Looking to freshen up the little 289. Looking to spend around $1500 on her, I was thinking heads, cam, and headers? Anyone have any suggestions? Would I be better off trying to find an already built late model 302? I have a newer weiland intake and carb. Let me know, thanks for looking.
I got some very good power from the Edelbrock heads and cam on my old 289.Just make sure you keep the compression up.The cam is very streetable and did pretty good on gas too.
If i'm not mistaken, the stock head volume is 54cc on the 289 head. Most aftermarket aluminum heads are 60cc and higher. You could pick up a set of used Windsor Jr. cast iron heads for ~$500 and have them milled .030 to get you close to the chamber volume. If they are fitted with a 2.02" intake valve, you will have to worry about valve clearance with an agressive cam. I can't recall if they are available with a 1.90" intake valve. With the money left over, you can add an ignition and distributor.
FYI... I bought most of everything I have from ebay, recycler.com, corral.net, and the junk yard. Take your time, do some shopping, and save a ton.