1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Build

[warren1328]

Not sure if it suits your project, but I've just ordered the below unit for my 64 project.
Haven't used it yet but looks to cover what I want with ports and the light switch.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/36524117426 ... &recoPos=1

[Boss/Cyclone]

Not sure if it suits your project, but I've just ordered the below unit for my 64 project.
Haven't used it yet but looks to cover what I want with ports and the light switch.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/36524117426 ... &recoPos=1

I have that same one on my 65. Works good, been on my car for years. I don't use the brake light switch but still functions good for me.

[Darrylp27529]

Thanks for the suggestion on the switch. I’ll take a look. Major setback for the schedule today. I have been trying to prime the oil for the 289. About half the rockers were flowing and rest were dry. I think it is just too crusty to stay in the Comet. I pulled it out. I took off #3 Main Cap and lots of copper showing. Going to weigh options for rebuilding the 289 versus some type of a crate motor. The short block and heads are in the back of my truck. A bit of a bummer but for sure the right choice to pull it. Let me know what yall think. 331, 347….

[Darrylp27529]

The 289 put up a little fight but I got things apart. #5 piston did not want to come out and I chipped the skirt when getting it out. New pistons for sure. Cylinders measure right at 4.000 so I don’t think it’s been bored. Mains measure 2.238 to 2.240 so thinking they have been turned as the spec is about .010 higher I think. Bearings confirmed 0.010. I think the crank should be polished as the ends are the roughest. So now my choices are the following:

Low Budget- Hone it myself and put it back together with new bearings and pistons and camshaft. My guess is $1300-$1500. No warranty.

Low-Mid Budget- order an ATK 302 roller long block and finish. $3K with shipping and no core 1-3 year warranty

Mid Budget- Send all the parts to the Machine shop- Local shop is 2 months out. Boring, decking, reworking the heads with new seats, valve guides, ballpark was $3K to rebuild; 12 month warranty I think he said.

Mid-High Budget- Blueprint 302 from Summit Racing- Almost turn key at $6299 plus shipping-30 month warranty

So the question is what would you recommend and what did you do and why? This is my first time. Its been greasy but fun taking apart the 289. My garage is a mess

Engine 1.jpg (240.88 KiB) Viewed 670 times

Engine 2.jpg (230.14 KiB) Viewed 670 times

Engine 4.jpg (193.67 KiB) Viewed 670 times

Engine 6.jpg (226.35 KiB) Viewed 670 times

Engine 6.jpg (226.35 KiB) Viewed 670 times

Engine 3.jpg (202.35 KiB) Viewed 670 times

[SASSY]

Because of your experience level I would buy with a warranty. Probably a roller motor in a HP range your happy with.
Someone will want that 289 so it's worth something.

[Joe Travers]

^^^X 2

5.0L H.O. roller engine in stock form comparable to the old HP289.

Joe

[A/FX]

Keep in mind that if you are dealing with a pre 1965 289 that the bell housing bolt pattern is not compatible with 1965 or later engines. ( small block, or 351 C)
If you have a 6 bolt trans or bell housing you will have no issues.
Jim

[warren1328]

I would'nt be scared to do a rebuild yourself.
I had never done one until I did the engine in my 65 Mustang back in 97.
Had the machining done for me. Calculated cam dimensions to suit my taste and had one ground.
Then used this book to step me through it. Took a full day assembling, but it's been running like a champ ever since!

20250117_074041.jpg (194.7 KiB) Viewed 590 times

[Sugarmaker]

darryl,
Good you have some engine options. I have done a couple tractor engines. They both needed machine shop work. Which cost me a couple thousand in machining and about the same in parts, and that was for 4 cylinder engines. So IMO the Mid- Budget cost may be a little low. Also I did the assembly work myself. Which was satisfying but takes some time. Also on the time factor, the block and crank were in machine shop jail for over a year on each engine. Your mileage may vary?
Even if you get a long block it may take a while to get it together. In my case and maybe yours, you may have other things to work on too. Good luck! As mentioned you will be very happy with a improved engine.

[Darrylp27529]

Thanks everyone for the input. It is a 6 bolt block. Last week I dropped the block, crank, heads and pistons at P&M Engine Builder in Jacksonville, NC. They can provide the machining of the block. It measured 4.000 so planning to machine 0.030 inch over. They also recommended going with a roller cam as they have found some issues with flat tappet cams. Andrew, the owner, is going to work me up a quote for machining block and the heads and we will go from there. I am looking to hit the 300 hp mark and thinking it may require a new set of heads. The quotes will help to decide what comes next. I think a Blueprint 302 is still in the mix as well.

[Joe Travers]

I am looking to hit the 300 hp mark and thinking it may require a new set of heads.

You can hit that mark w/ cast iron heads if you have enough compression and camshaft.
Shelby did over 60 years ago.

Joe

[Darrylp27529]

]The best made plans often change. The 289 has been out several weeks and the shop is backed up several months. I decided to pull the trigger on a BluePrint 302. Still waiting on a few items but the big box is here. A thank you to Cajun Comet (not sure if he posts here) for the header recommendations.

Blueprint crate is here.jpg (211.96 KiB) Viewed 57 times

Blueprint Unbox 2.jpg (252.25 KiB) Viewed 57 times

Dyno Blueprint 302 data.jpg (200.24 KiB) Viewed 57 times

Dyno Blueprint 302.jpg (186.56 KiB) Viewed 57 times

[Joe Travers]

Looks like lots of fun to me!

Joe

[Jims65cyclone]

That'll put her up on her toes!

[Sugarmaker]

Darryl,
Wow that new engine looks good with good specs! Have fun. Are you going to complete the work on the 289 in the shop?