Fairlane1591

Hey guys
do you think a 390 will fit in a 1965 ford fairlane, or should i just stay with the 289?
thanks :)

 

Canadiancarnut

The 289 isn't too much different than a 302... a 351 is also exremely close to a 302... a 390 however is a whole different ball game. Not saying don't go for it- with enough finnessing you can fit just about any engine into any car.

okgearhead

didnt they have a GTA 427 fairlane?

jonas1022

Yeah, it was a bigger unibody and redesigned from the onset to take the big block engines.

jonas1022

If you want it to handle well stay with the small block. Back in the day as a young fella I punched out a 289 to over 300 cid. I forget exactly how large it was, something around 311, IDK. I bought several performance parts from JC Whitney in Chicago and built the engine up to over 350 hp. At that time there were dyno for engines, but nothing with rollers around to put your car on. I put it into my 67 Custom 500 and that thing could fly! I suppose you could do a big block into your 65, but it's more Falcon than Fairlane. That's no disgrace, just that the front engine suspension is marginal to begin with. Same with the steering and brakes. I wouldn't be inclined to add wieght. I would be looking for ways to shave it off. Add to that the opinion of several folks that the 390 is a bit of a boat anchor. The newer 5.0 version of the 302 is far more powerful and reliable. Maybe get a Mustang 5.0 and five speed? Lower wieght, more power. Bound to be a winner.;-)

George1861

289/302/5.0 is all the same, block wise. put a 302 crank & rods in the 289 & you got a 302. 5.0 is a 302 after they were forced to apply metric designations. Or throw in a 320-330 or so stroker kit!

atec77

Major work required , if you want more then build a wheezer .

jonas1022

+1 to that!

You could do a low pressure blower safely without a forged bottom end... It'll give another kick in the butt when you feel it's necessary. And be docile the rest of the time. ;-)