rebuilding a 289

You need to tear it down to get an accurate picture of what it'll need. A basic rebuild only re-uses the crank, block, rods, heads, & valves. Everthing else is changed for new parts. Rings, pistons, bearings, timing set, cam, lifters, pushrods,springs,oilpump, oil pump drive,gaskets. Plus a few other parts that don't come to mind.

what you need to replace depends on what you are building the engine to do. if this is a basically stock rebuild, then only replace the parts that cannot be rebuilt or refreshed, things like bent valves, etc. i would replace valve springs though as they tend to lose spring pressure over the years. rocker arms are a wear item, and should be replaced. this would be a good time to upgrade to roller rockers. pushrods should also be replaced, along with lifters and cam. main and rod bearings need replacement, as do rings and gaskets. cam bearing need close inspection, and can often be left in place as they dont get the kind of wear other bearings get, BUT definately have them checked. pistons will need replacing. connecting rods can be rebuilt with no problem, as long as they are in one piece and are not too badly bent. the crank can be freshened up, again as long as it isnt cracked, or otherwise badly damaged.

i do recommend a few upgrade though, things like screw in studs to replace the stock press in studs in the heads. roller rocker arms. definately have the rotating assembly balanced. check your stock balancer, you may have to rebuild or replace it. you can get new ones for the price of having yours rebuilt.

First I would do if I were you is buy this book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/19...102-5875012-8140153?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

1) Buy that book
2) tear the motor down to the bare block
3) take the block & crank to get checked out. clean and check the block for cracks, possibly bore if needed. clean and check the crank for straightness, get it cut if needed.
4) inspect and clean up the other big parts (heads, intake, pistons, rods) for possible reuse, depending on how you want to build the motor.

**READ UP ON SMALL BLOCK FORDS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN BEFORE / WHILE YOU WORK ON THE MOTOR