1966 Ford Mustang 289 Dyno Tested - Just Like Old Times

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Nick has built a reputation for his big 440 Mopar engines, but he has plenty of love for a little 289 out of this 1966 Ford Mustang too. Today, he has the little blue engine on his dyno for testing!
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[@nickpanaritis4122]

This little 289 produced 325 HP and 324 Ft pounds of TQ.

[@stephenholland5930]

Thanks, Nick. That is a sweet sounding 289.

[@HammerHeadGarage]

Those are really good numbers Nick. I rev my sbf to 6,500 all the time.

[@abikerinpa]

Very nice lil motor ya got ❤️

[@joeljenkins2876]

That’ll make a nice streetable engine for that mustang!!!

[@bronsonosborne3962]

rite on thats cool

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

One of the best things about Nicks he loves his Mopars but shows appreciation for all classic iron!

[@johncarlson8029]

All musclecars are cool, just that Mopars are cooler

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Best part of video at 23:10...

[@elliottbutts153]

300 plus HP in a 2,600-2,700 pound Mustang is a lot of fun

[@chadjustice1736]

I’ve got one that runs about 300hp and the guy I bought the car from built race cars. This was just a toy for him. He stripped it. The only thing in that car is a engine and transmission. I bet the Mustang I have barely weighs 2200 pounds. It will scream.

[@MrSloika]

Speed is a function of power to weight. 300hp in a light car like a Mustang or Falcon will make it plenty fast.

[@Zachsmoparandmashedpotatos]

When you can’t get your Monday running just have nicks garage fire it up! ☀️👍🏻

[@NicksGarage]

Love that!

[@dwaynemurphy814]

Look at the excitement on the face of the man whose motor was on the dino. Priceless. At Nicks garage, making dreams come true.

[@michaelmoon6675]

Right on.😎🆒😆😆👍💪☝️🎵🎶😃🎯😎

[@danp3900]

Like a kid in a candy shop. Love to see people doing what they love.

[@NicksGarage]

Right on.

[@jimmyraythomason1]

Wow! did that bring back memories! I ran a 1968 Mercury Cougar with a 289 cid engine in the mid 1970s. It had 351 Windsor heads, 302 block, 289 pistons (30 over and 12:1 compression), 780 cfm Holley on an Edelbrock Performer intake , Crane cam (460" lift and 288 deg. dwell), Excel super coil with matching 8mm wires, dual point dist. It was a screamer when hooked to the Zoom clutch and pressure plate (Lakewood bell housing and a stock Ford 4 speed (from a 1967 Mustang 2+2), Zoom 460 gears and Hurst Competition Plus shifter. I won a lot of Saturday afternoon races with that thing.

[@Dogleg1957]

you ever run your cougar at old Irwindale raceway? 1/4 mile track

[@michaelmoon6675]

Kick butt and take no names. Stay strong.☝️😎😊👍💪💪💪🆒🆒😎

[@Ghostdog4]

Having Nick put his hands on your engine is like having the Pope Bless your Rosary Beads!

[@jamesmackinlay4477]

LOL

[@roadeagle]

Just another excellent start to a Monday morning with breakfast, coffee and burning rubber from Nick's Garage.

[@NicksGarage]

Yummy!

[@brianjoy3407]

Shout out to Ben from Long Island. I too hail from the sand bar. Nick drove it like he stole it.....the way it was meant to be driven. Always a pleasure Nick and George. See you in person before the holidays!

[@dewiz9596]

I still remember April, 1964. . . Cassius Clay had just beaten Sonny Liston for the heavyweight championship, and my Friend Tommy bought a brand new Poppy Red Mustang 289 for $4600. . . This was when two bucks an hour was pretty good pay. . . I’d still love to see you get a Chassis Dyno, to see comparisons between flywheel and wheel horsepower.

[@lautburns4829]

Yes Brian, 2 bucks payed a lot of bills, worked at Lanthier Pontiac 65$ per week. Hi from Newburgh Ny. Still driving my 70 Boss 302. Mustangs are so much Gunn to drive.👍

[@65sohc]

Your memory is faulty. No 64 1/2/65 Mustang cost $4600. A fully loaded 289 HiPo was around $3600 and redlined at 6000. There is no reason that Nick shouldn't have run his engine to AT LEAST 6000 rpm, given vastly superior head and valvetrain.

