I have a 1966 289 2v automatic coupe. The car is 100% stock and has 90K miles on it. It hasn't been started in over 20 years. My plan is to hop it up a bit and convert it to manual. I have a 1970 302 with a 4 speed top loader sitting on a pallet. My question is... What's the best way to go? The 302 only has 20K miles on it. I've been told the 1970 302 is the better choice. I was told it is stronger than the 289 and would put out better hp and torque numbers. The 302 is also 2v. My plan is to put on a bigger intake and a 4 barrel and go with headers and duel exhaust. I don't have much $ to stick into my car. Maybe $2K-$4K. I'm not looking for big power. I would be happy with 300 hp. I was also told the 1970 heads are better than the 1966 heads. If it was your car and you didn't care about numbers matching or keeping it stock. What would you do? I don't plan on selling my car so resale value isn't a concern for me. I just want my car to be reliable, sound good and when I stomp on the gas it goes...
1966 289 Or 1970 302
- Thread starter SchmidtyD66
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You can get 300 hp out of either one of those. Bone stock, yes the 302 has a few more cubes. Personally I would search someone like Edelbrock and you can get a dyno matched kit that will have your Aluminum heads, cam, intake, lifters etc all matched to run together. No guess work or trial and error.
Example http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-2091/reviews/
Example http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-2091/reviews/
302 for the better rods and heads. Way back when I was building a 67 I did a few motors. The same mods got more power out of the 302.
One very interesting 289 mod thought was valves on the 289 heads. I swapped the intake and exhaust valves and then used some sb Chevy exhaust valves as intake valves with a huge cam, single plain intake, and a Holley 650 and that motor was something.
Unfortunately, one of those whimpy 289 rod bolts broke on a pretty quick pass and that motor was toast.
One very interesting 289 mod thought was valves on the 289 heads. I swapped the intake and exhaust valves and then used some sb Chevy exhaust valves as intake valves with a huge cam, single plain intake, and a Holley 650 and that motor was something.
Unfortunately, one of those whimpy 289 rod bolts broke on a pretty quick pass and that motor was toast.
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