Thread: 1959 389 Engine
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Old 11-04-2015, 10:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bzltyr View Post
I have one of these engines in my driveway. I bought it today. The guy told me it was a 370. I want a 370.

Mine is oil pan to air cleaner with Generator, A/C and PS pump. It has all the pulleys and the trans attached. The oil looks good - no rust on the dipstick. The guy ran the engine for a minute or so and then pulled it to put in a SBC. I his defense it is not his car but a client's.

I am thinking of giving it back.
I suppose if you have your heart set on a 370, you wouldn't want a 389.

If you need the 370 to be correct for a 1958 car, definitely hold out for a 370.

The thing I like about the 1959 389 besides the added displacement is there are more parts readily available for rebuilding them. Finding main bearings, pistons and oil pumps for the '55 -'58 engines can be difficult.

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1964 Tempest Coupe LS3/4L70E/3.42
1964 Le Mans Convertible 421 HO/TH350/3.08
2002 WS6 Convertible LS1/4L60E/3.23
1966 VW Type 2 Single Cab Pickup 140hp 2276
1956 VW Type 2 Panel Van 36hp 1200
1957 VW Type 1 Beetle 180hp 2276