89 5.0?

Squirt oil into the cylinders and crank it by hand first. It will probably be fine.

i would start where max power suggested, then pre oil the engine to make sure the oil pump has not lost its prime. use fresh oil by the way. after that i would turn it by hand for a few revolutins to make sure everything is free. when you start it, run it at about 1000-1500 rpm for about 15 min to get it to operating temp, and to get oil circulating through the motor. i would then change the oil and filter, after shutting down, then go to normal change intervals.

Bdharn said:

Thanks Guys I think I am going to give it a shot. I was not sure but I really can't afford a full rebuild att. what distributor can I use since I am setting this up with carb? I think I remember the gear is different than the old 289 302 distributor gear.

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Use an aftermarket distributor for the 5.0L HO if you have roller cam engine. Mallory comes with steel gear already installed and so you avoid the expense of machine work to replace it. Mallory 2770401 is dual points model, 4770401 is the Unilite Electronic model. I know these, had one in my 5.0L powered '65fb.

You can use others such as MSD but with MSD you gotta send the distributor back to the factory to have the steel gear fitted (free except for shipping costs).

Ford Racing sells the gear separately for $45 allowing you to adapt your distributor. Machine shop labor drives this alternative up in cost.

Note that stock distributors for the 5.0 are ECIV electronic distributors and require a control box in addition to the distributor.

Regards fuel induction vs. fuel injection, the engine doesn't care where the fuel mixture comes from. The main disadvantage of the carb is smooth operation on cold days immediately after start up. With a choke and mechanical linkage a carb is fairly crude so you gotta put up with temperamental starts and crude fuel management. This means a loss of gas mileage.

Jeff

2x post

I've always been able to swap out the gears myself. Just drive out the pin and use a small 2 or 3 jaw puller, the gear will slide right off. If you don't have a puller and don't want to buy one, go up to your local autozone, they will pull one of their 'rental tool' shelf, and you can pull the gear while you're at the store. piece of cake.

Oh yeah, you should be able use the newer 302's gear on your 289/non-roller 302 distributor. It'll save you the $45.