68' 289 set up?

So heres the deal! I started a 289 rebuild project about 1 year ago, and to be frank... I didn't know Squat about building an engine. Although I'm proud to say that its running Excellent, and ive learned quite a bit. I would like to get some input on how to set up the rest of the car. For instance(and truthfully the only one)i may have used a cam that was a little on the wild side. I did a basic rebuild of the lower end, bearings, rings, block reconditioning. With the valve train i used a kit from comp cams, and i sent the cast heads out to be rebuilt using the new springs. The cam specs are as follows...

Lift INT .495 EXH .495
Adv Duration INT 262 EXH 269
Lobe sep. 112

From what I've read this is an overkill cam. So at this point i just want to make the best of it. The power range is 2200-6800. So i was comfortable with a 6000 rev limit. I also read that the stock bottom end's were good until 7100. I have an Edlebrock performer 600cfm. Aside from some minor tweaking and eventually a full MSD ignition. I'm done with the motor.

For the drive train i would like to find a T5, and a 9" rear end with 3.55s. The goal is to get to B.A.M.F street car status.

I think thats about it. If anybody has some input for me that would be great.

Welcome to FM! tired now and unable to spew out anything good till tomorrow...


FE

You better read up on your T-5s, they are made for everything from 4 cylinders to good V8s. You need a strong one to put behind your engine.

personally, i dont think that cam is too overkill.
what else have you done to the engine besides the cam and the carb? headers? intake manifold?

for the t-5, you can find a decent one in late model mustangs. then, just buy a conversion kit on one of the mustang sites or piece it out of a junkyard. imo, you dont need the 9 inch untill you are pushing more than 400hp or you are running slicks.

there is a lot of info here so search and read up. check the project cars section and read up project 11.99. that project might not be exactly similar but it will let you know what your limitations are and it could steer you in the general direction you are looking for.

Edlebrock RPM 302 Intake, and headmen long tubes. Yeah after doing a little research i decided to stick with the 8".

As far as the T5 goes, the information i have, But apparently the information is a lot easier to come buy.
junkyards laugh at my requests, so Ive been searching online and through some other local sources.

My biggest concern was the gearing in the rear end. 3.55 would be good for both street and highway travel. But given that the cam is set up for high rpm will that gearing hold me back?

BTW thanks for the info Gabe.

not a problem.
if you have the money, dish out for a full t-5 kit. i think mustangdepot.com sells a full one with the tranny included.
as for the rear, i think you should go at least 3.70's or 3.89's to match your cam. personally, i think going up to 4.11's is too high for a street car but if your just going from stop light to stop light then your all good. also the higher the ratio, the smaller the teeth are and they have a higher chance to break.
with your setup the 8 will last a long time. if you ever decide to build it up get some forged axles and a nice locker/lsd/or whatever you prefer.