302 Engine Rebuild Kits

[CraKel]

Ok so looks like Im gonna have to overhaul the V8 this winter.. Prolly a good idea to fix anything now before it gets put in and starts breaking down on me while its on the road.

Anyone got any good suggestions on rebuild kits?? I found a few that look good from Summit and one from RockAuto with all necessary parts each priced from around $350-600 bucks. Any info on past experiences would be a bonus..

thx, Ck.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Year/1979/Make/FORD/Model/THUNDERBIRD/Pistons-Included/Yes/In-Stock/Yes/Piston-and-Ring-Oversize-in/Stock/Rod-Bearing-Undersize-in/Stock/?keyword=ford+302+engine+rebuild+kit

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1139970,parttype,5316

 

[Mac]

I know a lot rebuild their own motors, I just take it to an experienced shop that knows Ford small blocks. They can spot problems I would miss. You'll probably need a bore and maybe some crank work. They got all the tools I don't. I know it costs but.....
Dave

 

[LittleHorse]

I usually take the heads off and bring the assembled short block and the assembled heads to the machine shop. Let them take it apart and see what it needs, and then let me know. Then I have them do the necessary machine work, and I pick all the parts up in a box and bring it home to assemble myself.

 

[Psychopete]

I usually take the heads off and bring the assembled short block and the assembled heads to the machine shop. Let them take it apart and see what it needs, and then let me know. Then I have them do the necessary machine work, and I pick all the parts up in a box and bring it home to assemble myself.

This is what I do as well. Gotta wait until a machine shop goes through and does the work before getting the rebuild kit so that you know what it needs. The shop I go to here will price match anything you can find and that way they can get you the right stuff for what ended up being done. Even then they can do some minor balancing as well if they have the balancer and flex plate or flywheel. I have a stock '93 HO in my Stang and a rebuilt '87 in my Ranger that is weight and crank balanced and it is a lot smoother running FWIW.

Pete

 

[CraKel]

hmm.. thx for the replies! ya my bud knows a guy who deals with all SBF's and said hes gonna take a look at it now that is apart, then give me a rough idea of what I need. Until then Im left in the dark I supposse. How much work is a bore to 306? and is it really worth it in the end?

 

[Mac]

It's not a question of it's worth it but is it needed. Price isn't going to change much if any from a stock bore to the .030 over piston and rings.
Dave

 

[Teddyzee]

You CAN freshen an engine with new rings, bearings, and gaskets, just depends on what level of wear the cylinders have.
Tear it apart, and have a look.

 

[CraKel]

ya its in the process now.. thx for the help guys, Ill let ya know how it goes.