going from a 289 to 302 please help - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

06-17-2003, 19:38

i would like to swap my 289 to a crate 302...i would like a like power but i really dont want to spend much...about a $1000....i have found that i can get a reman. 1979 mustang 302 for around $900. i am willing to swap the transmissions...my question will my current tranny work with it or is there a specific tranny that will bolt up to a 289 tranny?? i really am engine and tranny illiterate....the tranny i have now has reverse in the top left...1st is down and left...2ed is up and right and 3rd is down and right..hopefully this will give someone a clue as to what i have...a 3 speed is all i know...anyway does anyone know what 302's will bolt up to it...thanks please help...Rosproline157@aol.com
thanks again

AndrewsXR8 · 06-17-2003, 22:38

the 289 and 302 are the same except for internals, you should have no problems bolting the trans up. Just make sure that the input shaft in the gearbox will fit into the back of the engine. different boxes have different shaft sizes, and you will need a bearing to suit your gearbox.

ebxr8240 · 06-18-2003, 06:53

Yep the bearing Andrew is talking about [spiggot] is in the rear crank centre where shaft slides into..
The 289 has slightly less stroke..
You should be able to find a reasonable 2nd hand gear box 4 speed from a Junk yard / wreckers..

cougar190 · 07-19-2003, 19:18

I noticed you didn't say what your year model was. On pre-65 small blocks ford used a 5-bolt bellhousing ,in the middle of 65 they switched to the now standard 6 bolt design ,I hope this doesn't cause you a problem. cougar

AndrewsXR8 · 07-20-2003, 04:32

good point cougar, i'd forgotten about that.