[@BowtieSpeedruns]

pretty cool time in history

[@aseriesguy]

I arrived in Washington DC after 3 years in Spain and France in the USAF. The next day, Saturday, I happened to walk by the Ford dealer the same day the Mustangs went on sale. There was real party going on.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Yeah, dealers blew out the last of the '68 RoadRunners 383", 4 speed, posi, brand new for $2595 !!!

[@hwirtwirt4500]

My 1964 Fairlane hardtop had a 289 4 barrel engine rated at 225 horsepower, with suspension work and bigger low profile tires it drove and handled great and got decent gas mileage. Loved that car.

[@briansd2772]

That 289 sounded beastly.

[@mickangio16]

Sweet little 289 & "KOWASKI" is AWESOME.

[@robertforget6369]

good morning nick and crew man those little v8 pound out power and sound awesome great show will watch your show again when grandson get home from school keep safe

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Enjoy.

[@dickdaley9059]

“This is what we build ‘em for…” A lifetime pursuit in seven words.

[@davidvonkrusze4677]

Amazing person, business and the passion is infectious.... Thank you to All, at Nick's Garage........

[@4ondflor]

Hey Brian - I think you were there when Nick tested my motor. You’re such a positive person and you were so kind when I visited - it makes it such a pleasure to see you so happy with a great motor! Enjoy it - you deserve it! Thanks Nick for another great show!

[@chrishuelsman952]

Nick, you got that little 289 running and sounding amazing. Ford FTW.

[@boostjunkie2320]

Never been a Ford fan but I love the old Mustangs from the 60s to 73. Always been a GM and Toyota guy but anything from the 1960s and early 70s anything American I love it!!!

[@jeffreyrubish347]

I've had so many virtual trips in Kowalski I should probably chip in for gas 😉

[@hwirtwirt4500]

Started right up without hesitation, that's always a good sign.

[@nathankerry3256]

No better way to start your Monday morning off with Nick's garage an the dyno room thanks for sharing George an all your wonderful camera work you do 👍

[@NicksGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it, Nathan!

[@OlSgtLove]

Get the Monday started with Nick's Garge....Love watching what is going on ...That was very cool 😎 of Nick to take the visitor for a fun ride in his car ...That had to be fun !!!!!!!!!! Take care Nick and Krew ....God Bless...

[@douglasb9105]

Aahhh,yes. Nick doing what he loves.🏁🏁

[@NicksGarage]

Good times!

[@Mercmad]

Here in Australia we can only dream and remember what is what is was like to go to another nation ( eg NY to Quebec) and mix freely with others interested in Cars. .

[@jamesm9766]

Monday morning with nick 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@NicksGarage]

Right on!

[@raphaelhernandez4088]

My dad had a 66 mustang burgundy black interior 289 3 speed stick on the floor good memories when I was a 6 year old!

[@donlemme898]

Congratulations to Brian getting his Mustang back on the road. Should be a great cruiser. Good to see a Steelers fan up north too. Have a great week everyone

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Lot's of NFL fans in Canada.

[@donlemme898]

@@nickpanaritis4122 I live in Canton Ohio 10 minutes from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I’ll see about getting you a t-shirt or something from there.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

@@donlemme898 . Thanks.

[@nelsonkowal9440]

Nick, I had a 65 Mustang with a 289 4 speed. My engine liked about 34-35 degrees of total timing. I never dynoed the motor but I think it made a little over 300 hp. It made enough power to blow 2 rear ends and split the stock 4 speed transmission in two pieces. I wish I had that car back!! Cheers to you and the guys at the shop.

[@jeffduncan9140]

Nice!

[@richardbrowne1217]

Nice 1966 Ford Mustang. Great day for the Dyno machine. Nothing went "KABOOM!" "The Cam rockers rock!" Geesh, Nick...Slow down! The Kawolski machine is kick'in'ass! You keep scaring new customers, Nick. They may or may not come back. Lucky for you all that come to your shop is mostly car guys/gals. 😁👍❤

[@royferntorp3575]

Always loved the 289. My old Compact fairlane had one. Cruised well.

[@jamesgriffin2170]

That'll be fun in that little car

[@James-cl5np]

Great little 289!!!! As a Ford freak your smile especially and your mighty mouse screamer brought tears to my eyes😂🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@blinkie1523]

Hey Nick that was one sweet 289 on the dyno, I'm sure Brian's going to be a very happy chap once you install it in his sweet looking Mustang driving down the highway. That 440 of yours, what a sweet ride, sounds awesome and looks the part with George's top filming too. Thanks for yet another top video Nick and hey stay safe all from New Zealand.

