it based on the casting dates, and story from the PO. The build date of the car is 12/13/67, so it is a little early, however the block casting code is a 302 (C8AE) . It is my understanding that both 289 and 302 blocks were used to make the 289s in 68. Look at the link below, way at the bottom under the heading "Engine Block & Cylinder Head Casting Numbers
221, 260, 289, 302"

http://www.gearheadracing.com/Reference/Ford/CastingNumbers/FordCastingNumbers.htm

The vin is 8T01C - 1968, metuchen built, coupe, 289 2v


I may just go ahead and put on the F4B I have and pick up a 4v carb for it.

Thanks

Oh yeah, I don't think it is rare. There are a ton of 68 289s out there. I'll see if I can find some numbers....

 

[91conv]

Found this, don't know how 'official' it is:

"289 "C" Code V-8
The 289 is the most popular engine in the '60.The 289 is a lightweight,powerful and easy to maintain motor.This motor was dropped in the late 1968 model year in favor of the 302.Information given to me places the last 289's installed in July of '68."

taken from:

http://www.geocities.com/~mustangs68/eng.html

 

[Pakrat]

Well your Vin would suggest that the car's original engine is a 6cyl, so it is all a moot point now anyway. Before you go upping your HP, you better confirmt he V8 swap was done correctly. What kind of bolt pattern you got on your rims?

 

[91conv]

oops!

8t01c

sorry, my bad.

1968, metuchen built, coupe, 289 2v

 

[Ozsum2]

I believe it is an original V8 car. Back on topic.

 

[Pakrat]

8t01c

sorry, my bad.

1968, metuchen built, coupe, 289 2v

Well yeah, sure, now that he edited his T into a C it is.

 

[Sicarius428]

A 4 barrel carb and intake would be a good start on getting some power. You probably would want a dual plane intake, something like a edelbrock performer or one of its flavors. Then nothing more than a 650cfm carb. Carbs can get pretty expensive new so if you can, find a used one in decent shape or buy a rebuild kit and fix one up.
Kevin

 

[D.Hearne]

If you're economically challenged, and want 4 bbl performance, then the only way to go is with a Holley list 4412 500 cfm 2 bbl carb. They can be had used for as little as $50 and a kit or new for around $210, same price as a 600 cfm Holley 4 bbl. Plus you can keep the 2 bbl intake, no need to swap intakes, the 500 is a bolt on swap only a minor reroute of the factory fuel line is needed.