I have a 77 Maverick with a 302 in it. I'm looking to rebuild it, and its my first engine that I'm rebuilding. I'm looking at mainly just the top end, and I'm trying to figure out what all I need to replace if I'm putting new heads and a cam shaft. And tips or websites that would help. I have a book on it, but its lost in the afgan sand. Thanks
Don't waste a lot of money putting a new top end on an old engine. If you are going to rebuild it make sure that the crank is in good shape. Replace all the bearings. If you have an original engine then it is likely that it will need to be bored to remove wear in the cylinders. after that is done then you can use the new heads and cam.
Either of you bother to ask the guy how many miles were on the engine? No. Or did you ask if he has done a compression check on it to see if it is in good shape? No. Nice work.
Boils down to $$$ Is your engine tired or do you want more power, maybe both? Pull valve cover and see if there is much sludge built up Check compression, oil pressure, and if engine smokes. Come on back with more info of what you find and what results you want. Lots of good info here for mild to wild builds!
I notice you did not either. I have rebuilt a couple 5.0's in stock form. I would recommend doing a leak down test on the engine you have to try and decide just what shape your engines bottom end is in. Maybe even a compression test. Do you know anything about your engine such as the mileage? Do you know the history of your engine? I agree with dkstuck also on his questions clint
There is less than 78,000 miles. As of right now there is nothing wrong with her other than radiator keeps losing water. Earlier this year I put a edlebrock intake and carb. Becuase I was not using edlebrock gasket, I had water leak into the block. I have cleared it out, and hadn't had any problems. When I get the engine out, open it up I plan on looking at the bottom to figure out if I need to work on it.
Nor did I blindly tell him to rebuild the whole shooting match. Post #6 had the best advice to offer. Unless you know what you're dealing with then "rebuild the engine" is pretty pathetic. wyliedx.....run a wet compression test and/or a leakdown before you pull the engine. That will give you a good idea before you tear into it.
all the leak down and compression tests in the world will not tell you the condition of the bearings, how often the oil was changed, or how well the engine was built in the first place. The only engine I would trust is one that I built or had from new. Too often it happens that people redo the top end of a motor that has no visable lower end issues and they show up after the work is done. I think that the guys were just trying to save him the headaches of a do over. Take your time and do it right the first time. That is the best advice that I can give.
I see you used the word...rebuilding...in reality you are doing a...head and cam swap... I would replace... if a...new cam...i would install...new lifters...will the...new heads have...new valve springs? waterpump,timing gear and chain... if they are 33 years old...(you will already have them off ). replace the...front cover seal. drop the pan and at least clean...if not replace the...oil pump and screen. new...belts and hoses... ......
Listen to maverick maniac and do it now instead of 5000 miles down the road when that new cam and heads kills your motor. After 30 years of who knows what, the motor getting hot, someone forgetting to put in oil until 5 miles down the road, ect... Its just best to go through it.
