[Nermal]

I'm considering buying a high-milage late 80's-early 90's GT/LX, pulling the motor and rebuilding it. I'm embarrased to admit, but I have never done anything like this before...but you've got to start somewhere.

I don't know if there are specific years to look for or to avoid. It will only be used for local cruising (and maybe a show or two if it turns out good). Does anyone have experience with what to do or NOT to do for a project like this? I'm looking to build a N/A motor with low-end torque and nice lopey idle. Worst case...I end up with a V8 magazine rack.

Here goes nothing.....thanks. Hope you all have a great holiday!

 

[meangreen92]

For a street car, any of them will really do. But if you want to use a lopey cam, you will want a Mass Air car, which is '89 and up('88 in CA). The 5.0s had forged pistons from '85 or so, till '91 or some time in '92. '89 is probably the best because it has all that stuff, and no airbag.

 

[Young_Buck]

'Eh... I have a 1990.

I prefer the idea that if one day, for whatever reason, I crash.. I'll have an airbag.

Just a preference, though.

 

[GhostDog 5.0]

To get an idea of whats involved in tearing it apart (and putting back together) check out this article I wrote about changing the heads cam and intake.

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/techarticles/headcamintakeswap.pdf

Requires adobe acrobat.

 

[Nermal]

Your article

Actually, it was your article that gave me the idea to try building a motor. It's well written and easy to understand....esp. for us "mechanically-challenged" folks.

It seems like there are decent GT/LX's to be had for a decent price. As long as the body and frame aren't bent, bondo'd or duct taped, I'm jumping in.

I post some photos when I get it. I may be asking for your advice every now and then if it's OK with you.

Thanks again for the awesome write up. Have a great Holiday.
Jeff

 

[meangreen92]

'Eh... I have a 1990.

I prefer the idea that if one day, for whatever reason, I crash.. I'll have an airbag.

Just a preference, though.

I'm just kinda leery of that new technology...

 

[GhostDog 5.0]

If I were you, I would just have the bottom end rebuilt (new rings, pistons if it fits the budget, freshened connecting rods, and have the crank balanced/checked). Once the bottom end is put together you are pretty much home free when it comes to needing specialty parts. It may actually cost a lot more when you factor in buying all the parts (engine stand, etc).

Im glad to hear my article helped. I put a lot of time into it and hoped it would shed some light on the not always discussed in detail part of the 302.

If you have any questions feel free to make a post or instant message me on AIM (beavis662 is my screen name).

 

[Nermal]

What's your take on stroker motors? I saw a shortblock advertised (Jeg's) as a "direct replacement for a 5.0" but it was stroked to a 347. Would it be worth it to build off of that for a street driver or is re-working the stock 302 and internals a better choice?