[@jaycunningham2723]

Owned a 65 AC Cobra with a 289. Stock motor. Remember topping it out one time in 4th, stock motor at close to 6500 rpm. Beautiful motor. Never gave me any trouble. In a car that weighed 2020 lbs and bias ply tires scared the crap out of me lots of times. Thanks Nick for all of the memories! Wish your shop was closer. I'm sure I'd be one of the hanger-ons! Being a 72 year old hot rodder I love this channel!

[@gordocarbo]

Real cobra with the 289? What a ride you had .

[@charlesdowell4505]

Enjoyed the passion and expertise demonstrated here, it just makes me more in awe of Carroll Shelby’s team’s talent getting 306hp in 1965 with a lot less technology than we have today.

[@timsharpe3498]

That’s just advertising. It made about 50 less horsepower than Shelby claimed just like the K code did.

[@tomwinkle5536]

Awesome Mustang! Ty. A good friend had 1 of those in high school. He was blowing all the mopars off the track. He would hook fast and they would never catch him! Great times! No one wanted to believe it was a 289.

[@williamdarico2369]

Careful now Nicks a Mopar man!LOL!😂

[@franker1111]

Love the old car Nick' you sure arnt afraid to drive it

[@bullast2046]

289 with minor upgrades is the funnest engine in that chassis

[@robertmetcalf6357]

great job nice to see thank you

[@eugenecastles7475]

Good morning Nick, That is a very cool 66 Mustang. I've been looking forward to seeing this video.

[@NicksGarage]

Hope you enjoy it! We're all looking forward to a certain YELLOW car.

[@eugenecastles7475]

@@NicksGarage I'm so looking forward to seeing some yellow brighten up Nick's Garage. I hope that happens real soon!

[@robertorhymes]

Eugene you're such a fine fellow Can't wait to see your Charger 500 in the black and yellow!

[@eugenecastles7475]

@@robertorhymes I'm getting very anxious to see the Charger back in Nick's again. It will be awesome to see it become a complete car after so many years. Roberto, I always look forward to your Rhymes. God bless you ,and keep them coming.

[@robertorhymes]

@@eugenecastles7475 My pleasure Eugene all the best Only Nick's Garage can stand to the test

[@bullast2046]

Nicks garage doubles as an amusement park, rides and all

[@NicksGarage]

Haha!

[@billjamison2877]

Slam them gears Nick! Slam them gears! You get such a grin on your face when you're driving your baby! Fantastic Challenger! Bill from Linglestown Pennsylvania

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks Bill! 👍

[@mfc4591]

Nicks garage, cars built with love and skill.

[@NicksGarage]

Thank you!

[@meowerstationone3793]

Got home from work, put on my Nick's Garage t-shirt and I'm enjoyin' the show!

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks for watching, Meower.

[@fmerkl]

Nick, that Kowashi out and drive it!!! I'm 65 and I have a '67 Mustang GTA 427 MR side oiler automatic car 1of 56 ( owned since '73) and a "68 1/2 428 4 Gear "r" code car 1 of 1320 ! I quite farming this fall so i can enjoy the fruits of my labour !! took the '67 out 2 weekends ago and it still ran a 11.32@ 123mph after sitting for 20 years !!

[@backthatthingupyoyoy]

Brings back memories. To a man, virtually ever pip squeak, back in the day, drove 440s. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

That 289 is pulling some great HP💪👀.....Thanks to Nick......Thanks Nick & all of the guy's👍

[@elainestamper3873]

That’s really good power for a 289 will really make that light little Mustang move!

[@joeljenkins2876]

Aahhh, good Monday morning, everyone!!! Great to see activity at Nick’s returning (even if slowly) to pre-pandemic levels!! That little 289 really roars: but of course, WHAT ELSE would it do, look who built it!!! Great job as always, Nick!! By the way, I finally ordered some merch (gray hoodie), can’t wait to get it and wear it. Great day, all, and God bless!!

[@NicksGarage]

Morning! Thanks for watching,.. we hope you love the hoodie. Thanks for your support.

[@joeljenkins2876]

@@NicksGarage no problem: you guys are first class and I look forward to seeing you all soon one day!!!

[@charlesowens8319]

you have the best youtube channel there is . you make me feel 20 years younger.i have a 1970 gto judge in the garage, i bought it in 1973 .watching you on youtube might get some fire in my ass to get the judge going!

[@NicksGarage]

That is great, Charles. Give us a call if we can help.

[@markjg2275]

I love the early Mustangs 1965-1971 years true Americana from a better time and generation.

