Stroking A 289 Ford: Is It Possible And Worthwhile?

The Ford 289 is a small-block V8 engine that was first introduced in 1963 as an upgrade to the 260 Challenger engine. It has a displacement of 4.7 L and was used in various Ford vehicles such as the Mustang, Falcon, and Fairlane. Over the years, there has been interest in stroking the 289 engine to increase its displacement and horsepower. While it is possible to stroke a 289 engine, there are some considerations and limitations to keep in mind. Some performance enthusiasts have successfully stroked the 289 to a 302, 331, or even a 347 cubic inch engine. However, it is important to note that the 289 block has shorter cylinder walls compared to the 302, which can affect the longevity of the engine when stroked. Additionally, the type of stroker kit, crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons used will impact the final displacement and performance of the stroked 289 engine.

The 289 block can be stroked to 302, 331, or 347

If you decide to proceed with stroking your 289 block, you will need to install a stroker crank, rods, and pistons. Additionally, you will need to clearance the block, which can be done using a Dremel tool. It is also recommended to upgrade the cooling system with a better water pump and an aluminum radiator to handle the increased heat generated by the stroker engine. Furthermore, you may need to upgrade the fuel system, transmission, and rear end to handle the additional horsepower.

When choosing the displacement to stroke your 289 block to, consider your goals for the build. If you are primarily interested in increasing torque, a stroker engine is a good choice. However, if your main goal is to increase horsepower, investing in a 302 block or a different engine, such as a 351 Windsor, may be a more suitable option. Additionally, keep in mind that stroking a 289 block will require more modifications and upgrades compared to simply swapping in a different engine.

In conclusion, while it is possible to stroke a 289 block to 302, 331, or 347, careful planning and consideration of the potential challenges and upgrades required are necessary to ensure a successful and reliable build.

The 289 block has a displacement of 4.7 L

The Ford 289 V8 engine, first introduced in 1963, has a displacement of 289 cubic inches, or 4.7 litres. This engine was part of Ford's small-block V8 family, which included other engines like the 260, 302, and 351 Windsor.

The 289 engine was designed to fit into a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to full-sized sedans, and offered a balance of power and efficiency. With a bore of 4.00 inches and a stroke of 2.87 inches, it was capable of delivering solid performance while maintaining a relatively high-revving character.

The 289 engine was available in various forms, from a mild 2-barrel setup to the high-performance HiPo (K-Code) version, which produced 271 horsepower. This versatility made it a popular choice for factory cars, custom builds, and racing applications.

The 289 engine's block was constructed using cast iron, providing the necessary strength for high-performance applications while keeping production costs reasonable. The engine featured two-bolt main caps as standard, with some high-performance variants modified to include four-bolt mains for added durability.

The cylinder heads of the 289 were designed to offer a balance between airflow and efficiency, providing adequate flow for the engine's displacement. Standard 289 heads featured small combustion chambers for higher compression ratios, while high-performance variants offered improved porting and larger valves.

The 289 engine had a dry weight of approximately 460 lbs, making it relatively lightweight compared to other V8 engines of its time. Its compact dimensions, measuring roughly 29.0 inches in length, 24.0 inches in width, and 27.5 inches in height, made it a suitable option for a variety of vehicles.

In terms of performance, the base 2-barrel version of the 289 produced around 195 to 220 horsepower, while the high-performance HiPo 289 (K-Code) delivered 271 horsepower. The engine was designed to operate smoothly across a wide RPM range, with a redline typically around 6,000 RPM.

The Ford 289 V8 engine powered some of Ford's most iconic vehicles, including early Ford Mustangs, the Shelby GT350, the Ford Falcon, Mercury Comet, and Ford Fairlane, leaving its mark in American car culture.

The 289 engine was introduced in April 1963

The 289 engine was most famously used in the Ford Mustang built before 1968, as well as the Ford Falcon and some Galaxy 500 models. The 289 engine continued its success until 1968, when it was replaced by the Ford 302.

The 289 engine was also used by Carroll Shelby in the Shelby 350GT from 1965 to 1967, where it produced 306 horsepower. The 289 engine has a rich history and is well-loved by car enthusiasts, with some even considering building their own modified versions of the engine.

The introduction of the 289 engine in April 1963 marked a significant moment in automotive history, as it offered powerful performance options for popular car models at the time. The 289 engine's success and longevity are a testament to its design and performance capabilities.

The 289 engine was used in the 1965 Ford Mustang

The Hi-Po 289 engine was first introduced in the 1963 Fairlane, but it was its availability in the Mustang starting a couple of months after its April 17 debut in 1964 that truly cemented its legacy. Lasting through 1967, the Hi-Po 289 delivered heavy-duty performance with its solid lifter cam, larger two-bolt main caps, beefier connecting rods, and high nodularity iron crankshaft.

The 1965 Mustang offered two versions of the 289 engine: the two-barrel setup with an Autolite 2100 and the four-barrel version with an Autolite 4100. The latter was equipped with an automatic choke for the "D" coded cars in 1964 and 1965, while the "A" code cars from 1965 to 1967 featured a manual choke. Shelby GT350s were outfitted with a Holley 4160-C 4V and a manual choke.

The Hi-Po 289's performance was enhanced by its lightweight nature, owing to the Mustang's economical Falcon roots. Tipping the scales at around 3,000 pounds, the Mustang's lithe weight also contributed to its agile cornering and braking capabilities. Carroll Shelby recognized this potential and further bolstered the Hi-Po 289 with upgrades like the hi-rise aluminum intake and Holley 715-cfm carb, resulting in an impressive 306 horsepower.

The Hi-Po 289 engine left an indelible mark on the Mustang's history, transforming it from a pretty face to a true performance car that resonated with car lovers across the nation.

The 289 engine was replaced by the 302 in 1968

The Ford 289 engine was replaced by the 302 in 1968. This was due to a new Le Mans regulation that limited engine capacity to 5 litres, and Ford wanted to continue its winning streak at the race. The 302 engine was created by increasing the stroke of the 289 engine by 0.13 inches, resulting in a total displacement of 4,942 cc. The 302 engine also featured a shorter connecting rod, which, when combined with the longer 3-inch stroke, gave the engine its increased displacement.

The 302 engine was first introduced in the 1968 model year Ford Mustang, and it replaced the 289 engine early in the production run. The 302 engine had a two-barrel carburetor and a compression ratio of 9.5:1, resulting in a power output of 220 hp at 4,600 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 rpm. The four-barrel version of the 302 engine produced 230 hp.

The 302 engine shared many similarities with the 289 engine, including valve size and combustion chamber design. However, there were some differences, such as the use of a shorter connecting rod and a longer stroke. The 302 engine also had a different firing order compared to the 289, which helped distribute stresses more evenly across the crankshaft.

In terms of physical appearance, the 302 engine featured "Power by Ford" stamped on its pent-roof valve covers, which were also found on all Ford valve covers that year. The 302 engine also had a redesigned air cleaner assembly and was painted Ford Corporate Blue, a change that was made to all Ford engines in 1966.

Over the years, the 302 engine evolved and was used in various Ford vehicles, including the Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane, Torino, and F-Series trucks. It remained in production until 2001, when it was replaced by Ford's new Modular V8 engine.

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