Which one? Mustang or thunderbird

[benswolf_1]

If you had the choice between a 66 mustang coup 289 auto or a 62, 63, or a 66 thunderbird 390 auto what would you get? Thnx

[benswolf_1]

The reason I am asking is I am interested in buying one and these are my options, We just got a 66 mustang convertibe of wich will be pretty much kept stock so I want somthing that I can work on and not worry about keeping it stock. I would much rather have the mustang but the thunderbird has a 390-what do u think?

[351wStang]

289 is a great motor. Not alot of options for building that 390. A 289 is simply a 302 with a little less bore. I would get the mustang. Unless of course you just wanted to be different. But I wouldnt keep the 390 in the T-bird.

[boosted331]

Originally Posted by 351wStang

A 289 is simply a 302 with a little less bore.

You mean less stroke.

[351wStang]

I thought that a 302 just had a little more bore then a 289. I was under the assumption that trhey both have a 3" stroke.

[boosted331]

Nope, the 302's had a 4" bore, 3" stroke, 289's had a 4" bore, 2.87" stroke. Stock 289's also had a 5.155" rod from the factory, which gave them a great rod/stroke ratio of 1.8:1, which made them very rev-happy.

[Zwrangler]

I'd get the mustang no doubt. The thunderbird is a bit rarer and would probably get a bit more attention on the roads, but it lacks in the looks department where those 66 mustangs are amazing in looks. besides, you can always fiddle with the engine if its bothering you that its only a 289.

[Tony H]

I think the Thunderbird looks better than a 66 Mustang (now if it was a 67-73 my opinion would be different). True the aftermarket is limited for a 390, but you start out with a lot more power (Thunderbird is probably heaver though).

[thunderbird muscle]

I like the 66 mustang. With a 289 there is probably no end to the power you could crank out.

[ridge_runner]

yea the 390 is a nice motor, we had one in an ltd, b*tch was fast, its all about what you really want, what do you think you should get, what do you think youd have more fun with, and thats the car you should get, whether it be the thunderbird or mustang

[benswolf_1]

Thanks for the suggestions, My choice for the thunderbird now is only the 62 but I havent looked at it yet-I like that its the bigger engine but I know I likle the style and look of the mustang a lot more-I'll keep you posted after I look at the thunderbird in the next few days, I have only heard about it but not taken a look at it myself so its condition will play a huge role(sp?) in my decision. thanks again