289 Engine

helitiminaz · Jul 19, 2010

Hey, I'm Tim with a 67 Convertible in process of "restoring". I'm on year 5, painting done, assembly well under way, and now looking for what to do with my good 289. The engine was fresh (5k miles after rebuild), but I couldn't leave it alone. I tore it down to inspect and looking to add some HP. Cylinders still look good (0.030 over, and hone marks still visible), pistons just a little carbon. Already have Edelbrock Performer intake, Hedman headers, Holley DP. Now I'm looking at adding AFR 165 SBF heads and a Comp cam (maybe maybe 281HR grind). I'm new to engine building and this cam has a "mild" idle. Will this support C4 Automatic trans, AC, PS, and PB? Looking for plenty of advice before pulling the trigger on this. Thanks, Tim

PoppyMod · Jul 19, 2010

helitiminaz said:
Hey, I'm Tim with a 67 Convertible in process of "restoring". I'm on year 5, painting done, assembly well under way, and now looking for what to do with my good 289. The engine was fresh (5k miles after rebuild), but I couldn't leave it alone. I tore it down to inspect and looking to add some HP. Cylinders still look good (0.030 over, and hone marks still visible), pistons just a little carbon. Already have Edelbrock Performer intake, Hedman headers, Holley DP. Now I'm looking at adding AFR 165 SBF heads and a Comp cam (maybe maybe 281HR grind). I'm new to engine building and this cam has a "mild" idle. Will this support C4 Automatic trans, AC, PS, and PB? Looking for plenty of advice before pulling the trigger on this. Thanks, Tim

Hi Tim,

What size HP DP? What do you mean when you state "Will this support C4 Automatic trans, AC, PS, and PB?"
These engines are very well capable of making good power with the right parts. Heads with a stable valve train are very important first considerations. Converting to a roller would be a good recommendation.
If you're looking to build a good street warrior with a little attitude and cruiser, then, build for low end torque and, maybe, add a 3.25 rear.
My first 289/331 build made 348 RWHP, before moving up to 392 RWHP. So, I know what they are capable of "excitement".

gregski · Jul 19, 2010

some ideas

Edelbrock Performer intake - good, I would use that as well instead of the RPM one, for low RPM performance where you'll spend most of your driving

Hedman headers - are these the long tube type, I hear long tube is the way to go again for low RPM power, and what about the rest of the exhaust, what diameter pipe are you using, single or dual exhaust, what muffler(s), don't overlook the exhaust, it's very important

AFR 165 SBF heads - read excellent reviews wish I could afford these

Comp cam (maybe maybe 281HR grind) - no clue on the cam, new to it myself

JonK · Jul 19, 2010

Download the CompCams free program CamQuest and plug in all your info. it will suggest cams that match what your looking for with your intended use/driving style. If you want more power while you've got it apart you might consider stroking it to 331, close to stock rod angle and add 40ci. It'll breathe well with those AFR's, I have almost the same setup about to install in my '67.
Jon

Georgia Snake · Aug 2, 2010

289

That may be too much carb. Small block heads have always been a little restrictive but there are ways around that. They like small carbs. The stock 4 barrell was actually slightly less than 600 cfm. To use that much carb I would suggest a split grind cam ie one that has different lift/duration for exaust and intake. Even a streight out of the box 600 cfm Holley vac secondary usually needs to be tailored slightly to the engine to work 100%. The secondary springs usually have to be changed to get the right cut in, the jets, and the accelorator pump jetting as well. So if you have a "bog" when you step on it hard, you need to look at the things I just mentioned. Good Luck.

Realmongo · Aug 7, 2010

Georgia Snake said:
That may be too much carb. Small block heads have always been a little restrictive but there are ways around that. They like small carbs. The stock 4 barrell was actually slightly less than 600 cfm. To use that much carb I would suggest a split grind cam ie one that has different lift/duration for exaust and intake. Even a streight out of the box 600 cfm Holley vac secondary usually needs to be tailored slightly to the engine to work 100%. The secondary springs usually have to be changed to get the right cut in, the jets, and the accelorator pump jetting as well. So if you have a "bog" when you step on it hard, you need to look at the things I just mentioned. Good Luck.

The standard A code 289 engines had 1.08 Autolite 4100s that would flow about 480 CFM out of the factory, where the K codes had the 1.12 Autolite 4100s that would flow around 600 CFM, but they had a factory redline of 7000 RPM.

289 Engine

helitiminaz

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289 Engine

helitiminaz

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