302 Rebuild

[bobcowan]

The problem here is that you get into the "While-I'm-At-It" syndrome - something I'm intamitly familer with. While I'm at it, might as well do rings and bearings. Cam. Lifters. Oil pump. pistons. Crank. etc. Before you know it, you'd have saved time and money by simply installing a new or rebuilt short block from your favorite rebuilder.

You're not really asking much - a simple inexpensive and fun street machine. Your stock engine probably makes around 200-220 hp. Adding another 100 to that with a rebuilt engine is pretty easy, reliable, and inexpensive.

There are lots of short and long blocks available that will do exactly what you're looking for. Ford is a good source for a long block, as you can get them locally for a good price, and they have a warrenty. Pretty hard to beat that. Their cheapest long block makes 340hp, and has a very flat torque curve - $4,000 USD.

Ford Racing Performance Parts

[Philm]

Geof,
Sounds like a lot of fun.

It may be a good idea to check cylinder pressures, not sure what a stock 302 should be but you are really looking for a similar number for all cylinders.

I would look at rebuilding the bottom end, or swapping it for a new one.

I would add to the list, timing chain set, lifters and maybe push rods to ensure rocker geometry is correct.


Phil

[07cob]

Originally Posted by Philm

Geof,
Sounds like a lot of fun.

It may be a good idea to check cylinder pressures, not sure what a stock 302 should be but you are really looking for a similar number for all cylinders.

Phil

Indeed - a heap of fun so far! I did a compression test before I stripped the engine and results (psi) were as follows (1-8): 140 135 135 135 125 125 125 140

According to my calculations, these should be around the 148 psi mark - in an ideal world. The 3 x 125 psi readings are a little troubling. I pulled the head gaskets this afternoon and didn't notice any major damage between 5, 6 & 7. Following comments here, I am very much considering rings and bearings.

Also, as Merv mentioned, I have the pushrods, lifters and timing chain awaiting installation.

Geof