Hi, I have a highly restored 67 fastback. I have the original 289/4 barrel in the car. The engine runs really well, but I drive a lot, and I want a little more power, and 100% reliability as I do a lot of long distance drives.
I've decided a 347 small block would be the way to go. The ford racing engines seem great, but are a bit pricey at 8900$
Is there a really top notch cheaper alternative? Has anyone bought a Tuff Dawg, or Smedding, or any other engine that is a good equivalent?
Your choices are pretty unlimited. Good 347's are almost falling out of trees these days.
If you can assemble the engine yourself, buy a kit from Performance Automotive Warehouse (PAW). All the parts come pre machined and ready to go. You do the assembly.
I used one of their kits to build a 427W, and they did a really nice job. That was a few years ago when 427W's were not that common.
I was checking around...and there is a 351 (250hp) windsor from summit that is pretty reasonable. I guess my budget is less than 5000, but would prefer less than 4000. I'm unable to build the engine myself...and where I live the shoptime is pretty expensive, so i think its going to be cheaper to get something ready to drop in.
How would a 351 (250hp) compare to my 289?
or is there a company out there where I can find a 347 for less than 5?
You know, check Ebay. I have been looking at the prices for complete engines and I thought I had seen some for under 5K. They were new/rebuilt performance engines. You would need to research the builder or company for reputation though.
A 250hp 351W is a pig. That's only .72hp/cube. I wouldn't waste my time and effort installing it. Not to mention the additional costs involved in moving up to the slightly bigger engine - oil pan, front dress, exhaust, etc.
Look at Coasthigh.com. They have an excellent reputation for a quality product. They're a little slow sometimes. So don't get in a hurrey.
You can order an assembled long block 306W for a little over $5K. You can use the intake, oil pan, exhaust, distributer, and front dress off your 289. A swap like that would take a long week end to do.
That would be a much better engine than the 351W, and it would save you a lot of money and trouble.
Well sh***** cause I just ordered one...but contrary to what you say..I'm told it's a pretty nice engine...reliable, with lot's of torque. Is it really a pig? Money wise, it's the only engine that really fits my budget.
worst thing is to have someone tell you you ordered junk?? Anyone out there with a more consoling vision? Or is he right...is this engine a waste of time?
thanks
>> Well sh***** cause I just ordered one...but contrary to what you say..I'm told it's a pretty nice engine...reliable, with lot's of torque. Is it really a pig? Money wise, it's the only engine that really fits my budget. <<
I wouldn't say it's junk. But it's such a poor performer that I don't think it's worth the time, money, and effort to install it. I looked through Summit to find it, but didn't see a listing. The engine should run just about forever. There's no real strain on it, since it's underpowered and in a fairly light weight car.
When comparing it to the engine you have now (assuming it's in good shape and tuned correctly), you probably won't notice much of a differance. It may put a little more HP than your 289. But it's also heavier.
As for the budget, did you facter in all the extra parts you have to buy to make the swap? If you have a stock hood on your '67, it probably won't fit. You'll need a scoop and a hole in the hood.
Engine swap costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not carefull. Guess how I know that?
Ok, .boB,
I spent my day calling around, and the general concensus agrees with you. Ford Racing themselves were a bit more optimistic. They thought with a cam change, I could easily get the power up to 290hp. Anyway, what you say makes sense to me...and I think the hood clearance isnt an issue...
So I cancelled my order. Problem is, I still need an engine. Can you suggest where I can get a descent turnkey engine, and a good move up from my 289, for under 5000?
Coast high has an excellent reputation. It's not quite under $5K, but pretty darn close. That's a good strong engine that will be an easy swap. That would be my first choice.
yes cal dss racing order a long block or coast performance 310-784-2977,dss #630-268-1630 norwalk racing engine,714-282-7996,bennett racing 205-486-8441 good luck if you can install heads yourself another option is getting short block assembled buy used aftermarket heads e-bay and put your heads and acc.
Best, and most reasonable 347 to buy for a 67 
