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The original 221, which evolved into the 225, then 260 and finally the 289 were the ground work ford needed to eventually design an engine worth of a legendary legacy.
The 289 Hipo K-code was created as a high performance engine which was versatile enough to be applicable to a wide range of vehicles and proved to be reliable
and managed to prove it self worthy as a small block V8. This platform was great for racing; high power - low weight. A power dense force to be reckoned with.
The base package came with 271hp but Mr Shelby manage to squeeze out a 306hp and then later on a whopping 390hp. To call this a "small block" V8 is naturally american thinking
as we talking about a 4.7L V8. But none the less this was the engine Ford needed to start thinking big.
They launched the 302 in order to meet the new Le Mans 5.0L displacement regulations in 1968 and to compete in the SCCA Trans-Am series such that they could show the Camaro Z/28 who is boss.
This engine platform was a true evolution of the 289 and with a well designed 4.9L V8 it was evident this thing was about to become great.
They also built a 429 version for Nascar. Clearly Ford felt confident in that this was the platform to build racing engines on.
And this was awesome for us! Ford liked the idea of keeping engines for racing relevant for production cars we got the chance to see the 302 in the Ford Mustang we all know and love.
The larger engine block of the 302 allowed for high power without the extra complexity of the 289 Hipo as the 302 didnt need a supercharger. The base naturally aspirated engine packed a full 290hp.
Now that doesnt seem like much of a jump from the 271hp of the 289, especially not considering extra weight and volume. But it came with a bigger potential for racing with this solid base which is designed to be simple and durable.
Power from techonology is great, but there will never be a replacement for good old displacement.