302 Engine!!!!!

thumper460 said:

I know that NOT everyone has the skill to build and engine.. or maybe the tools !! But guys.. it IS easy!! and a LOT cheaper than these "crate engines".. let me try this..
You have NO tools!! No truck to transport !! NO skill !!
But most ALL the things needed are RENTABLE!! Knowing one of your friends has a pick up.. and there HAS to be a salvage yard close to you... and you AND your buds do know how to read... Cool??

Lets get started!! Used stock 302 or HO from a salvage yard!! ( low 150.00 to 350.00 ) 10.00 for your bud for gas to haul the block to a car wash... 5.00 for the spray wash... then to the house!! tear the engine apart in the back of the truck!! ( yep.. make it a week end job) Heads off.. look at the engine.. if it is a 5.0 there is a real good chance there is no ridge at the top of the cylinders.. and if it is a 87-92 you will have FORGED pistons!! Flop over the block and remove the oil pan... look at the bottom end.. notice the rods.. the main caps are numbered!! ( chevy doesnt even do that....!!) Break out the manual and read on how to pull the bottom appart.. ( and put it together) Remove the water pump and the timing chain cover.. you will need the 5.00 rental dampner puller, off come the dampner.. the timing cove with the water pump still attached!! look at the timing chain assy... move the crankshaft till the timing chain dots align.. like in the book!! remove the chain.. the retainer and the cam!! Cool?? it is still in the back of the truck... it is sat afternoon and it is time for a beer.. or soda..LOL Break out the good ole catalogs.. Sumitt Jegs PAW look up engine kits.. 347?? 331?? 302?? what ever.. IF you have the roller block and forged pistons.. and the cylinders are good.. all you will need is a " re-ring kit" that will be bearings.. rings.. gaskets !! Cheap HUH?? Take the engine to the machine shop.. call a few or ask your friends where they go.. Have the block mic'd and cleaned ( 30-45.00)!! new cam bearings. ( 25.00 to 45.00 P&L) Freeze plugs come in your kit!! Have the cramkshaft Mic'd to see if it NEEDS turned or just cleaned and polished..( polished 35.00 or turned 85.00) then you Know what size bearings you need for the crankshaft!! Cake so far... Get a new cam/lifters/t-chain/oil pump... all from the catalogs.. about (420-500.00 ).. Heads?? GT40s?? P's?? Ported E7s?? AFR's ...your choice on that...

5.00 to wash out your buddies truck... the machine shop will be ready on wed.. pleanty of time to dream about your first engine rebuild!! ( which is FREE.. of course)

Cleaning it all up sux... but get a can of carb DIP, usually 1 to 5 gal tins.. ( 10.-35.00) set the pistons and rods in that stuff over nite... any other parts that you need to clean up.. wash of with water and blow dry with Brake Clean and then oil good with WD40.. Remove the rings.. and rent a "Piston grove cleaner (15.00) and have the guy show you how to use it!!

Now ... everything is clean!! block is at the shop and will be cleaned.. parts are on the way from the catalogs.. and the total is ... what?? 1200-1300.00?? and MOST machine shops will short block it for 400.00-500.00 if you decide NOT to do it!! making the high total : **$1800.00 bucks!!*** IF you have to have it bored and new pistons... add 400.00 for Hyper.. 600.00 for forged with the machine work at the shop to bore and press ( 150.00-175.00) equals a HIGH total of about 2500.00!!** and it is your engine and sweat intead of a 2800.00 Crate short block + 250.00 UPS and that will be a Hyp. Piston engine!!

Long huh...??

Just me........................

Thumper

Click to expand...

302 coupe said:

few people think they can do it the first time. Its pretty easy. Just buy a good book, do your research, use common sense, you'll be ok, and you'll have way more money.

Click to expand...