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

junkyard shortblock rebuild

  • Thread starter Thread starter NKau
  • Start date Start date May 16, 2006

NKau

Founding Member
Dec 15, 2001
1,346
0
37
Jefferson, WI
May 16, 2006
#1
  • May 16, 2006
  • #1
I want some opinions on the best way to 'rebuild' a stock 302 c.i. shortblock while spending less than $500.
My subject is a 150K mile '87 shortblock out of a GT. Bearings are showing copper on both the mains and rods, but there is no ridges on top of any of the cylinders, which I'm hoping gives me a decent chance of just being able to re-ring the stock pistons and not have problems. I assume using a dial-bore indicator will be the only true way of figuring this out.

Anyone have luck with just putting new bearings/rings in a shortblock and letting it rip? I figured on keeping the '87 speed density cam (wit new cam bearings), and just throwing on the performer rpm heads, and performer intake I've had laying around for some time, so this thing won't exactly be a high HP mill. Keep in mind I have a newer water pump/oil pump on my current motor that I will be able to re-use, so bearings, rings and fresh freeze/oil galley plugs and a new timing chain should be about all I need in terms of parts (using my backyard mechanic logic).

Thanks for any advice.
 
A

Andres2882

New Member
Jan 29, 2004
316
0
0
May 16, 2006
#2
  • May 16, 2006
  • #2
Sounds like a good plan to me Nick. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably just re-use my stock block with new rings and bearings and then use that extra money for a s/c or turbo kit in place of the nitrous. Good luck!

BTW, I have an extra Taurus fan lying around if you wants it. If you're not in a rush, I'm going to hit up LKQ again to see if I can find some more MarkVIII fans, cuz they really do kick major ass.
 

NKau

Founding Member
Dec 15, 2001
1,346
0
37
Jefferson, WI
May 17, 2006
#3
  • May 17, 2006
  • #3
It's costing me $2500 to have the car painted (getting sprayed this week), not including my time prepping, etc., so I was forced to delay the stroker for a while out of poverty

I'm in no rush for a fan; probably won't be even thinking about pulling my old engine until after the interior and rest of exterior trim is back on the car. I'll take whatever you can find me though, so let me know.
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
May 17, 2006
#4
  • May 17, 2006
  • #4
remember to mic the crank aswell. make sure there is no serious wear there because if there is you may need to get it turned and over size bearings put in.
 

srothfuss

Last night I stabbed the same guy 7 times in a row
Oct 17, 2004
1,796
3
0
Woodward Ave.
May 17, 2006
#5
  • May 17, 2006
  • #5
Maybe get a hone tool to use in your drill and clean up the cylinder walls. Nothing wrong with a J/Y setup.

If you find a motor that is siezed, just put some oil on top of the pistons and the rings should come un-glued
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
May 17, 2006
#6
  • May 17, 2006
  • #6
srothfuss said:
Maybe get a hone tool to use in your drill and clean up the cylinder walls. Nothing wrong with a J/Y setup.

If you find a motor that is siezed, just put some oil on top of the pistons and the rings should come un-glued
Click to expand...
usally atf works best if you are going to use the oil to unsieze.
 

Hickfied

Member
Nov 9, 2005
413
0
16
Morganton, NC
May 17, 2006
#7
  • May 17, 2006
  • #7
Bearings and rings can be had along with a gasket set from LRS or Mustang Unlimited for less than $300

Timing chain will run ~ $30 at AutoZone

Plugs and dowels are $12 I beleive from many places..

Might as well go with a new oil pump, driveshaft, and water pump while your at it Also... Depending on mileage... LIFTERS! lol
 

NKau

Founding Member
Dec 15, 2001
1,346
0
37
Jefferson, WI
May 18, 2006
#8
  • May 18, 2006
  • #8
Hickfied said:
Bearings and rings can be had along with a gasket set from LRS or Mustang Unlimited for less than $300

Timing chain will run ~ $30 at AutoZone

Plugs and dowels are $12 I beleive from many places..

Might as well go with a new oil pump, driveshaft, and water pump while your at it Also... Depending on mileage... LIFTERS! lol
Click to expand...

Hadn't thought about the lifters......will have to put that on the list. Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

My next project , a 428 build!
  • horse sence
  • Jul 29, 2026
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
  • 2 3 4
Replies
77
Views
1K
Classic Mustang Specific Tech Yesterday at 1:51 PM
horse sence
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
971
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
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 28, 2026
91firecracker
9
J
Intake
  • James S
  • Jul 10, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
218
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 12, 2026
James S
J
J
2004 Mustang 3.8L V6 vibrations above 65 MPH and differential leaks
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
17
Views
726
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Aug 29, 2026
joeybuddy96
J
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?