Rebuild Project

[rsolis]

I hear a knock unfortunately starting in my GM right now. Sooo, I am going to buy this:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/pts/2655007530.html

and start a rebuild project. This is something that I've always wanted to do, and I have the finances to do it, and the workspace. The knock in the GM isn't that bad yet and I'm sure it has some miles left it in it, enough to last me until the new motor is done. Never done it before, but I will be having my brother who has experience in this helping me. It'll be a complete build, new everything. I'll post updates as it goes along.

Anyone whose every done this have any advice/tips?

[1987cp]

Should be a good starting point. Nice to have a fresh engine ready to drop in as soon as the old engine is out and things are degreased. Should try to verify that they still have all the dogbones and the retainer piece if you'll be using OE-style roller lifters. Convenient for you that the heads are off, since you can turn it over and verify that there are no nasty scratches in the bores - not needing to bore saves a few bucks on pistons.

What's the big picture for this engine project?

[rsolis]

What's the big picture for this engine project?

Honestly, to have a fresh start and to finally be able to say, the engine is new, and being given the chance to maintain a vehicle well, from the start. The trans has been rebuilt already and once this gets done, it's basically new. The body is is good enough condition that I don't need any metal work done, and really no paint (unless I want to, which I might)

This is my third GM and I finally have one that doesn't need body work done, so I figured, this is going to be my car a long time, lets start from scratch.

[johnunit]

I'd make 100% sure that block hasn't already been bored 0.30 if the cylinders aren't perfect.


Are you going to do any performance upgrades? Conventional wisdom is that GT40 heads make sense in a stock rebuild since they don't really cost anymore as pre-rebuilt or junkyard units, and will give you (ballparking it here) 30HP over stock rather easily.

[rsolis]

So this block is from a 1995 Explorer, it's still the 302 5.0 so it shouldn't matter right? Going in an 1987 GM?

[1990LTD]

the block will fit but I would still have it checked out by a machine shop to make sure it isn't junk.

[sly]

the block will fit but I would still have it checked out by a machine shop to make sure it isn't junk.

this... I've seen explorers treated worse than mustangs. definitely worth a good checking at a machine shop.

[88Vic]

So this block is from a 1995 Explorer, it's still the 302 5.0 so it shouldn't matter right? Going in an 1987 GM?

The ad says 94 F150, besides that the Explorer didn't get the V8 until 96.

[pantera77]

The ad says 94 F150, besides that the Explorer didn't get the V8 until 96.

I've seen f150's treated worse than Explorers. Definitely have that thing checked out, always a gamble on used engines, especially on craigslist..

[86VickyLX]

Agreed with 88Vic, there is no 95 5.0 Explorer...

[1990LTD]

if you've got the $$ get a diy shortblock from fordstrokers.com. 2k for a 347....you'll still get the experience of building it and you know the parts you're putting together are good and will work together.


can use stuff from your old motor like front covers, pan, etc

[gadget73]

A 95 F150 engine doesn't have the same heads as an Explorer. they had E7 heads same as a Mustang. Honestly about the best treated desirable motor you're likely to find will come out of a Lincoln Mark VII in most cases. Most desirable is probably the Explorer though because of the heads and intake. Either way a used engine needs to be at least closely inspected to make sure its not a POS.


As for the knock, once it starts to knock its only good for another 100k miles so its not like you've got much time to plan this out

[johnunit]

I'd only take an explorer motor over a mustang motor (of similar condition) if I didn't have a budget for aftermarket heads. If there's decent (ie. non-factory) heads in it's future, there's really nothing to recommend an explorer block over the mustang's that I can think of.