Start stock or start with a 306?

[mustanggt3685]

Hi 5.0 stangers!

I'm more of a 4.6 guy, but have rebuilt two 306's with a buddy of mine; so I guess I know the basics and a bit more of the 5.0. Anyways, my buddy recently bought his second 306 at the beggining of June (an 87). But like his other one, we had some issues; this time a head gasket blew and we had to strip it down (top end at least). Last summer he threw a rod in his old 306 (that was a mess). I've been telling him to get a stock 5.0 and build it up on his own so he can trust the "craftsmanship." My question is then, what have you guys done with your respective stangs? Bought them modded out or done the build up on your own?

 

[QUICK91LX]

dont buy a modified engine unless you know its from a reputable source...if it were me it would be a ford crate engine or an engine from one of a small number of well known builders. otherwise i would either build it myself or have it built at a good quality machine shop. nothing wrong with a 306, just seems like you guys ran into some trouble due to lack of quality craftsmanship

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

You really can't go wrong with a Ford crate engine except for being a bit pricey, but you get the same reliability that went into the stock engines and lord knows they take a beating and keep kicking ass. Otherwise just like mentioned, make sure if you buy from a builder that you know they're reputable or not.

If you really know enough, you can always buy from one of the engine companies like DSS or Coast High Performance and tear it down and check it out yourself.