Hey guys. I've finally started work on the new 5.0 project. But I'm trying to plan everything out before I really pull the trigger. I got my 87 5.0 from a lincoln along with an AOD. I'm trying to swap the 289 5 bolt out for this setup. One concern I have is the crank pulley. On the 289, there are 4 bolts. On the 5.0, there are 3 bolts (may be backwards, can't remember off the top of my head). I wanna swap the v belt system from the 289 onto the 5.0 to look more original, but this pulley issue is concerning me. Can I simply swap the entire harmonic balancer AND the flywheel and still be ok? Or will I have to get a new pulley?
Another question I have is this.... The 289 has a mild Engine Works cam, and it sounds pretty good. Since I'm going to have the timing cover off anyway, why not go ahead and switch the cam and lifters, too. Since the 5.0 has a roller cam, will the cam bearings stillneed to bereplaced in order to do the swap? I assume that since the cam is a roller, then there is much less friction, and maybe I can get away without replacing the bearings. Is this utter ignorance? I'm on a stupid tight budget.
I needto swap oil pans and pumps. The pump in the 289 is a highvolume with less than 10K miles. Would it be ok to reuse?
One more question. Since my dipstick will be in the timing cover instead of the block, What would be the best way to plug the dipstick hole in the 5.0? Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

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Ok, thanks for the help, especially with that pulley, but i gotta dumb question: Why wont the cams interchange? I'm new to 5.0's, I've only ever dealt with the old carbbed engines. Sorry for the ignorance.

 

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Oh I see!! well thats simple enough. And the side-by-side engine comparison is a good idea. So I guess I'll start saving my pennies for a FRPP roller cam then, eh? Will an E303 or B303 have a lopey idle, like a regular "muscle car" cam? Power is not my main priority, I just want a cheap, reliable driver that sounds and looks good. The only other real question I have is about the oil pump. Could I just pirate the almost-new 289 pump? The pump is a high volume/pressure unit. haha another thing I need to think about is that my valve covers CONSTANTLY leak. I was on my 3rd set of gaskets and they still leak. Could it be that the oil pump is actually putting too much oil up top? Or are my valve covers warped?
Oh, and I know this is a can of worms, but I'm now questioning my choice on the AOD. I dont want to spend the coin to swap in an AOD only to have to rebuild it in a few months. Any personal experience or preference?? Thanks Scott, you've been a big help!!

 

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