KlubFoot Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTHER91 Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 I would at least get the crank and rods checked by a machine shop before you buy the bearings just in case you have to go .010", at least they will check it and polish it and champfer (sp?) the holes, also if you want a little stroke i have a already polished and champfers crank out of my 351 im trying to get rid of 50 bucks the machine bill alone was 70. Other than having everything checked you have a pretty complete list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stolen 5.0 Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 go with a higher compression piston would help out some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KlubFoot Posted February 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 What else would need to be considered if I went with a higher compression piston? What's the stock ratio? Something like 9.5:1? What would be a good ratio to look for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stolen 5.0 Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 10.5, you can still run regular gas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest powers Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 You could also buy firged pistons for not much more that hyperutectic but you can run a much tighter bore with the Hyper pistons. IPS could get you a set of Ross pistons for about what you will be paying for hypers. And I would bump the compression for sure like fowler said 10-11 and still run pump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KlubFoot Posted February 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 does anyone know what the stroke would be increased to if a crank out of a 351 was used in a 302? Also, would it bolt right in, would the bearings from a 302 crank work and will the stock 302 rods bolt up to the crank without problems? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mensan Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 does anyone know what the stroke would be increased to if a crank out of a 351 was used in a 302? Also, would it bolt right in, would the bearings from a 302 crank work and will the stock 302 rods bolt up to the crank without problems? You can't use a 351 crank in a 302 block. The deck is taller. Besides, even if you could, you would still only have 351ci (same bore size). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spoiler71 Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 The Windsor crank would need allot of machining to fit the smaller mains in the 302. And true you would still und up with a 351. Your plans sounds pretty good but I would defiantly replace the timing chain and gears. I agree with using forged pistons. The speed-pro L2482F30 will give you a 9.4 to 1 and plenty of valve clearance for the larger valves. The L2488F30 is a replacement for the 82-85 H.O. so it was designed for a larger chamber it should make around 9.6 but it uses a metric ring. You should be able to score a L2482 for a round $32 per slug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.