• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

302 Rebuild questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter JuggalotuStang
  • Start date Start date Sep 8, 2004
J

JuggalotuStang

New Member
Jan 7, 2004
110
0
0
Southampton, MA
Sep 8, 2004
#1
  • Sep 8, 2004
  • #1
My car has 160k miles on it, runs perfect, all stock. I want to start modding it, but a few friends said I should rebuild it. Should I? I want some more opinions, and suggestions. Oh.. and how hard is it to do? Nadaclue?!

I was also told to just find a 302 from a junkyard, take it apart, get the block bored or whatever.

I don't know what to do? Any suggestions would help, Thanks!
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
Sep 8, 2004
#2
  • Sep 8, 2004
  • #2
If it ain’t broke, don't fix it. 160,000 is just barely broke in for some 5.0L's. If you were planning on doing some serious mods to it, then I would say give it a going over, but if it's not burning any oil, or puffing any colour of smoke out the tails, or leaking fluids anywhere, leave it alone!
 
J

JuggalotuStang

New Member
Jan 7, 2004
110
0
0
Southampton, MA
Sep 8, 2004
#3
  • Sep 8, 2004
  • #3
Yeah, well, it is puffing out a tiny bit of smoke when I rip on it and shift at 4900rpms. That's about it..

So what about just buying a block from a junkyard? I will probably do that and rebuild/build it.
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
Sep 8, 2004
#4
  • Sep 8, 2004
  • #4
If you wish. Your best bet to stay roller if you're going to build from scratch anyway, is to find yourself a late 80's-early 90's F150 engine. That'd be your cheapest bet. Then just supply a distributor, a set of decent forged pistons along with your favourite H/C/I and you're golden.
 

blackstangt

Member
May 31, 2004
460
1
19
ny
Sep 8, 2004
#5
  • Sep 8, 2004
  • #5
if you want to do a performance engine, your friends are right, go find a 5.0 with high miles(so it's well tempered). drive your car around while you have a shop do the rebuild, should be cheap. get some good pistons, and like stated you choice combo of other parts. If you have a stock transmission I would suggest an upgrade also. Also as with anyone doing mods, i suggest subframe connectors.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Suggestions on an engine rebuild. Stock cam/GT40Ps or aftermarket on both for a fun weekend driver?
  • MadSquirrelTech
  • Apr 28, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
856
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
MadSquirrelTech
9
Engine Donor '00 Mountaineer meet '91 Fox
  • 91firecracker
  • May 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
41
Views
931
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 28, 2026
91firecracker
9
Drivetrain How much resistance, if any at all, is normal on a new 1st gear and synchro on a WC T5 transmission?
  • sleep-e
  • Jan 21, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
263
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 22, 2026
sleep-e
H
Forced Induction On3 Turbo Kit- Parts list NEEDED - 302 Stock Motor
  • Hirothecool1
  • Feb 27, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
21
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Mar 7, 2026
slow84lx
S
D
First post 289 rebuild question!
  • Ddyer2868
  • Nov 24, 2025
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Replies
3
Views
282
Classic Mustang Specific Tech Dec 5, 2025
rednotch
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?