[@brunolagace1135]

That little 289 sound so sweet!

[@billyday2957]

i LOVE YOUR SHOW NICK. i AM AN OLD GEARHEAD MYSELD AND STILL LOVE THE THRILL OF A PERFORMING CAR. i STILL DRIVE MY BMW 535i HARD SOMETIMES ESPECIALLY ON THE INTERSTATE . YOUR AT 90 MPH WITHIOUT EVEN REALIZING IT. I ALSO OWN A 65 MUSTANG WITH A 289 V8 WITH HOLLY 4 , PETONIX IGNITION, AND MILD CAM.

[@patg3424]

Back in the 80s I had a hi po 289 1967 mustang with a 280 isky cam and it would rev to 7500 .

[@keithschneidly3922]

My friends and I had fun rebuilding his 68 Cougar 302 before I could drive. It was later taken apart at a trade school and everything was in spec. !

[@garryhatchett775]

That 289 sounds very responsive.

[@yarrdayarrdayarrda]

Those heads are responsible for around 50 HP above what the anemic factory castings can muster.

[@billjamison2877]

Good morning Nick and crew! Another week of great MoPar power! Bill from Linglestown Pennsylvania

[@NicksGarage]

Morning Bill! With a side order of Ford. 😉

[@timarrington746]

"Put that on Instagram " lol lol. Nick is a true muscle car genius. Great video.

[@dereklacey1]

It’s great to see Nick in there doing what he loves with his friends. They seem to be equally happy to be there.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Yup!

[@johnz8210]

Everything running good, everybody in a good mood. That's a good day.

[@samuelcantley5500]

We need more people like you around to help push boards around to keep them going we need more people like you around to pay people to help push Forge round Ford around thank you Nick

[@michaelmoon6675]

Nick is the master of the Mopar and All great cars go to Nick's Garage.☝️🎯☝️😎😊👍💪

[@whosthere2707]

I'm a die hard Ford fan and have a 69 mach 1 with a big block . I love watching Nick finally a great KZbin channel that everyone has a favorite but doesn't bash Ford Chevy or Mopar all true car guys can agree all big 3 back in the day where amazing and sexy . Thanks Nick for bringing true car guys and ladies together

[@SolamenteVees]

My late Father was a Mopar guy and he said the 289 hi-po was Ford's best street engine from the muscle car era.

[@georgewetzel4380]

The little Mustang looks great, except for the tires. I used to watch these roll out of the plant in Edison NJ.

[@anthonykendrick1418]

Awesome video Nick! Had me drooling the entire time! I'm a die hard Ford man but I always learn from you always. You're old school and I respect that and I definitely pass on anything I learn from you because I know it's done right.

[@mikeembrey9176]

Great Monday morning sounds thanks Nick 👍🏻

[@PanAmRacer]

Thank you for another great video!

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@garyhopkinssr8561]

Hey Nick you sure put a smile on that guy's face he was smiling the whole time ohm an when you seen his motor and you made him smile Nick you are quite a man thank you for the videos

[@NicksGarage]

Thanks for watching, Gary.

[@pappy017]

Mornin Mr Nick!! Have a Great week!!

[@NicksGarage]

You too!

[@justralphajerseyguystuckin3671]

Awesome Video- Nick, love that little 289 dyno run, and your Kowalski is f'n Awesome !

[@teemuronkainen4548]

This 289 engine is 390 big block factory HP now. I have watched all the videos Nick and first mopar ive ever seen was car magazine. Car was cover image Red Challenger T/A and i was little boy 1993. I was in second grade at school. I still have that magazine. The magazine's car had been restored by a man in a wheelchair, he had been injured in a motorcycle accident and was paralyzed. I think someone else here might remember who it was and remember the car. Thanks Nick and God bless.

[@dtruth5769]

I'm a Mopar guy. But I have a 289 in my t bucket and I'm very impressed with the little engine. Great revving engine.

[@williamweir2744]

No way

[@gordocarbo]

@@williamweir2744 You dont believe he has a 289 or that its strong? T buckets weigh nothing

[@marklowe7431]

Love the 289. Such a mighty mouse. Very nice Mustang.

[@Impactjunky]

A local Ford round track racer that spent a lot of time and money dyno testing told my dad and I that none of the Ford 289s made less than 250 HP stock and that the valve springs were the engines natural rev limiter. My dad also had the original 289 in his 67 Cougar rebuilt with stock specs but with forged pistons and high RPM valve springs. Apart from this and a hot coil and chrome air filter the car was completely stock right down to the 2 barrel carb and 2.79 gear. It had no bottom end power with the stock 2 barrel, highway gears and stock converter but the crazy high RPM power those valve springs unlocked was enough to push the car over 150 MPH according to the stock speedo and a gear ratio calculator.

