64 389

[GREGG2272]

Hello, just want some opinions on my engine. I have a 76 Formula, with believe it or not a 64 389 tri power, with matching heads. Along the way, someone put this engine in a firebird, who knows why. Anyway, the codes come up 348 hp, and the tri power is no longer there. The engine runs strong, and the car goes real nice. So, what I would like to know from you guys is, what exactly do I have here? I dont really know anything about old 389's. is this a good engine, or just an icon engine.

[Larry]

It is always kind of "unique" when someone puts an older engine into a newer car. It is usually a case of it just happening to be what was lying around about the time something else blew up, or used as a temporary install while the original was being rebuilt.

It would be interesting to know if your Formula was originally a 350, because this might have been at least a small vertical step in the increased power direction, rather than going right to a 400 or 455.

For your question about the 389 and its being a "good" engine or not, it was a great engine with lots of strength and performance pluses. If it is doing a good job for you now, and you are happy with it, I would suggest keeping it and enjoying it.

However, if you are contemplating changing to a more "proper" engine, you might come out way ahead in that deal, as many people are looking for proper date coded (or not) 389s for their earlier GTO projects. And, with the availability of so many 400s (of many different power potentials), you might be able to trade up to something closer to what is more correct for your Firebird.

Keep us posted as to what direction you choose to go.
Larry

[GREGG2272]

Thank you for the reply, and by the way, this page is real good. Thanks!!

Anyway, yeah the engine also has the original valve covers, and oil cap too, all from the 389.

My car originally had the 350 2bbl 2u87m6n, first digits of my vin. So the 389 def. was a power increase. For now, I am going to keep it in the car, but wonder if selling it can get me some $ to put in the car, while being able to finish it up, and still have a decent motor. Not sure, so for now I will leave it. Funny thing is, no one believes it until they see it in the car. Locally, one guy saw the motor and told me to sell it.

If I were to sell the motor, heads, covers, what is a round about number to ask?

[GREGG2272]

HI, THANKS FOR THE TIP, I UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR THE HIGHER OCTANE GAS, AROUND HERE THE HIGHEST WE HAVE IS 94 OCTANE AT A SUNOCO. IT RUNS FINE ON THAT, THOUGH I HAVENT PUT MORE THAN 500 MILES ON THE CAR IN THE LAST YEAR IN A HALF, SO ITS HARD TO SAY. OVERALL, THE MOTOR RUNS GOOD AND STRONG, NICE SOUND, AND NO OVERHEATING. LOL, AND I LIVE IN NEW YORK. I WOULD SAY IT WAS REBUILT ALONG THE YEARS, SO WHO KNOWS WHATS INSIDE. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR HELP AND SUGGESTIONS. GREG

[super]

Even if it is running fine now, problems could come up in the future. Detonation is a killer on an engine.

I would try to run a blend of fuel in the car. A little extra insurance. With gas prices so high right now, racing fuel is actually reasonably affordable.

[Larry]

There was a panic a few years ago about the lack of lead in the new fuels and valve seat regression. It was proven that unless you were running an old LTD wagon full of kids, dog, and camping gear... while pulling a trailer two sizes too big for the car up and down hills all day, you would be fine. It turned out to be more of a non-issue.. after a ton of old car hobbyists ran out and had hardened valve seats installed--- can you say big bucks?!

If you're going to race and use pump fuel, fix the seats and lower the compression a bit, but if you're going to do "average" street driving with only the occasional Ford attack, then a little less aggressive timing (back off the advance a bit) should keep one pretty safe. You won't be as peppy as perhaps you'd like to be, but consider it will start better on winter mornings too.

Thoughts?
Larry

[GREGG2272]

I mainly use it to cruise around, no racing at all. Sometimes I get on it alittle, but basically, I enjoy driving the car around locally. So, its real easy driving. Rarely do I put more than 15 miles a run on it, so it never really gets to hot. I wish it still has the tri in it though, that would be cool.

[super]

Saw a tri-power on a '78 T/A at Sikeston this weekend. Looked cool under the hood. It was in the car show area.

On the way home on I-55, it passed our towing rig. He layed in to the tri-power. Sounded pretty damn good. Car dissappeared quick too.

I think it would be cool to stuff one under the hood of your Formula. Bruce's price sounds extremely reasonable to.

[Larry]

Super's comments about the tri-power laying on it reminds me of the time about 15+ years ago when I had the tri-power on my 400 in my '69 Lemans wagon. Coming home from inlaws down in Ft. Myers, I decided to go Hwy 41 and not the interstate. I pulled on the hwy. and shortly encountered a "hot" Honda. I nailed it and she sucked air and snorted the pipes. I smiled at the ex and said "I love blowing off those rice rockets."

About two minutes later I was pulled over by a trooper who nailed me at over 100mph with radar while going the other direction! First I ever knew they could do that (never saw him either). Well, after a $200+ fine and traffic school to avoid the points deduction, I though twice (and looked around a lot more) before repeating that stunt.

[GREGG2272]

Thanks for the offer, but I cant swing it right now. Haha, how about a 64 389 to match that tri power? Just kidding. Good stories too.