Damn man, we're doing the same things. I need to slow down and really know my decision is right before beginning work.

Torque is key. Imagine only having 1 gear in a car that only travels up hill. When you pick the GR you need to pick one that allows the car to quickly reach its maximum rpm (for boats its between 5200 and 6000) but won't go over that rpm either at full throttle. Without huge torque you can't get into the power band.

Most car guys build horrible boat motors, not enough torque and too high an rpm for max hp. I'll probably build a real good tractor pull motor for the car since I'm going the opposite way

Lets not hijack your thread too much When is the motor going together?

 

.025 for all intents works just about anywhere .023 will, so it should do fine.

As for your later posts, when I'm at a carshow and see a T bucket with a Chevy in it, I keep on walkin'. To do this to a later model is a sin! Your car, your choice, but it just had to be said! To me, it's a sign of someone taking a shortcut/easy way out and don't deserve the respect of a full on restore. :a stepping off the soap box smiley would be good here!:

 

I'm with KMatch on this one... I'm just not feelin it either, sorry!

 

Yeah, we have the same problem. And I see what you mean about torque being necessary, which reinforces your point that car guys usually build crappy boat motors.

I'm going this afternoon to pick up an LS1 book. Just as I learn from a local what I needed for my 302, I changed my mind, so now I've gotta learn about this myself.
I'm gonna start prepping the block for reassembly. Get a light coat of oil back on everything while it's sitting. I might put a different cam in there, and I've already got 853 LS1 heads, so it's close to coming back together.




Grrrr, you guys are hard to satisfy! Haha! I won't argue, this engine will never look right in a classic mustang, I knew that from the start.
I've given it some thought and I'm also considering what else I can do with this engine. For one, my Avalanche is at around 160k miles, so I can drop this engine in there and step up the power on my truck. Just a thought so my lucky find doesn't go to waste.

I'm really indecisive right now, not sure what to do. Either way I'm gonna rebuild the engine and maybe on the way things will change.


I appreciate that you guys are putting in your word. I'm taking it all in, and considering everyone's opinion. I'm not someone who's negative and will reject advice just because it's not what I want. I'm very open minded.

 

Paint it blue, who would know?

 

Haha I was either gonna do that or leave it chrome. Ford Grabber Blue would definitely throw off a lot of people.

 

Why are you putting an LS1 in your classic Mustang? This kind of stuff is a total let down on cruise night.

I agree with the comment about hating GM V8s in classic Fords. I can't stand seeing a 350 in a 30's Ford. I do know why some of those guys do that though. Several of them say they want to keep the classic heritage of hot rodding. Back then one of the hottest motors around was a Corvette motor. Thats what alot of guys ran back then.

If I had a 30s Ford it would have a Flat head or at least a SBF.

I really just do not like cross breading automobiles.

 

Well, so what do you guys recommend? I'm at a loss of what to do.
I'm looking for the dependability for a DD and the 350 horsepower range.
I know that HP range and dependability is attainable in so many motors, but for $350? I don't know if I'll find that kinda deal again.
Either way, I'm planning to rebuild this motor, As it looks now (from the large discontent expressed), I'll probably end up selling it. Good thing is that I'll make a few hundred bucks I hope, and perhaps I can put that into my 302.

So with all that said, it appears I will be switching back to carbed engines.

I might try to sell the 302 and the LM4 and hopefully make enough to build a nice motor, time will tell, as always.

If anything, this will either be the motor I use in my 'stang, or a springboard for another (hopefully better) motor.


Finally, what I take from all this is:
1. As expected, a Chevy in a Ford is a great way to start a hellstorm
2. Rebuilding this motor will definitely help educate me
3. I should be able to make a good profit on this motor when rebuilt


So, enough crap about the motor, I finally got to use that spot weld cutter today and all I have to say is... WHY DIDN'T I BUY THIS DAMN THING EARLIER?!?!?! Haha, it seriously made the job SOOOOOOO much easier.

Pics:


The Old:


The New:



So I've gotta pick up a can of rust preventative paint/primer to spray of the bare metal parts (not seen) that I've gotta cover up before welding it back together.





Again, thanks for all the opinions and support guys. It's all adding up to make the project go smoothly.

 

Are you rebuilding the engine yourself?

 

Yes because I doubt I could afford to pay someone to do it, even our local garage who we have a good relationship with.