Looking really good, Don. Are you using the motor mounts that came iwth the 250? I believe they are different than the 200. The width of the 250 block is wider than the 200. The oil pans are different too. Ask me how I know...
We all learn at some point, my first rebuild was back in 1985 with my brother John's help. He went to school for this stuff an it helped me greatly in helping others along my journey. Good job.
Yes Paul, Im using 250 mounts. I have 2 complete donor cars with 250 engines so I should have everything I need.
Today went much better than last Saturday. I installed the cam, crank and pistons. The cam went smooth. I had my first experience with plastiguage, kind of time consuming but glad I checked everything. I had .0015-.002 on all my main and rod bearings. I had a bit of trouble with my rear main seal. It is a steel rod wrapped in rubber and as a bit too long. When I checked my oil clearance on that bearing, the plastiguage was tapered, telling me it didnt seat flat. I took a file to it and got it flush with block and the cap. The pistons went in easily and I'm ready for the timing set. I went to install the timing and I realized I have no key in my cam. I left my old cam at the machine shop so I will have to try to recover it or find a new one. If all else fails, I have another 250 in the yard I can steal it from.
That’s looking really good! Remarkable how similar the 200 is to the 250 even though its taller and wider. Made a lot of progress, love the way new pistons look too, kind of like the sound of when a wrench hits concrete! Something’s are just awesome to look at!!!!
I currently have a 200 in the car now, they are very similar. In fact I used a Granada/Monarch book when I assembled that one. Specs were close enough for me back then. I have a 72 Maverick Chilton that Im using with this build and its very helpful.
I'd be willing to bet the factory used a backwards 3 as an improvised "E". Ford only stamped a partial VIN in the block (most of the time) that consisted of the model year of the car, plant code it was built at and the last 6 of the VIN. So 5 would be '75 model year, and backwards 3 or E would be Mahwah, NJ plant which would be correct for a '75 Granada.
Thank you. They look aluminum but I believe they are cast. I didnt ask for anything special so Im sure they are same as stock.
Happy New Year everyone! Had some time to get out in the garage and work on the engine for a bit. I got the timing set buttoned up and stripped the timing cover with a wire wheel.
The paint is drying on the timing cover and now I have a question. Is there any reason why I couldn't use the balancer off a 76 250 instead of the one from the 72? The rubber looks to be in better condition on the later one. I don't see any physical differences in the two. The one on the right is the 76.
Nice work Don! Really looks good! Hope to see the only Topless Maverick a person is likely to see in a lifetime this July..
