LOL I did put intakes didn't I? I meant heads....

Good thing I put on my flame retardant gear before I started this thread...

Kalli, got any insight into what too look for once I tear the engine down?

 

Well, I really hate jumping in, in the middle of something but, can't seem to resist this time..Since you already have the motor out, it make it a little more difficult but, the first thing I would do is a compression test. This will probably end with low results though , being that it has sat for so long, and the rings are probably stuck by now. You can put some MM oil or even a little ATF in the cylinders and let it sit for a while (day or two) and then try it.

If you have not done a motor before, you probably won't know what you are looking at...or for but, like someone has said, look for the "cross-hatch" pattern in the cylinder walls or if the are worn smooth. If you are going to go through the trouble of pulling the bearing caps....you might as well put new bearings in it. They are pretty cheap. So....you can do the whole "bottom-end" for like $50. Then , I would have to put a new oil pump in it (but that's just me)...so, $100 on the bottom.

Then, there is the "top-end"...this is where that compression test comes in. It will tell you if you have valve issues or something else. Like before, if I am going to go through this much trouble, I would at least get a basic valve job done. They can be had for about $150...unless you find some bad valves. Then, it goes up.

Other than that, it's just gaskets so....you can go from "re-conditioning" a motor and making it sound for about....3-4 hundred to...making power and having things all "balanced" and custom parts where it'll add up in a hurry.



So, anyways...take your time with it, keep it clean!, make sure everything is well lubed, and if something doesn't seem right, double and triple check it. Go slow and have fun with it. Ask questions, no matter how "dumb" you think they are.

 

Thanks for jumping in Stepman... I appreciate the insight.

 

i will follow this thread closely..... i picked up a 289 off ebay yesterday and it was rusted and dirty like you just described.

we did not try to start it to do a compression check..

we started taking it down to see what it looked like.. well after we took the heads off we got a "burned" smell so i took it all the way down to the block and we will rehone and rebuild over the next couple of weeks.


i will try to take pics to show progress but you know a camera is never around when you need it i did not get any before pics.

 

IMO if this is a full restoration, don't cut corners. The engine is the heart and soul of your mustang! Spend the extra money and take it to a shop. You will thank your self later.

 

hmmm ..... wonder if i can talk the mechanic/brother in law into this??
http://www.mustangsplus.com/tech/efi/index.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...Q5fAccessories