What are factory XR 289's like...didnt know if it was cleveland or windsor, sorry - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Young Angus · 03-02-2005, 05:19

Im probably gonna get an XR wagon i found with a factory fitted 289...bloody sweet car! Wont go into it now cos ive gotta go to bed but i was just interested what brand of motor these are (ie. windsor or cleveland or other) and what are they like if tinkered up properly?

Its on duel fuel and im gonna put a manual toploader/single rail in it. So what kind of performance can i expect if i tinker it up properly?

Cheers

ebxr8240 · 03-02-2005, 13:57

289 is one of my fav motors they rev to the moon with right valve gear etc..They are the smaller / shorter stroke little brother to the 302 Windsor.Engines with high miles can suffer from cracked pistons, but they very rarely fail! Just that when pulling them apart years ago from importing from U.S most had cracked pistons.But these engines had extremly high milage on them, when taking valve covers off coouldn't see valve gear for gunk covering them.They still ran, didn't smoke.
Plenty of performance parts for this engine, as is for 302w...

Young Angus · 03-03-2005, 06:21

So they are windsors?

That sounds promising, this will be my first V8...ive only driven two 250's in an XE and an XF till soon. So ill be wrapped with any advice anyone can give on how i can get this thing running and sounding like a bit of a beast!

Im already going to get a manual top loader put on it and an exhaust to beef up the sound and make it roar...but i want to tune it up for the gas probably depending on my options. My mate has an XB 351 on gas and it roars!

Any suggestions and tips will be much appreciated...cheers!

ebxr8240 · 03-03-2005, 16:20

Fit a 3" crank in there, keep the 289 rods, pistons to suit..You have a long rod 302...
Or use the crank. rods, pistons from someone who has stroked there [302]5 Litre? There MUST be a few around now ? If you intend to overhaull it?