Rebuild underway

I'd like to start off by apologizing for the bad aol link to my homepage on my first post. (proud new owner 89 GT). It's a good read, check it out. Here is a GOOD link to the pics of the stang. http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/829765.
I have also updated the link on the other thread. If that doesn't work. go to www.cardomain.com. Hit search and search member profile MyProjectStang all one word.
Most of you know I just bought a new stang, with the engine already torn apart. The guy supposadly ran it out of oil, tore it apart while changing the oil pan and lost interest. Well there are no ridges and only minor normal scratches on the cylinder walls. The engine is in tip top shape beleive it or not the cylinders look true in shape, I will know more when I mic it tomorrow. That being said.....................

The rebuild is going good. I am further ahead that I thought, I would be. Thank God for air tools. The heads are pretty well cleaned up and the rest should be cleaned by next week. The guy let everything sit and rust, So While I've got it apart I'm replacing a whole deal of parts and triple checking all measurements/specs. I've decided to stay with a 302 C.I. displacement for the time being. I however do have a few questions.

1.)I've decided on the Fel-Pro Replacement Gasket kit. (complete engine kit) Part # ks2337. Varies in price from $110.00 to $64.99 at autozone. Anyone know of a better value? Also there are NOT cork gaskets are they?

2.)Should I go with a high compacity water pump, what brand do you recommend, or is the $25.00 pump with LLT warranty from autozone good?

3.)What brand Main and rod bearings do you recommend using?

4.)This is a link for some steel chrome valve covers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7969657191&category=33627
Those would be stock correct? Has anyone had a problem with the chrome peeling with these low cost covers? Would you recommend them for the $$$.

5.)I'm in need a dip stick tube, badly. Know where I can find one--Hard Find

6.)Good luck/Bad luck with certain Radiator brands?

7.)The oil pump is good, replace it anyways? If so what brand?

ANY input is great. Any other Ideas?
Oh yea, I've also decided I'm throwing the stock 3.08:1? (I think?) gears out, decided on the 3.73:1. Any recommendations on a manufacture? I'm assumming all brands sell the same bevel gears? just a different name?

Again all thanks for any input.
Can't wait to get out there and post some 1/4 mile times.
Darn, gotta break the engine in first :swear:
I will keep you updated as to progress on the engine rebuild.

I'd like to start off by apologizing for the bad aol link to my homepage on my first post. (proud new owner 89 GT). It's a good read, check it out. Here is a GOOD link to the pics of the stang. http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/829765.
I have also updated the link on the other thread. If that doesn't work. go to www.cardomain.com. Hit search and search member profile MyProjectStang all one word.

No worries.........



Most of you know I just bought a new stang, with the engine already torn apart. The guy supposadly ran it out of oil, tore it apart while changing the oil pan and lost interest. Well there are no ridges and only minor normal scratches on the cylinder walls. The engine is in tip top shape beleive it or not the cylinders look true in shape, I will know more when I mic it tomorrow. That being said.....................

That's good that the block looks fine.......

The rebuild is going good. I am further ahead that I thought, I would be. Thank God for air tools. The heads are pretty well cleaned up and the rest should be cleaned by next week. The guy let everything sit and rust, So While I've got it apart I'm replacing a whole deal of parts and triple checking all measurements/specs. I've decided to stay with a 302 C.I. displacement for the time being. I however do have a few questions.

Air tools are a major requirment....... with out it, a job can take 2 to 3 times longer to do all by hand.......


1.)I've decided on the Fel-Pro Replacement Gasket kit. (complete engine kit) Part # ks2337. Varies in price from $110.00 to $64.99 at autozone. Anyone know of a better value? Also there are NOT cork gaskets are they?


Value is not always everything, but getting a good seal is the key. I never had issues with Felpro or Mr. Gasket stuff.


2.)Should I go with a high compacity water pump, what brand do you recommend, or is the $25.00 pump with LLT warranty from autozone good?


A water pump is a water pump, and it does not matter if you get it from Autozone, or Kragen or what ever as long as it is new and has a warrenty.. You can probally go electric, and that will gain you some ponies, but for most people, it's not worth the hassel. If anything get a under driver pulley for the water pump.


3.)What brand Main and rod bearings do you recommend using?

Get your rotating assemble from Coat High Performance... it is only $1600 for all FORGED stuff. and $1200 if you use a cast crank and forged rods...http://www.coasthigh.com/Assemblies/Ford/ford_331.htm
I personally wouldn't tell anyone to rebuild a 5.0L using the stock displacement, because the price between stock and stroke is the same.


4.)This is a link for some steel chrome valve covers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7969657191&category=33627
Those would be stock correct? Has anyone had a problem with the chrome peeling with these low cost covers? Would you recommend them for the $$$.

Ford Racing has some good covers......


5.)I'm in need a dip stick tube, badly. Know where I can find one--Hard Find

Sumit should have them and I think they are in the ford Racing catalog.


6.)Good luck/Bad luck with certain Radiator brands?
I actually install a radiator than came from Autozone into a fox body mustang. The fit was perfect. Of course it's not a aftermarket performance radiator, but it worked fine.


7.)The oil pump is good, replace it anyways? If so what brand?

I would personally replace it, and I would get it from Ford.


ANY input is great. Any other Ideas?
Oh yea, I've also decided I'm throwing the stock 3.08:1? (I think?) gears out, decided on the 3.73:1. Any recommendations on a manufacture? I'm assumming all brands sell the same bevel gears? just a different name?

Ford sells the best gears, but you can get them from Strange Engeering or currie or what ever. They all work.


Again all thanks for any input.
Can't wait to get out there and post some 1/4 mile times.
Darn, gotta break the engine in first :swear:
I will keep you updated as to progress on the engine rebuild.


Cool

Getting a higher flowing water pump is nice and inexpensive. check out parts at www.summitracing.com since most of their prices are reasonable. Melling oil pumps are good, Clevite 77 bearings are used most often in rebuild and race applications. Replacing the oil pump is always a good idea, so there isnt second guessing the quality of life it has left in it.

Thanks for the input. Wen't to get the fel-pro gasket set ks2337 today. This is a cork gasket set. Has anyone used these with any luck? I'm not big on cork gaskets. Have had bad luck with them in the past.

Thanks for the input. Wen't to get the fel-pro gasket set ks2337 today. This is a cork gasket set. Has anyone used these with any luck? I'm not big on cork gaskets. Have had bad luck with them in the past.

Well it looks like its only on the valve covers and the oil pan. I have great trust with these, especially brand new. Ive even reused the valve cover ones just because theyre that durable. Definately trust them.