289 engine upgrade - 2v to 4v, and ?
01-22-2017, 05:28 PM
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: montreal
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289 engine upgrade - 2v to 4v, and ?
Evening.
I am a new owner of a 1966 with 289 engine.
The engine is in great condition, has heathers and dual exhaust.
That being said, it has a 2V intake and carb.
My first project this spring is to upgrade to 4V carb to try and gain more HPs.
Am I on the right track? What else would you suggest to improve performance, new cam? I am not looking for a drag racer, just something fun to drive around. It has a fairly small radiator and engine fan, is that something I should upgrade too? Bigger with electric fan?
Thanks !
I am a new owner of a 1966 with 289 engine.
The engine is in great condition, has heathers and dual exhaust.
That being said, it has a 2V intake and carb.
My first project this spring is to upgrade to 4V carb to try and gain more HPs.
Am I on the right track? What else would you suggest to improve performance, new cam? I am not looking for a drag racer, just something fun to drive around. It has a fairly small radiator and engine fan, is that something I should upgrade too? Bigger with electric fan?
Thanks !
01-22-2017, 08:37 PM
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Slave Lake, AB
Posts: 6,871
I've got no experience with the 289 but it seems to me you are on the right track. I'm sure heads, cam, intake, carb would wake it right up. If budget isn't a concern a new rad and electric fan is probably a good idea as well.
01-24-2017, 12:32 AM
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 4
Engine looks good. I'm surprised its a 2 barrel...The standard play is edelbrock performer manifold with 4 barrel carb. If you are adventurous you can upgrade to the Edelbrock performer camshaft and make it a complete package.
Lots involved in camshaft swap including springs...lifters..etc.
You can upgrade yor coil to an Accell high output for a punchier spark.
Of course the quickest way around all this is to upgrade your rear gear to a 383...that would do the most damage.
But if I were you I would just upgrade the manifold and carb...unless your heads/valves..etc...are worn.
Lots involved in camshaft swap including springs...lifters..etc.
You can upgrade yor coil to an Accell high output for a punchier spark.
Of course the quickest way around all this is to upgrade your rear gear to a 383...that would do the most damage.
But if I were you I would just upgrade the manifold and carb...unless your heads/valves..etc...are worn.
01-24-2017, 12:35 AM
#4
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 4
Also...keep in mind the engine runs off the 2 barrel until just past the mid power curve then the back 2 barrels come in for mid to top RPM.
A lot of people put on a 4 barrel and wonder why the car isn't faster off the line.
In some ways the 2 barrel would be snappier for 0-60 feet, but thats where the 4 barrel comes in after that.
A punchier spark helps right across the power curve. (Upgraded ignition coil)
A lot of people put on a 4 barrel and wonder why the car isn't faster off the line.
In some ways the 2 barrel would be snappier for 0-60 feet, but thats where the 4 barrel comes in after that.
A punchier spark helps right across the power curve. (Upgraded ignition coil)
01-24-2017, 08:23 PM
#5
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: montreal
Posts: 6
Thanks for the comments.
I will start with 4V this spring and take it from there. It has a small rad and engine fan I might want to swap that too. Obviously that would require a new alternator I guess lol
I will start with 4V this spring and take it from there. It has a small rad and engine fan I might want to swap that too. Obviously that would require a new alternator I guess lol
02-01-2017, 08:52 PM
#7
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ontario
Posts: 268
How much do you want to spend? 
A clutch fan will help you by getting a few HP.
You are about to go down a very slippery path of spending money: roller cam, roller rockers, overdrive alternator pulley (Hipo and Boss), 347, rear gears. Then you need better brakes.
All said in fun but I have been down this road
A clutch fan will help you by getting a few HP.
You are about to go down a very slippery path of spending money: roller cam, roller rockers, overdrive alternator pulley (Hipo and Boss), 347, rear gears. Then you need better brakes.
All said in fun but I have been down this road
04-02-2017, 08:12 AM
#9
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Welland
Posts: 69
My 68 was a "C" code as well. My first change was new cam from Edelbrock, next was a stock cast iron 4 barrel intake manifold and 4100 carb, then came a set of Edelbrock aluminum heads and tri-y headers.
A 331 stroker now lives in the engine bay.
As stated earlier it can be a never ending progression of throwing money at it which may never end.
A 331 stroker now lives in the engine bay.
As stated earlier it can be a never ending progression of throwing money at it which may never end.
04-02-2017, 08:17 PM
#10
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: montreal
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My 68 was a "C" code as well. My first change was new cam from Edelbrock, next was a stock cast iron 4 barrel intake manifold and 4100 carb, then came a set of Edelbrock aluminum heads and tri-y headers.
A 331 stroker now lives in the engine bay.
As stated earlier it can be a never ending progression of throwing money at it which may never end.
A 331 stroker now lives in the engine bay.
As stated earlier it can be a never ending progression of throwing money at it which may never end.
Only the heads and cam are not modified at this point I'm wondering if it's worth throwing more money in. I like my little 290 I think it will be enough.
