I just recently got a 1966 mustang. I currently have a 289 in it. I want to give it more power. I what to put a 302 in it. Is this smart? How can i give my mustang more get up and go?
Welcome to All Ford Mustangs! A 302 isn't much different from a 289, except it has slightly more stroke. A 289 can make pretty good power. A good place to start would be induction. Swap out your intake manifold and carburetor for a 4 barrel setup. I'd recommend a Holley 650 cfm Street Avenger carb, and the intake is up to you. However, I'd stick to a dual-plane, low rise manifold for good low-end torque.
Next, upgrade the ignition. MSD makes some good stuff. Combine their 6AL ignition box with a Pertronix Ignitor pointless ignition and an MSD Blaster coil. You'll probably need some 8.5 mm spark plug wires with those. In fact, you might as well go with a Pro Billet distributor from MSD as well. It's another $180, but it's fully adjustable, which is really nice.
However, if your 289 is due for a rebuild, you'll probably want it cleaned and machined, at which point you can install a camshaft. If it gets upwards of $2000, then you might as well get a 302 crate motor from Ford Racing or one of the many crate motor vendors.
__________________
Proud owner of a '65 289 coupe w/ C4. Equipped with Edelbrock Performer intake K&N air filter, and 600 cfm carb, Comp Cams Xtreme Energy valvetrain, Comp Cams XE262H cam, MSD ignition, and ported heads. Suspended by 600# 1" drop front and stock rear springs, KYB shocks, 1" front and 7/8" rear sway bars, and Traction Master style traction bars. Your friendly suspension kid.
I have a 67 that I'm doing the same with. I've got a holley 600 that I'll probably upgrade soon to a holley 650 avenger. Also with an aluminum head that is rated to the new camshaft and valve springs just added. All this is pretty easy to do yourself. An electric fan, upgraded ignition and exhaust system also helps. Next I'm going to the gear which I'm told opens up a much greater response and power. Good luck.
A four speed auto isn't stock, probably an AOD. My C4 is still holding up to my modded 289, so the transmission should be ok. But you will want to upgrade your brakes. Look into a Stainless Steel Brakes disc brake conversion. After that, subframe connectors would be a good idea. Your rear axle should also hold up just fine, although you may want some steeper gears for better acceleration and around-town cruising.
__________________
Proud owner of a '65 289 coupe w/ C4. Equipped with Edelbrock Performer intake K&N air filter, and 600 cfm carb, Comp Cams Xtreme Energy valvetrain, Comp Cams XE262H cam, MSD ignition, and ported heads. Suspended by 600# 1" drop front and stock rear springs, KYB shocks, 1" front and 7/8" rear sway bars, and Traction Master style traction bars. Your friendly suspension kid.
Yes, a 302 crate engine will fit in your mustang. May have to change transmission if yours is stock. Some 302 have a different bolt pattern for the bell housing or transmission.
Google Crate Engines and compare prices, etc of other builders. Ford seems to be a little over priced.
Ok so I have decided to put a new ATK GT40 302 crate engine into my 1966 289 mustang. I want to put an Edelbrock dual quad intake with the Edelbrock oval air cleaner. Will all this fit in the 289 spot? Again, any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Remember that with the Ford engine (which is a great engine) you'll need to add ignition system, intake system, fuel system, change the oil pan and pick up, and maybe change the water pump.
I want to try and stick with the 302 because i didnt want to go though the trouble of making/buying bracets for a larger engine. And I've gone away from the ford racing engine because it is a "tad" pricey where as the ATK is more within my price range. If there is a different engine that is better please tell me. Otherwise I'm just curious as to if the ATK 302 crate pluss the Edelbrock dual qual intake and the oval air filter will fit in the 289 spot.
I want to try and stick with the 302 because i didnt want to go though the trouble of making/buying bracets for a larger engine. And I've gone away from the ford racing engine because it is a "tad" pricey where as the ATK is more within my price range. If there is a different engine that is better please tell me. Otherwise I'm just curious as to if the ATK 302 crate pluss the Edelbrock dual qual intake and the oval air filter will fit in the 289 spot.
The 331 and 347 are 302 blocks with longer stroke crank. No difference the physical size of the engine. Makes for a nice 'sleeper'!
Hey 66,
How long have you guys been in business? Am seriously looking for a new motor for my 68 conv.
Andrew
The shop has been in business for over 25 years most of that building NASCAR bush series engines. I have been there for 2 1/2 years now as a machinist. All engines are custom built, dyno tuned and tested and come with a 1 year waranty.
1966 mustang needs more power 
