Best way to spend $$ on an engine

[Jazzman]

I have a 1967 289 2V engine in my possession. It was supposedly "gone through", but I don't know exactly what that means, I don't know if the job was done correctly, and I don't know if I can/should trust the motor. (My gut says "NO".) I would like to jump all the way to another Coyote motor, but the total cost for such a swap is very substantial. I know I am going to have to spend some amount of money to get whatever I choose to use. I just don't know where my money would be best spent:

1) rebuild the 289, leave it pretty much stock, perhaps add better flowing heads, a 4V intake manifold, and newer carb.
2) rebuild the 289, add EFI
3) rebuild the 289, bump it up to a 302, perhaps even a 331 or 347 (then should It be carbed or EFI)
4) pickup up a solid 351W motor, preferably refurbished.
5) just pry open my wallet and do the Coyote! (Yes, it is what I would really like, but I don't like the price tag!!)

Now I know there are a lot of variables here, and much of it comes down to personal taste, budget, purpose etc. Can you give me some "real world guess-timations" of the cost to do each option? Do you have better ideas? The car will be a semi-daily driver, it doesn't have to break land speed records, but it does have to be dependable. Good mileage is a plus, but not critical.

[Fixit]

I haven't been involved with Windsor Fords for 3 decades - so I would be talking out my ... about what can be done nowadays with an OEM block, or an aftermarket block.
What car would this be going in??

Coming from the gut, and myself being a guy who can squeeze a dollar 'til it yelps, this would be my take on a retrofit into a Windsor based chassis.
- Stay with the Windsor platform - the car and electrics are already setup for it.
- I don't know if an OEM 289 block has enough meat to bore/stroke to a big CID... so build a snotty 302-based mill (OEM or aftermarket), do a stroker.
- Go EFI. Once you get the bugs out you'll wonder why you ever dealt with a carburetor.

[wareaglescott]

thought we already decided on the coyote.
Just get out your wallet.
End of thread.
(Ha actually I have noting to contribute but am interested in the responses so figured I would just harass you a bit)

[Itchief]

If you want to make a dependable daily driver and control cost I would rebuild the 289 with a mild cam, intake and heads then top it off with a EFI

Something that would run well on regular pump gas :o

Rick

[Jazzman]

thought we already decided on the coyote.
Just get out your wallet.
End of thread.
(Ha actually I have noting to contribute but am interested in the responses so figured I would just harass you a bit)

Yeah, you are right. We did. But then I found out the costs of all the other stuff that has to be done just to shoehorn that Coyote in there. My, the dollars do stack up.

Forgot to say, it actually is going in a '67 Mustang. The new suspension and brakes required to get the Coyote in are surprisingly expensive.

PS: WareagleScott - don't you have some big flying bus you should be driving?!!! :cool:

[Gordon Levy]

The big thing with the coyote in this car is the shock towers need to go so you end up putting in a Mustang 2 style front suspension. I have very cost effective big brake kits that would fit this car just fine.
As for the engine, freshen up the bottom and change to hydraulic roller cam, a decent pr of heads and intake and the car will have a nice drivable 350hp.

[slpro1207]

X2 on Gordon’s suggestions.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Given your criteria I'd follow Gordon's recommendation (especially the roller part---you don't want to have to break in a flat tappet on your first engine build if you can avoid it). First thing you need to do though is open it up to determine the results of having been "gone through". If you find that it's already been overbored .030 or .040 and the cylinders still aren't sound, straight or round reusing the existing block starts to become a moot point.

Good luck!

Jeff

[Gromit]

Keep it a small block here's why, you wouldn't have bought a new roadster kit setup for a small block i.e. Mounts headers et all with the going in thought I'm going to put in a big block or coyote

With the small block the aftermarket will be there to support you just open a catalog and posit to a set of coyote headers or accessory drive for a 67 stang... not so easy, now do the same for the small block and you'll have as many options as you'll need

Gordon, Jeff are on it, open it up see what you've got fix replace whats needed and here's my add, you want it to start and run nice without a lot of tinkering add a modern EFI

Just my $.02
Gromit aka Chris

[Railroad]

351W, stroked to 410, TB fuel injected, roller cam.

[Straversi]

Kevin,
You are standing at the edge of a very steep and dark $ pit.

If you are going to keep this car in the family, then by all means jump in and build it your way.

Earlier you mentioned fastback! I assume you are building this to learn some new skills and have some fun, but sell sooner than later???

Coupes have a low price ceiling. Find out what nice 67 Coupes sell for and then go tattoo that number on your check writing hand.

Give it a compression test. If it has good compression and doesn’t leave puddles then leave it alone. Add EFI. Upgrade the coolant system. Upgrade the brakes. Now you have a nice runner and haven’t lost big money, yet. Check that number on your hand.

If you are going to build the motor yourself for the learning experience then the mild build Gordon and others suggest is a good idea and will be fun.

