I have a 1965 mustang fastback GT. I just had it restored, minus the engine because it seemed to be in good shape. Now the 289 A code has a spun bearing, and I am looking into replacing it with a crate motor. My budget for this is around 10K or less, which includes any upgrade I have to make to the transmission and rear end. If anybody has any suggestions or advice on what engine to go with, and any other upgrades that would have to be made to the trans and rear end would be appreciated.....

 

03/04 cobra motor and trans.

 

65 limits your engine choices to small blocks. A nice 331 or 347 stroker, t-5 tranny and new gears/diff/axles will have you set up just right. Something with maybe some AFR 185 heads, edelbrock performer and decent long tube headers. Welcome back to the land of the living.

The tranny and rear are optional but why not.

 

Make a 351 Clevor (351W block and Cleveland heads). Some mods are needed but w/ stock heads, you will be besting some aftermarket heads. Plus, you can always say you got a Boss 351. As for the drive train, if you got the 4-speed toploader, it should handle a good deal of abuse but if you have the 8" rear, think about upgrading the axles or swapping a 9" in.

 

Build the 289 again and be different.