Thread: Rebuild my 289 or replace with a 5.0?

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I have been pricing components and machine work and have found that for about the same price it would cost to rebuild my 289 short block, I can purchase a Ford Racing 5.0 roller short block from Jegs. It is right around $1400 delivered.

I have a few questions.

Will my 289 oil pan and timing chain cover work with the 5.0 block?

Can I use a mechanical fuel pump on the 5.0 or would I need to go with and electric pump?

How about the water pump? Will a 289 style pump fit?

Any problems with using a C-4 with the 5.0 block?

FWIW, with either combo I intend to use Windsor Jr heads, approriate cam for 1500-5800 range, Air Gap manifold and a 600cfm Edelbrock carb.

Ok, since no one wants to play, I will. I dont believe that the oil pan or timing cover will bolt to your 302. Dont quote me on that, but I wouldnt count on it fitting. As for the mechanical fuel pump, you have to see if the block has a hole for the pump to fit into. The water pump fits into the same catagory as the timing cover. The C4 should bolt straight onto your 5.0 with no problems. There were a number of RWD cars that came with c4s and 302s.

oil pan, timing cover, and water pump will directly swap onto a 5.0 block.... you'll have to change the oil pickup tube to a front sump pan pickup, which shouldn't be a problem.... the fuel pump will work fine because of your timing cover, you'll have to put your eccentric from your 289 on the 5.0 though cause they dont have one of course..... the cam in the 5.0 shortblocks also are actually pretty peppy.... you would probably be satisfied leaving that how it is, putting some roller lifters in and have a full roller setup....

289 bored .060 is a 5.0 ,just no roller.

Originally Posted by shawnlee28

289 bored .060 is a 5.0 ,just no roller.

289 and 5.0 have the same 4" bore.... its the stroke is whats different :-P

I am also considering a 331 stroker. My local machine shop says he can sell me a good 302 block for $100 if I have him do the machine work. I have found 331 stroker kits for about $800. How much block clearancing is necessary for the 331? I sure like the idea of 42 ci over the 289, especially if I can get if for only about $500 above the cost of overhauling the 289 bottom end.

block clearance? if you mean clearance with the crank and connecting rods to the block.... it should clear no problem..... they dont have the problem like those chevy 383 strokers do

No need to whip out the die grinder unless you stroke it to 347. Like he said, all 1965 and newer 289 stuff will bolt onto the 5.0 block. You will need to plug the existing dipstick hole on the driver side of the block. I tapped it for an 1/8" pipe plug. Also, if you have a standard transmission with linkage actiated clutch you will also have to buy or fab a bracket to mount the clutch pivot to the side of the block since the 5.0's used a cable actuated clutch. Scroll down this page for the equalizer bar bracket. Buy theirs for 50 bucks or make one from the picture.