Anybody ever gotten away with cheap engine build??

[SmockDoiley]

So I want to do this 460 for cheapo bucks, but has anyone ever tried this. I tore the engine apart and it looks good and bad. The rods look straight from testing, but the pistons have marring on the skirts. The cylinder walls have a ridge and some scarring. Its nothing serious and all the bearings looked really good. I want to get this engine running dirt cheap but how long could it last with the scratches using new oil pump, timing chain, valve springs, rings and bearings, cam and lifters. Pretty much everything will be new, but I'll reuse the block untouched, the pistons, crank and rods.

 

[powershift351]

better play it safe and have it leak checked and rebuilt proper

 

[SmockDoiley]

See, I know obviously thats the best thing. But when you have a running car and then 2 460's laying around on top of that. I thought why should I care if this thing grenades. I mean its only going to see a few thousands miles. Too late to get it leak checked anyways since its all apart.

 

[cmozez]

Put it together and run the hell out of it. I know alot of people that build junkyard engines and have good luck out of them.You never know till ya try. Keep us posted.

 

[87'GTstang]

What was wrong with it to make you want to tear it down? Have you ever seen it run? Where did you get it from and do you know the mileage?

 

[blk9450]

i would at least hone the cylinders and get the summit kit with new pistons if they are real bad. few thousand miles is nothing, just get ready to throw a rod unless you do it right. you should rip the other one apart and see if it looks better

 

[SmockDoiley]

They are both from the junkyard. The one in question was in a wrecked car so I'm assuming it was running when junked, but when I pulled the heads off, there was water sitting in the cylinders. So the walls rusted up a bit. As far as I can tell its all original with OEM part numbers on EVERYTHING. Pretty sure its standard bore. The other engine is also torn apart but the block has a rusted out freeze plug so I dont know if that meant it was overheated.

 

[battyice]

What is this engine going to be used for? If longevity isn't a big concern, hit the cylinders with a hone to break the glaze (use a ridge reamer if needed) throw in some new pistons along with the rest of your rebuild kit and you'll be in business. I have seen some junkyard specials run for a long time with no more than what I just described.

 

[SmockDoiley]

no new pistons because that would cost money and a machine shop

 

[65ShelbyClone]

no new pistons because that would cost money and a machine shop

Then your best bet probably would have been to just stick either of them on a stand and try to get them running without a teardown, rust and all. They might run rough, they might burn oil, but that shouldnt cost you anything. Also, a rusted freeze plug doesnt mean much. That was common with factory steel plugs.

 

[QDRHRSE]

I think that if you give the block a light hone and replace the rings and bearings it will last a long time. It's a big block....those things last forever anyway. As long as the crank and rods look ok you should be in good shape. It might not be the tightest motor ever but it will undoubtedly work.