Engine, engines, engines?

[PN in KC]

So the order is in, and I have several months of planning and impatiently waiting to get started. I’m probably over-analyzing my choices so thought I would get the latest opinions from everyone.

Important for me:
Period correct and nostalgia…needs to look right
Easy to maintain
Street use, very unlikely to do any hardcore driving

Probably lots more little things, but I’ll stop at that short list. Thanks for any input!

[Jim1855]

A newer 302/5.0 with a carb looks like a period correct 289.
Call Mike Forte. He can build what you want. Service & support with one phone call.
https://fortesparts.com/
Jim

[first time builder]

I agree Mike puts together a killer combo to suit your needs. And can get you a TKX to go with it.
Kenny

[cnutting]

Mike can also provide a period correct 289 that looks like a period correct 289....

Great service from Mike!

[KDubU]

Mike Forte built me a 351 that looked right, plenty of power and performed well. Just over 400hp and I only did street driving and it was a great setup.

[Blitzboy54]

I have a 306. I find it about perfect so far. 375 HP is right about the sweet spot for me.

[GoDadGo]

Any engine producing 350-400 H.P. will perform very well on Summer Performance Steet Tires if your plan is to cruise around while enjoying some spirited back road driving...If you go down the path that many of us do and up the H.P. Antie to the 450-500 range, wheel spin will be easy to achieve in 1st, 2nd and likely 3rd gear when you let your right foot is having some fun...A lot of guys love the Coyote since it gives great drivability with plenty of power, but it sacrifices the underhood eye-candy appeal of a Good-Ole American V8, but they perform quite well and yield great fuel economy compared to their pushrod carburated counterparts.

Good Luck With Your Engine Quest!

[PN in KC]

Appreciate the quick feedback…seems like I can’t go wrong talking to Forte!

[Fman]

I chose a Dart 427 around 520 HP with Edelbrock PF4 EFI. I wanted my car badged a 427. After 2200 miles and one track day with it have zero regrets, very fun to drive and when you want to hammer it will never get old. I can also drive my car and just cruise it barely tapping the throttle. To each is own but don’t be afraid of a 427 in these cars, completely do-able especially with a properly set up engine and induction system.

Personally I would choose a custom engine builder like Mike Forte or Gordon Levy. You will get to customize your engine build with everything you want on the engine. I was fortunate to have a local engine builder close to me but Gordon and Mike were definitely on my list.

Good luck with your choice…