i just got a 1971 mustang (grande). The engine runs great but its old and i dont want to risk blowing gaskets and its never had much work done to it. All of the engine is pretty much original. Where should i start first in rebuilding it?

 

strip it have it cleaned get the bore checked from there its up to you keep it stock or build it up.either way replace every gasket and seal and any bolt inside of it. if you reuse the cam make sure you dont have a lobe wore down.

 

^ there is nothing wrong with reuseing all the bolts for the motor - and you need to replace the cam and lifters if you are going to tear everything down.

to be perfectly honest with you, if the motor isnt leaking fluids now - leave the gaskets alone and just drive it. seriously - if its not broke, dont fix it.

 

Yeah, don't rebuild it unless something is wrong with it

 

Unless you are in the mood to spend money, just drive it.

If there is something wrong like a knock or water in the oil or some other reason to tear it down, like you want some performance parts thrown into it,then knock yourself out.

You can reuse the bolts, that engine was made years before the auto manufacturers went to torque to yeild bolts. Also, you can reuse the cam and lifters if they are in good shape unless you are going with a performance grind., but make sure you keep the lifters matched to their respective lobes.

If you are going to build the Cleveland you will find a quite potent engine when you are done. The key with it, as with any engine, is to know what it's strengths and weaknesses are as well as what you want from it and make the whole power packge from intake to rear gears match in reagrd to RPM range.

One other thing, is it a 351C 4V or 2V?