Start with the Engine

[terrygandy]

I won't be able to start on my Coupe for a couple years but have decided a good way to spend the time is by building my engine. No sense in building the engine while the kit sits and waits, plus, when I order the kit I'll know exactly what engine I have.

I haven't built an engine before but I just ordered Evan Smith's "Ford Engine Buildups" and Tom Monroe's "How to Rebuild Small Block Ford Engines" and will take my time and ask lots of questions.

What do you think?

[skullandbones]

Hi Terry,
There is a wealth of experience on the forum so you will get plenty of input. My advice is to look for a small block that been's crashed (but OK) or some other scenario. I found a out of the Mustang 302 with about $1600 worth of go fast parts for $300. It took some patients but it paid off. The real tip is: take pictures of the components in place before removing them. Then shoot pics of groups of stuff you removed like alternator, bracket, bolts, etc. When you go back to the box, you can reference the picture you described in the computer. This will save you time if you haven't worked on Ford engines before. I have lots of Chevy experience but Fords are different. I think others will agree. It's like Venus and Mars different. Good luck!!! WEK.

[skullandbones]

No "patients" were harmed in this thread. Sorry, Terry, that was "patience".

[firechicken]

I agree with wek about the pics, another usefull thing we used to do was to use lots of masking tape and label the crap out of every single thing that came off. For smaller items we used a numbering system. Might be overkill but the same bolt would go in where it came out of. I'm in the same boat as you. The kit is about a year down the road, Maybe a lil less but I am going to get the parts and rebuild, clean and generally inspect and ensure that every part I have is going to work as intended. Lots of shopping allready :)

[CHAZC5ZX]

If your two years away I wouldent do the engine yet there are A lot of other things to do first you wont need it untill you are deep into the build besides it's not good leaving A fresh engine just sitting around for A long time gathering dust and rust also remember you can buy A rebuilt long block with A warrenty for around $1800.00. You will need an old engine for A core but you can use it for A mule to set everything up in the car first.
Chaz...

[riptide motorsport]

Its a great idea, learn and enjoy the engine build, then plunge right into the Coupe!

[terrygandy]

Thanks for the input. Chaz makes a good point. Is two years too long for an engine to sit until the car is ready for the car?

[CHAZC5ZX]

Hi Terry. It's my experence that even sealed and baged condensation can get in and rust up an engine in a rather short period of time, also that's A lot of money to just sit and look at. If you want to learn find an old engine and take it apart and reassemble. It's cheaper. I dident get mine until it waas about driveable.
Chaz...

[skullandbones]

Terry,
Time flies when you're having fun. I like your approach because the engine is the "heart" of your project so you want it right (unless you just like pulling engines). If you do your research, it will not be built 2 yrs before you need it. I remember taking a buick engine to college with me that I was planning to "balance and blueprint". Talk about ambition! I did balance all of the moving parts (weighed on an analytical scale in the lab during off hours!). By the time you have done your homework, gathered parts, and decided what you really want, a lot of time will pass. Also, you will probably change your plan some as you go along after learning more and more about these crazy little engines. It might be a year and a half before you actually start assembling it but you will have a wealth of knowledge under your belt. I think handling the parts and working with them is much more helpful than just reading about them in a book. IMHO. See you later. WEK.

Note: This is my first Ford project. I have 3 short blocks (302). The teardown and study has really helped so Chaz has a good point.

[Jacob McCrea]

Terry,
I agree with what's said above. I could see building the engine now if you are confident of what parts you'll want to use in the end, and are confident that it can be stored without condensation/rust problems (which, from what Chaz said, is harder than I would have thought). For example, on the issue of parts, I can't even buy a rotating assembly yet since I am considering the (forthcoming) Jon Kaase Windsor cylinder heads, rather than TFS or AFR heads. The heads will determine the pistons, the intake, and so on.

I am not sure how long is "too long" for an engine to sit around without running, and defer to those with more experice. I don't speak from much engine building experience here, but if valve springs are anything like bicycle derailleur springs, or magazine (firearm) springs, installing the cam and valvetrain, thus keeping some of them stressed for a long time, would weaken them a little. This is why I keep my 4 cycle motocross bike stored close to top dead center on the compression stroke, and de-tension the derailleurs on my bicycles after riding. Leaving a handful of valvesprings compressed for a few years might not be a problem driving to the car cruise, but it might be a problem with a massive cam and 7,000 rpm road racing in the future. Good luck on your build.

[terrygandy]

Thanks everyone. I talked to a drag racer friend of mine about this. He suggested I build the engine, leave the intake manifold off (covered) and fog the cylinders really good. Then, every so often (monthly or so) turn it over manually and fog the cylinders, again.

[LSCatalano]

What does fogging the cylinders mean?

[CHAZC5ZX]

Fogging= spray with some kind of anti rust compound and or lubricant.
Chaz...