junkyard shortblock rebuild

[NKau]

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.

 

[Andres2882]

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]

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.

 

[86bluecobra]

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]

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

 

[86bluecobra]

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

usally atf works best if you are going to use the oil to unsieze.

 

[Hickfied]

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]

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

Hadn't thought about the lifters......will have to put that on the list. Thanks.