Ineteresting thread. A lot of good options. Is there a budget? This went from a simple head swap to building a stroker. Cha-ching.
67staaang, have you done your exhaust yet? If so, a 351 won't bolt up, if not, there's some exspense there too.
Real rough numbers here but you're looking at $5-6,000. You can always go cheaper and the sky is the limit. Don't forget you've got to get all the support stuff too. Carb, intake, valve covers, fuel pump, etc. That ebock carb and performer intake ain't gonna do it. I'm in almost the exact same boat as you with my 68 convertible, but I don't care about the 05 stangs. I just want it to be fun and not embarrass myself if a bowtie is in the next lane.
Here's another option if your 289 is in good shape. This is what I'll probably end up doing. For $3-400 more you can get AFR 165 competition model. They flow about the same as the 185's but with the smaller ports of the 165. Bolt these onto your 289 with a custom cam (Ed Curtis, Jay Allen, etc), get your roller rockers, RPM/Stealth intake, a better carb, and good headers + exhaust. This will set you back around $3,000. Later if you want more power (and you will) those heads will support a 331. You can get a shortblock and swap your top end over without taking a big bite out of your wallet.
I can't decide to do this or blow my wad and do the whole thing at once. $$$ Exhaust is next month, so I don't have to decide yet
