ive had this 289 sitting in my garage over the years waiting on my car to get done and sense then it has developed some sureface rust..just wondering if i need to get it resurfaced or just use a dremel and a sanding wheel or scuff pad to it.

 

A scuff pad and random directions should do the job, just be sure to prevent particles from getting into the cylinders, by masking them off, and vacuum clean afterward to be sure. The heads will be easier in this regard. I see they are flat-top pistons, 289 4V Premium Fuel style. What cam is installed?

 

u know iam not sure. it has been awhile it might be a stock cam??? if it is a stock cam which would u choose to upgrade to. I want a nice sounding lope to it

 

Ford had an excellent version of the 289HP cam that used hydraulic lifters, the C9OZ-C. These are still available from non-Ford sources.

 

While you have it out and apart, why not tear down the short block and have the block dipped and machined. Youe can get the heads rebuilt for aobut 250 as well. While you can certainly start sanding etc. if you get crap inside the cylinders, you are asking for trouble.

If you car has beenr estored, spend a little extra tiem and money and do the engine right. I wouldn't want to reassemble everything, install etc. only to have to rebuild a short time after. Now is the time to flush all th cooling passages and get the whole thing super clean.

Good lcuk.

 

How worried should you be about getting a few little pieces of carbon inside the cylinders?

 

Just clean it up, it will be fine.

The first post mentioning the scuff pad is the best... The scuff pad won't shed itself of any gritty stuff and will do fine for clean up.

The discoloration wont create any issues, just make sure you handle any of the elevated bumps and/or crust.

While I am not saying that clean cylinders are not important, the need for "super clean" here is not nearly as critical as in main and rod bearings....

 

well i blow out the coolent passages with an air gun, no dirt can go around past the pistons so i just blew the dirt off them when i was done. so if i just sand the deck and head surface so that they are free of any uneven rust the gasket will do the rest?