doing a rebuild on a 289. Want to get aftermarket rods but discovered they are longer than 302 rods so apparently the piston would also be different, prob shorter from pin to top. Aftermarket 302 rods are easier to find so if I go this route the 302 pistons should work right? Although I do like the idea of longer rods, wonder if these '65 stockers would take 6k rpm. Any sug on this route. the block has less than 70K miles on it.

Hey Jedi welcome to ford motor forum. The 289/302 pistons are the same. Stock bore both 4". The differences between the two would be connecting rod length- 302: 5.09" (289: 5.155"), crankshaft stroke- 302: 3" (289: 2.87"). If you were to use a 302 rod you would also need a 302 crank.

With good quality rod bolts your stockers will survive 6k.

Allan

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gotta love a pro street

Thanks Allan,
It finally broke through my thick skull. I see pistons advertised to fit 289/302. My poor thought process deduced that the rod on the 289 was .065" longer but the stroke on the 302 was .130 longer so I was thinking a 302 piston would sit .065" too low in the block deck. I see now at TDC only 1/2 the stroke would come into play so the figures come out right. I can get my rods magnufluxed and shot peened and put ARP bolts into them and get new pistons or go with a full rotating assy for 302- crank, rods, and pistons.