QuestionQUESTION: Hi, i have just put in a 289 in my 66 mustang that was originally a i-6 and it now has an auto tranny.I am still wanting some more power and was wondering what i could do to make the car get to 60 in 5 sec. or less with out my top speed dropping below 120mph.I do not want to modify the way the body looks. any info you can give will be helpfull.
ANSWER: Hello Alex,
To achieve your goals, you will need to model your Mustang after the Shelby model available in 1966. A 1966 Shelby had a 306 HP engine vs. the 200HP in your 289, for example. But as importantly, a Shelby has extensive modifications to suspension, body structure and brakes to take the stresses of the acceleration and top speed you desire. You would have to make similar changes to your car as the standard six cylinder Mustang would be dangerous to you and others with simply a powerful engine and no other modifications.
Obviously, one can achieve almost any performance goal given enough time and money. May I suggest you set your goals slightly lower by building the HIPO version of the 1966 Mustang. The 289 in this version makes over 276HP with 4 barrel carburation and has easier to achieve modifications. You'd end up with a mid-six second car which is still mighty quick and just as fun!
Good luck and be safe
Bob
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi,the 6 sec time seems good enough to me now i need to know what i would need to do to make my 289 a hipo 289.also is there much room for improvment when i try to make it a hipo ie,useing a certain brand or using something that csot the same but was not stock specs.
AnswerHello Alex,
The good news is that design improvements in most engine components should make your horsepower increase much easier than seeking to completely duplicate the old 289 HIPO. Limiting ourselves to bolt-on performance, carburation, exhaust, intake manifold, camshafts,heads etc. available today exceed the best of the sixties.
There are a number of good brands out there, Edelbrock being one, to source matched components for just about any goal from street to strip. Most important is that you plan to match the components together even if you don't buy them all at once. ie. a carburetor designed for drag strip use is not going to work well with a street intake manifold. Good sources on how to do this are Mustangs Unlimited, Year One and Summit Racing. They offer technical support as well as the components to make it happen!
Good luck on your project!
Bob