Easy to overbuild the motor because at this point you haven’t spent much money and it’s the sexy part of the build. Then what? Will the transmission and rear end handle the new power? Check tattoo.

Better upgrade that suspension. Check that number on your hand.

Why won’t these aftermarket suspension parts fit correctly? Has this car been in any accidents in its 50+ years? Is the body really straight?

I know you found some rust. Have you found all of it? Any structural land mines still uncovered? Bondo under the paint?

Your paint and interior guys will have some ideas for you too. Keep checking that tattoo.

All that being said, sounds like fun. Wish it was in my garage.

-Steve

[NAZ]

If you're looking at best value for your $$ it's hard to beat a crate engine. If you're looking for a street only machine that has a bit of performance then you can get a 300HP / 330TQ 302CI short block for around $3200 and the same engine "dressed" with carb, ignition, etc. will set you back less than $4400. If you need a bit more power a 306CI SBF that puts out 370HP can be had in long block form for under $4000. And all these come with a roller cam and a warranty.

But when I see a 1967 Mustang I think big cubic inch FE power. American cars are meant to be powered by an engine displacing more than 300 cubic inches and the bigger the better.

[Jazzman]

But when I see a 1967 Mustang I think big cubic inch FE power. American cars are meant to be powered by an engine displacing more than 300 cubic inches and the bigger the better.

I like the way you think NAZ!! :cool:

[Jazzman]

Given your criteria I'd follow Gordon's recommendation (especially the roller part---you don't want to have to break in a flat tappet on your first engine build if you can avoid it). First thing you need to do though is open it up to determine the results of having been "gone through". If you find that it's already been overbored .030 or .040 and the cylinders still aren't sound, straight or round reusing the existing block starts to become a moot point.

Good luck!

Jeff

It certainly would be educational!! Guess I better get to pulling that thing out of there so I can see if I have a diamond in the rough or a boat anchor! Thanks!!

[Jazzman]

Kevin,
You are standing at the edge of a very steep and dark $ pit.
-Steve

Been there before!!! :cool:

[GoDadGo]

Sorry Brother, But LS All The Way!

New School Fuel Injection:
https://paceperformance.com/i-7141040-19369326-ls3-6-2l-430hp-gen-iv-cpp-crate-engine.html

Fake Ford Front Distributor Version / But The Valve Covers Must Go
https://paceperformance.com/i-23842416-gmp-19301360-chx-pace-ls3-533hp-carbureted-with-hei-as-cast-valve-covers.html

Again, Sorry Brother!

[Jazzman]

Sorry Brother, But LS All The Way!

Sin. The eternal human condition. The desire for all that is contrary to God's will rather than seeking His Favor. Putting an LS in a Cobra can be considered at least partly defensible due to Mr Shelby's initial desire to use Chevy motors. But an LS in a Mustang?!! Now THAT is outside the will of God! Would you put a Coyote in a Corvette? No! It is simply not done!! It is outside the great design of the universe!! (Ok, maybe it is done, but isn't it fun to poke at one another with a smile on our face and a laugh in our heart?!!) :cool:

[Al_C]

Kevin, This is a no-brainer. Option 2. Rebuild the 289. End of story.

[GoDadGo]

Would you put a Coyote in a Corvette?

Jazzman,

I'm Not Smart Enough To Install A Coyote In Anything!
Didn't You Already Realize That?

Steve

[Jazzman]

Jazzman,

I'm Not Smart Enough To Install A Coyote In Anything!
Didn't You Already Realize That?

Steve

Pish tosh, Steve! I don't believe all those stereotypes about folks from Louisiana!! (only some of them!!) ;)

[1932]

Steve go to have you on forum! engine needs some ponies for a pony car!!

[GoDadGo]

Pish tosh, Steve! I don't believe all those stereotypes about folks from Louisiana!! (only some of them!!) ;)

Hey Jazzman,

I was referring to my Chevy & Mopar Only Mechanical Abilities, not my great state that gave you your name. (Jazz)

New Orleans / The Birthplace of Jazz & VooDoo In America.
In the late 19th century, while the rest of America was stomping their feet to military marches, New Orleans was dancing to VooDoo rhythms.
New Orleans was the only place in the New World where slaves were allowed to own drums the origins of Jazz.

You Are Part Of Who We Are So Come Visit N.O.L.A. As Soon As You Can Sir Jazzman!

Steve

Thank God For People Like: Louis Armstrong, Ellis Marsalis, Fats Domino, Alan Toussant & Louis Prima Because They Changed The Music Of For World!

[Jazzman]

You speak the truth, Daddy'O!! NOLA is on my list of places to go, just haven't gotten to it yet. Such a great list of of Jazz greats. My son (age 24) loves Louis Prima! I am so glad that at least some of the younger generation are hearing the "Greats"!!