Ford Repair: upgrade a newer engine in an older car., ford galaxie 500, 1967 ford galaxie

Question
Steve,
I own a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 convertable. It originally came with a 289 engine. The engine has been replaced 2 times with 289 from junk yards but the life of the engines didn't last. I even tried to install a 390 because of the reliablity of that engine but the engine framing mounts were different and it became a nightmare. This all took place 25 plus years ago to about 10 years ago. The car has sat in my garage not running and I was given a gift of some cash from my wife to get it going again. The gift I received won't by me new stuff, but I need to start my research to see what I can afford. My problem is I don't know where to start to find a newer engine with the proper mounting for the 289 brackets that is basic enough to install an older car but have better horse power to move a car that size. I would also need a transmission to match.
Could you help steer me in the right direction.
Thank you in advance
Scott Valleley

Answer
Scott-

  Well the only thing that will drop right in to replace a 289 is a 302.  The power difference isn't really much but you'll have a big selection of aftermarket performance parts if that's a way you choose to go.  If you could find someone parting out another '67-ish Galaxy 500 that originally came with a bigger motor then you could swipe the engine brace and all of that good stuff to put a bigger engine in there (which is why your 390 wouldn't mount up originally).  For the most part transmissions are secondary.  If you're buying a used motor, try and get the transmission with it.  You might have to do some minor fabrication to the transmission mounts and the driveshaft to make it all fit, but it's a lot easier than trying to piece together 2 different transmission/engine combos.  Hope this helps.

Steve