[@edluther1959]

Been watching Nicks garage for a few years now and am truly Shocked that Vacillis has quit to work with his wife.. I think he might be making a big mistake.. Enjoyed watching him on the show! Nick put him on the map!

[@MikeJBlues]

Awsome Monday, thanks Nick !

[@donwon5964]

One of my favourite engines...next to the 426 of course...CHEERS Nick and friends..

[@danmyers9372]

It ain’t “Found On Road Dead”, it’s “First On Race Day”. Especially when going up against a “Most Often Passed At Races”!

[@davemiller6893]

Man!! Ben sure is happy and I don't blame him. Who needs anti depressants when you have Nick's Garage!!

[@NicksGarage]

Ben is a real car guy. You will meet a few of those at the shop. 👍

[@markweber7275]

Great job Nick keeping the customer in the loop! Brian wearing that big grin of satisfaction says it all. Kudos Nick!

[@ericball6000]

Dr. Nick, that 289 sounds awesome!, and Ben got a thrill ride in your Challenger very cool, btw on your Friday live show you asked what does the word Mopar means, my friends and I said it meant, Move Over Power Accelerating Rapidly. cheers.

[@jerryhayden8720]

That wasn't abuse. That Challenger was laughing at you saying come on!!! Is that all you've got!!!🤠

[@CJColvin]

The 65 and 66 Mustangs are the perfect sized Mustangs and then in 67 they've gotten bigger.

[@Vetteman372]

66 Shelby was only rated at 306 hp ,your doing great with this 297/312

[@brunotulliani]

That 289 sounds really sweet!

[@rickmarin1265]

Glad to see it will be back on the road for all to enjoy :)

[@samiam5557]

Nick & the boyz put the 'muscle' in muscle cars......

[@reginalddentry7338]

The 289 revs up so nice

[@NoHandleNameScrewTube]

Awesome 289! I have the blue 1.6 roller rocker version on my 66. Your videos are very motivating thanks nick

[@robertorhymes]

Mustang Monday Run what you brung This 66 is a really clean one Must be the 289's tuning time So Brian and Nick are using the dyno to refine First you gotta do the timing to make sure it's there then the fuel and air At Nick's Garage they care With a car so clean and bright Nick and Brian know it's gotta run right Nick wants to try some higher revolutions for all your muscle car woes Nick's Garage has the solutions Brian's beaming from ear to ear his delight and enthusiasm are clear Cuz when it's built by Nick and the team you simply have no fear To get the maximum horse power you need the correct temparature This Mustang package is old school a pure I'm kinda jealous of Ben cuz Nicks 70 Challenger is a ten outa ten A real nostalgic car for muscle car men Nick's Garage don't quit the rear tyres are always lit Nick's Garage every Monday is legitimate

[@NicksGarage]

How do you do this so fast, sir? Roberto Rhyme Master.

[@robertorhymes]

@@NicksGarage It can sometimes be a strain but rhyming is a great way to exercise my brain and doin it for you guys means it's never a drain It's the rap music and the poetry that's to blame! XD

[@deandee8082]

289 is a nice little motor, back in early 00 ford went back to it with a dual overhead cam 4 valve per cylinder, those are routinely hitting 400hp, I had a 327 in a nova SS 327 with fuelie heads 400hp all day long.. man what a car.. gave it away...

[@Wildstar40]

Rolling burnout into the shop lol !

[@taylormach1699]

Nice engine. 289 engines are underrated.

[@jdrods1519]

This is Awesome!!! 💪🏼💪🏼 Nick knows how to have a good time! Thank y’all for the video! That little 289 is a screamer!

[@rogerhuber3133]

First time I've seen you do a dyno test on an Elephant starter motor! With my wonderful opinion of Fords I had to laugh when you opened with it being pushed! That's how I remember the Fords I had in the past. LOL

[@joevalicenti2722]

So did you notice that after Nick set the All-In ignition advance he looked at the idle advance.... saw it wasn't enough so changed the vacuum advance from ported (timed) vacuum to manifold vacuum to bring the idle advance up (hear the rev increase?). I would guess that Nick did that so the engine didn't build too much heat at idle as it wouldn't have any other effect on a dyno run. Not sure if Nick curves the distributor to the engine but that one definitely needs to be curved!