Have you looked at the offerings from Ford Performance? May be a bit above budget, but you can be assured that Ford engineers have done the homework on putting these together. Note that these all have an all forged rotating assembly.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/engines/#302

Also, I agree with others about having to think about the entire drivetrain, brakes, and other components. This can become a slippery slope indeed.

I had '65s with a 200 inline 6, a 260 V8 and a 289 V8. All ran like a scalded dog because the car was so light. Any would be pretty good for spirited driving.

The only version of that car that was a dog was the 170 inline 6.

A 302 or smaller would be a great choice for the use you describe...but why not just rebuild the engine you have?

My pops has a 67 playmate pink (LOL!) with the 302. I like that engine. Very fun to drive. Just not my cup of tea.... I like computerized FI wayyyyyy too much..

That is a rare car. I stole the pink dash off a totaled one once...and sprayed it black.

Same here. Personally, I wouldn't even consider the first two engines, and would do whatever it takes to make the third work (improved cooling, brakes, subframe, etc., if necessary).

In my life I have lamented some 'woulda coulda shoulda' decisions. The OP would not regret the 390 decision. The happiness of the economic choice fades. The comfort of the robust choice continues to please.

390 hp in a 2500 lbs car with ****ty brakes, crappy suspension, and small tires (245/50/15 is as big as it can take) would be one small step from a death trap.

Drop another 10 or 15 grand (or more) into restomod upgrades and it would be fine. Stock and 390 is far too much.

Totally agree. I have not once wished I had more power in my Elky. I could have dropped in a ton of power. Then spent a bunch fixing the drivetrain.

390 is way too much power for that drive train.

I have never understood people's obsession with big numbers. I had a 986 standard Boxster. 217hp. TONS of fun. Perfect amount of power for the platform.

235, put a nice exhaust on it, and enjoy driving it. Think you will sink some $ into the chassis later, fine, go with 300.

In my late teens/early twenties, I dated a girl with an original 68 playmate pink Mustang. Had a C4, but I think it was a 289 car not a 302. There was a registry of the cars and the numbers all were legit. She still has it almost 30 years later....

A man's gotta know his [car's] limitations.

Not much of a point in going with the 300 since it makes the same or LESS power until you get to almost 4000 rpm which is where the OP says he'll keep the revs.

Thanks again guys, some really good input here.
I am still leaning towards the 235hp for many of the reasons stated here.
The original engine was fine power wise, just getting tired.
The 235 will be a nice upgrade with room to grow later; aluminum heads, better cam...
Money is not the deciding factor, but it is a factor.
With the ~$2k saved, I can get a better tranny and/or disc brakes.
I did look at the ford stuff but waaaaay out of my league.
Also thought about rebuilding original engine but have too many projects as it is, and money wise, its not too much more to get a drop in crate engine.

Little more info:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1566484711.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1566484711.jpg


Prices are wrong, the 390 increased by about a grand since I got this info.

Wow, it is crazy how expensive Ford engines are. Way cheaper than Porsche for sure, but no wonder so many Ford hot rods and Chevy engines in them.

The graph helps the visualization. It sounds like the 235 (should be called 240) would be fine. The 300 wouldn't be the right choice for the intended usage. If any "upgrade" was desired, it'd be the 390 or nothing. But if the 390 is 6500 vs the 235 being 3300, I think I'd recommend the 235. If more visceral acceleration was required, it'd be cheaper to swap in lower gears in the back.

My advice would be to buy what you want now rather that add heads, cam, etc. The complete matched package will run better than monkeying with it. You can actually go backwards changing out things.

That 235 motor is not much different than an A Code with a Holly and alum intake.

Unless you are going to upgrade most aspects of your Mustang (which will cost more than a few dollars), you should stick with the 235 hp engine. Its torque curve, compared to the other two engines, works just fine for your intended use. No way in heck should you even consider the 390 hp engine.

My 66', pictured below, has about 325 hp and has numerous upgrades to keep me and the car in one piece: Radiator; Monte Carlo bar; roll bar; built T-5 tranny & driveshaft; frame connectors; traction bars; 9" rear end w/axles; performance suspension/brakes; etc, etc, etc.

Even if you only upgrade to the 300 hp engine, you are definitely going to have to upgrade your car.




http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1566489850.jpg

Holy poop that is gorgeous!