Hello All, My build progress starts.
Well, I will start with I purchased my 1985 TBird for $500. No major problems besides the crack block which I had my suspicions it had. The crack was a half clam shell shaped crack at the #6 between the pushrod area and the cylinder wall. It was an ice formed crack since owner used no antifreeze apparently. I had a welder come and nickel rod the crack and I double sealed it with some JB Weld 2 part epoxy. I don't expect any miracles with the broken engine and the crack was only allowing water in the oil because it was only a water jacket crack, so if I get a few months from it I be happy.
I recently picked up another engine at a wrecking that was running at the time the junked car was in an accident. So, I'm ok there and plugs looked real good and all 8 are identical. The engine is a 1988 5.0 and visually is identical to my broken '85 with AC compressor, Alt, air pump, etc. The only difference I see is that it has the larger EFI unit on top where as my '85 has the very first edition fuel injection with the carb body and injectors pointed down into it. (strangest thing ever).
I have started to acspoogeulate my engine mod parts for the '88, like headers, valve covers, gasket kit, etc. and I think my decision is to switch out the EFI unit on top till a later time and install a new intake with 4 barrel, add a 303 cam with rollers and new rockers and rods. I'll end up doing my own valve job by reseating and grinding the valves and installing valve seals. Nothing crazy on the head work, just clean up and maybe some port work and matching. My goal is not to have a super car, but a stable, decent gas mileage, no smog devices, nice engine lobe idle fun car for the wife. I figure from the 150hp stock '88 I would like maybe around 200hp or so at the end. It's kind of a relive childhood build with a little thumper under the hood and even maybe a gear drive. It's won't be a daily driver, just some fun for her and I.
Now I know I need to make some changes in my build. To compensate this computer thing with it. This is where I get into the stuff that is a little confusing. I have built up engines before and presently own a pumped Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickup with race cam and whatever and a '89 MR2 that is no slowpoke either. But, this TBird is my first American car and V8 ever, lol. So, I'm being just a little careful on what I need to replace, block up and re-install for this V8 build. I understand that I need to install another distributor and coil, rewire for a tach gauge or modify the ECM for the stock one to work. This and among a few other things that need attention, like cruz control and the others. I'll be picking brains as I get into this build so I can be sure to do it correctly.
The vehicle is null from smog laws so this can be eliminated completely, but should I keep the oxygen sensors and install them again after the header in the exhaust pipe. Can I remove the Cats, it's these things that I need help with and to keep things somewhat operative with stability on this.
I'm all ears for suggestions and hope you can grab what my intentions are with this build. I'm not creating a monster engine build, I just want all that smog stuff off and a nice sound and for car to start every time I turn the key.
Thanks and nice to meet you all. Merry Christmas
The car is identical to this one.