302 for Smithkid

[SmithKid]

A few weeks ago, a neighbor offered me a new motor. As I knew my motor was tired, I went to see what he had. It was a 302ci long block (minus a few bolt-ons) with a cast-iron 4bbl manifold. He says he built it while worling at a machine shop (Jacobs) 12 or 15 years ago and never installed it in the van he had at the time. It is bored .030" and has new flat-top Wiseco pistons installed with a "RV" flat tappet cam (unknow grind) and new lifters. I've plastiguaged the mains and rods, and found all to be set at .002" clearance. A new double roller timing set is also installed. Valve job is also complete on stock heads.

So after some haggling and personal guarantees, I agreed to purchase it. I've been quite busy for the last couple of weeks, but today I got the heads and block painted.

I intend to keep you all posted so that I can get advice if I make a major error in re-assembly/installation. It has been many years since I've done any engine assembly, so this'll be a re-learning experience for me.

Attach are a few pics of todays painting.

[EdsFunny]

Nice! All the machine work's done. Does it turn easily?

[SmithKid]

Turns like I expected it to. Just got to remember to use lots of assembly lube because it's been so long since original assembly that the lube has congealed. Also, I intend to spin it over for a while before I let it fire.

[BillP 98201]

When are you planning to put it in Gene?

[Luva65wagon]

Great to see the tail-end of that Ranchero on that side of the garage.

The engine looks nice Gene. Can't wait to help put it in.

[SmithKid]

I'm not in a BIG hurry to install it. I want to have the old engine out for awhile to do some major spit-shining of sub-frame, inner fenders, core support, and firewall. Pro'ly try to do something with the underside of the hood while it's off, too. I think I'll be ready to pull the old 289 in the next week or so.

Got the threads chased and the heads on and torqued today after a couple of hours of honey-do's.

Anyone want to offer advice as to whether or not to soak the lifters b/4 installation? I've read that both ways are recommended.

[BPVan]

I soaked the hydraulic lifters before putting them in my 240, I made sure all of the bubbles stopped coming out before installing them. Not sure if it made a difference other than cutting down on clatter upon initial start up. I have seen some posts where guys flush them with lacquer thinner first then pump oil into them. Some just use assembly lube and let the oil pump do the rest. I have never seen any negative effects from soaking them first.

[Luva65wagon]

I take a lifter and place it in a little can with oil (I have special little stainless cans we used to use at work), chuck up a push-rod in the drill press, and using the drill press as a press, I "exercise" the lifter plunger in the oil until all the bubbles stop. Usually takes a couple minutes per.

[SmithKid]

Today, I finally got back to my engine (i've been off doing a bit of fishing). Got the engine mostly back together the last couple of days and then realized I was looking at the intermediate shaft for the oil pump still on my work space. Got it installed and put the pan on again, then after the intake manifold was on, I decided I couldn't wait to see the rest of the bling. So, with a little time doing the mock assembly, I took a couple more pictures. Now I guess I'm ready to pull the 289 and spend some time under the hood doing some clean-up, like Roger "TAUGHT" me to do.

[Luva65wagon]

And you were an awesome student.
That mill is gonna look quite at home when it's in there. Engine out next week?

[BillP 98201]

Looks great Gene. Thats gonna look great under the hood!

[doghows]

Let me know when. I will bring the sawzall!!! Just kidding this far into the game you would have to use a grinder it is a bit cleaner!?!
Looks great can't wait to get to that point with mine.

[falcon cobra]

Gene, is that motor going to fit with those hedders ? ..jh

[doghows]

That is why I am coming with the sawzall!!!!

[SmithKid]

I've heard lots of stories regarding how headers had to be "adjusted" to clear this & that. I'm hoping the sawzall won't be needed to make the headers fit. They are a "Dougs" product and were sold as fitting a '64/'65 Falcon with 4-speed. There appears to be lots of room between the long tubes for the Z-bar (thats what I was worried about), but of course I wont know for sure until I install. Yes. I hope to pull the old engine next week.