I just got my first Mustang, a 1968 Mustang with a 289... The motor sounds strong but it is kicking out oil out the pipes. I admit my lack of experience with V8's so I am looking to get a long block and get this Mustang on the road. I am looking for suggestions as to a good source for a rebuilt engine, heard the horor stories about Autozone and such. I have about 2K to start this project.

Thanks,

 

Do a lot of asking around...I did that and found a local guy that runs a machine shop who is very reasonable and comes with good references from several friends for doing good work.

Be careful re: ebay also. You want to go local. I was reading a while back on another board about some poor guys disaster in dealing with an M&R machine that he found on ebay.

Stay local if at all possible and check references.

 

Since this is your first Mustang I would suggest a really good evaluation of the engine you have. Things like; how is the oil preasure when running, oil preasure at idle, does it smoke, what is the compression on all cylinders, does it have any funny noises like lifter clatter or rod knock.

What is this you are saying about oil out of the pipes? I have never seen one do that. Are you sure you and not talking about the blackish looking water that come out of the pipes until the engine is warmed up? That is a normal condition and it is just water that gets black from the soot in the pipes. If it goes away when the engine is warm it is nothing to worry about. If you are really getting oil out of the pipes it would be smoking like mad when the engine gets warm because the oil will burn inside the hot pipes.

 

I just purchased a compression gage to check out the compression on the motor, I will let it warm up and see if it still kicks out stuff...

 

I strongly recommend you stay away from Vege remanufactured engines. This is the supplier to O'Reilly's / Checker Auto. I purchased a reman 289 long block and it has been a heap of junk. Their customer service is poor at best and when they warrant parts, the replacements are of the same poor quality (in particular the heads are in terrible shape). So.....my advice to you, after having experienced their product is to STAY AWAY and find a local supplier/rebuilder that you can meet & speak to their satisfied customers.

Good Luck!