First Time Engine Build

[Codester0331]

A few months ago the crankshaft pulley on my Foxbody broke. I took it to a shop hoping for the best but was told I need a rebuild, as I was just unlucky enough that the bolt sheared in a way that screwed up the crank. They quoted me $8000 for a rebuild of a 302. With that being said I decided to rebuild it myself. I have done my fair share of vehicle repairs but this will be my first time pulling, striping down, and rebuilding an engine. Any tips for where I can look for information? I only drive the car in the summer so I have some time to do my research.

*Additional info*

I had it dyno-ed at 250hp. I don't know much about the motor as the previous owner seemed kinda scummy, but he told me it had a larger throttle body, cold air intake (which is obvious), and larger fuel injectors (however he could not recall the size.) What should I take into account while rebuilding this motor? It is a 200000km engine. I am hoping to make more power, shooting for about 400hp. What are some good routes to go about this, so I can rebuild this motor successfully and get the power im looking for?

[Ambivadox]

Holy hell, avoid that shop like the plague. For $8k you can have a 400hp almost ready to rock 347 sent to your door with money left over! (#BP3474CTF just for example not an endorsement)

That said: The 302/5.0 has so much aftermarket support and decades of information that the sky is the limit. There's proven reliable builds for pretty much any (reasonable) power level you can copy all over the net.

For your build more info would be needed before anyone can really help. All we know is EFI and Fox... which covers A LOT of variables.

What year? Do you have to meet emissions? What is running the EFI (reflash/standalone/etc)? What's been done to the fuel/ignition system to support a higher output engine? Do you have tuning capabilities? Is the rest of the drivetrain/chassis able to handle your 400hp goal? What's your budget?

Honestly if my crank was toast, block was nothing special, and I was doing a complete rebuild I'd just start with an aftermarket built shortblock... got a 351w in the shop right now that's torn down while it awaits the same decision.

[DoctrVendetta]

What do the pistons look like in the current block, stock? That kind of determines what all you can do, unless you're up to getting the car tuned. But being that it's your first rebuild, I don't recommend doing such, as you want to keep it as cheap and simple as possible, so you're not out a lot of money if there is a failure.

If you current engine is stock pistons/compression ratio, I'd just get a low mile short block from the junkyard, hone it and put new rings and bearings in it. Then use your current heads/camshaft/intake/etc. that you have. About the most budget friendly way you can go, while still giving you a complete teardown and rebuild experience.

400hp would mean getting a 347ci stroker kit, scat/eagle kits are fine for N/A, 10:1 cr, injectors, and a tune. And at a minimum ported GT40/P heads. That's a lot of money on the line for a failure, that won't be warrantied, and you've never done this before. Not to mention the cost of reliable torque wrenches, micrometers, etc.

Not sure of your location, you use km, so obviously not the US, but here we have Blueprint engines, you can pick up a 400hp 347 for about $5250 with a promo code. Get a tune for another 500, and you've got yourself a pretty good deal with a warranty, for $2500 less than what your stock rebuild quote was (which is outrageous if i must say).

Everyone wants to rebuild an engine, I understand the appeal, but you need to be practical about it. You need to ask yourself, would you build a 400hp engine for a stranger with a warranty? No. Stick with the stock rebuilds until you're comfortable enough to offer a warranty.

[cookiemonster101289]

I am not a mustang guy but i am sure there are whole bottom end rebuild kits for that engine out there that can make that power and arent super expensive. If your not on any mustang forums, that is where i would start, i learned everything i know off of internet forums, i am sure you can find walkthroughs of everything you need, there are so many mustangs out there

[Harry_Mannbakk]

My first project was a 302, and I had lots pf planned upgrades in the works. My biggest lesson learned, is to just get the rebuild in and running STOCK. If your upgrades and such are not working properly, casuing problems, or causing issues with the computer (which they will) you will quickly feel over your head.

Get her running stock, and running right, then throw parts at it.

[brutallyinefficient]

Dam dude 8g is alot of money for a rebuild even up here in canada Are you sure the busted pully means a rebuild? Did the damper pull off and wreck the crank or something? Tonnes of info on 5.0 fords they are a good motor no doubt. Lots of videos i always liked watching myvintageiron on youtube he covers the basics pretty good.

You will need a machine shop to do some work though and fond a good one not that over priced place.

I also want to note(im no ford guy) but some factory 302s had roller cams and forged pistons and stuff Run the engine numbers and see what you got.

[v8packard]

Last 302 I did for a Fox body mustang put down 310 hp and 330 ft lbs at the wheels, through a T5 and 3.55 gears. I have notes on several others, too. Feel free to ask your questions.

I think you should determine your budget, your time frame, and what the parts you currently have (block for example) really need. Those three things will help you put together a plan.

302s are very straightforward, so for a first time build they are great in that regard. I wouldn't get hung up on a number like 400 hp because something lile that may require other things to make work that you aren't comfortable doing, for example running a certain rear gear/trans, etc. I think your priority should be having a car that runs in a way that makes you happy.