James, I echo that sentiment. My thought would be to build a 331 CID
motor using the 3.25 inch stroke, and the appropriate rods and pistons.
Kits are available. Make the compression ratio around 9.8 or so. And
yes, get the best flowing heads you can for the money you wist to
spend. I think there are some good "as cast" heads not that would do
provided they have big valves. I would use an aftermarket EFI system
if possible. The kind that has a mass air flow meter. Once tuned that
practically eliminates any future tuning issues. A carb will make as
much power, but is not as drivable.
remember also that if you plan on driving down the road at the same
speeds you drive now, the hp requirements will be the same at those
speeds. You can have a 600 hp motor but at 70 mph the Tiger requires
maybe 40 hp to go that fast. Excess hp is then useful for spirited
driving.
And remember, if you go fast, you gotta still stop maybe even faster. So
makes the brakes as important in your rebuild as the motor and trans and
diff.
Then enjoy that puppy..
mayf
On 2/3/2011 10:45 AM, james ellis wrote:
> The only replacement for cubic inches is rectangular dollars, so were it me
> would go for more displacement and the best heads you can afford.
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: John Crawley<alittlemoreink@hotmail.com>
> To: LIST TIGER<tigers@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 1:18:15 PM
> Subject: Re: [Tigers] Building a street 289
>
> Hi All:
>
> With winter snow deep and crisp and temperatures too low to want to think
> about them it is time for a bit of arm chair mechanics.
> My TIGER engine has now clocked more than 50,000 miles and is in need of a
> refresh. It is a 5-bolt 289 with 302 heads, duel plane intake and Holly 600
> cfm vac secondary, stock exhaust, and a single point dizzy. I am presently
> running a 30% overdrive top-loader but will be changing to a wide-ratio
> 4-speed. When I built it I used Tom Monroes How to build a Small Block Ford
> as a guide.
>
> My son is a mechanic with CASCAR experience and will build the engine for me
> so my expenses will be for machining and parts. He suggested that in planning
> the engine I start by asking what others have done for TIGERs as that is best
> way to avoid Bad Builds.
>
> I want to run long distances but have decent power (more that what I have
> now).
> Better fuel economy would be nice. Street-ability is a consideration as well.
> Since I am a retired guy on a limited budget I want the best Bang-for-my-Buck.
>
> So my questions:
> - What book do you recommend now as a guide to building a 289 considering that
> there has been considerable development since Toms book was written in 1978?
> - What formula have you found successful building a street 289 for a TIGER?
> - Where would you spend your money?
>
> All help greatly appreciated.
>
> Go far, quickly and safely
> Jc
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