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Engine Refresh - What to do questions.

janschutz

janschutz

Corn Hauler
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I have an A code 289 engine from my parts car that I want to put into my wife's stang. It looks like it has been refreshes sotime in its past judging by the paint and other outer appearances. My first thought was just to drop it in. I saw the engine run but it ran a little rough. Since it had sat awhile The first thing I was looking at was the carburetor.

I have 3 carbs that I can use. I would rebuild what ever one is best for this engine. They are a Holley 570 Street Avenger, Edelbrock 1400, and the carb that was on the engine. The Street Avenger has about 5000 mile on it, I used it on my 351W but it was too small. The edelbrock was on my old 302 (it has sat for 2 years). What are y'alls thoughts?

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I going to do a compression test later this morning. and pop the valve covers.
 
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Stroke it...... I would pull the pan and a couple caps and check the bearings, if they look decent pull the valve covers and snoop around.
 
I plan on selling the 2 carbs I do not need to help finance this engine.

I pulled the driver side valve cover and yikes! :scar
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Bent push rod, guess I better pull the intake to check it out. Upe the cam is ok
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Hard to tell with the out of focus picture but it looks like the valves have double springs. (I need a better camera)
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For a 68, is the dark blue correct or the medium blue? I know this is not the correct motor for the car but I just want it to look correct.
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"Fast68back" said:
Stroke it...... I would pull the pan and a couple caps and check the bearings, if they look decent pull the valve covers and snoop around.
Click to expand...

+1 on pulling a couple of the bearing caps. When we parted out Moostang's '89 GT to put the engine in the fastback, the engine didn't have but a couple thousand miles on it, so I assumed that it would be good to go. I had to swap pans, and I figured since the pan was off I'd look at a couple of the bearings just to see what they looked like. A good thing that I did. Every single bearing was wiped out. When we put on the double roller timing chain, I didn't notice that it rubbed the block. On the front of the block there are two smooth channels from the timing chain. Those metal shavings, wiped out all the bearings, killed the pistons, and marred up the cylinder walls. Luckily the cylinders weren't too bad, so I just honed them a bit. If the engine wasn't already .030 over, I should have bored it out. But I just impatient and wanted to get the car moving again. I know that the engine won't last forever, but at least it will get me by until I build another motor.

I don't know if I'd stroke it. You can go blind from doing that... :craz
 
I'd use the Holley, personally. It's the right size, if a bit big, and it looks to be in good shape. The Edelbrock is on the large side, and it's easier to tune an oversize holley than an oversize edelbrock.

What are you looking at for a budget? With a bent pushrod, I wonder if the motor needs to be torn apart to inspect the pistons for valve interference.
 
I am hoping to finish the whole car with my 4K budget. So I do not want to spend where I do not need to. The wife will need AC so I need to save enough for it.

I pulled the passenger side valve cover last night everything looked fine on that side. I will pull the intake tonight to inspect under it.

Anyone know what model of carb the third one is (better to sell if I know what it is)? I was also leaning on using the Holley. The Edelbrock will be on ebay by tonight. Got to get a few more funds.
 
"abrahamfh" said:
Write up?
Click to expand...

Pulled the intake and it was clean and ok. I will pull out the lifter for the bent push rod to check the cam lobe. I forgot to last night.

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Congrats, looks really clean. The 302 Fred had when I made the purchase looked like someone had BBQ'd and left all the used up charcoal under the intake.
 
"Now everybody have you heard
If you're in the game, then the stroke's the word
Don't take no rhythm, don't take no style
Got a thirst for killin', grab your vile...

You put your right hand out give a firm hand-shake
Talk to me about that one big break...
Spread your ear-pollution both far and wide...
Keep your contributions by your side and stroke me,
stroke me"

The Stroke- Billy Squier
 
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