I am going to pick up a Thunderbird 5.0L motor from my friend this weekend. As I slowly start tearing into this thing, I'd like to have a good idea of what I will be wanting to replace or freshen up. This is the first rebuild I will be doing on my own, and I want to have things planned out before I just go wasting time and money. I will also create a parts/combo list at the end of my post for critiquing. Keep in mind this is all going to be going in an 89 LX hatch 4 cyl car (the one that floated around on here and noone ever gave a chance).
My goal for the car is simple. I want to hit 12's using as many stock parts as I can and I want to be able to drive the car daily without problems. I don't plan on ever running boost and I don't plan on running anything lower then 12's (I've got the 93 GT for all that.) Overall, the main intent is to get my hands dirty and create a learning experience that will pay off in the end. I am also trying to do this as cheap as possible.
As far as the block goes, what all should I be looking for as far as structural integrity? I plan on having it cleaned up and machined to .030" over. I know I will need larger pistons and rings after the machine work. Stock rods will be used with the larger pistons. I will also be replacing the freeze plugs. What can I do to clean up the stock crank? Cam, Rod and Main bearings will all be replaced with stock specification units. Also, I will be replacing the oil pump with a stock volume stock pressure unit. A complete gasket set will be used as well. A new timing chain and gears and a cleaned up stock HO cam will also be used. Am I forgetting anything important?
I'm going to be using a set of ported E7TE heads with new springs, retainers, rockers, pushrods and possibly larger valves (1.90/1.60). Ported stock lower and stock upper intake. 65mm TB. Completely stock fuel system as of now (unless anyone has any suggestions).
The List
Freshened up block (0.030" over)
0.030" over hypereutectic pistons and rings
Stock stroke
New freeze plugs
New cam, rod and main bearings
New stock volume and pressure oil pump
Complete gasket Kit
Stock 302 HO cam
New timing chain and gears (if needed)
Ported E7TE heads w/ springs, retainers, rockers, pushrods and possibly larger valves (1.90/1.60)
Ported stock lower
Stock upper
65mm TB
19# injectors
Stock fuel pump.
Stock MAS
K&N cone filter
For now, stock headers, hpipe (with gutted cats) and flowmaster catbacks.
Car will also have sn95 5 lug swap and an 8.8" rear with 3.73 gear and 5 lug ranger axles and rebuilt traction loc. Stock GT upper and lowers.
Let me know what you guys think!