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Messages - 50tbrd88

47
Engine Tech / Contemplating motor build
Anyone have suggestions as far as rotating assembly?  I don't think I need forged.  Do most people piece them together or just buy a "stroker kit" from eagle or scat or something?
48
Engine Tech / Contemplating motor build
Well guys I recently sold a John Deere tractor project of mine and am contemplating using the proceeds to finally build the motor for my T-bird.  My 302 is getting really tired with nearly 200k on the bottom end.  Over the last year it has started using oil and seems to really be down on power.  I also sold my '07 Mustang GT so this and my junky '87 f-250 are my only real hobby now, lol.

What I'm looking for is something that will run on 93 octane pump gas, be reliable enough to take on road trips (power tour, etc), and put a smile on my face when I stab the gas.  I've been hoping to do this someday and have modified the car over the last 10+ years building it up in preparation of throwing more power at it (8.8 swap, control arms, sub frames, exhaust, etc.).

I know there are other forums that might focus more on engine builds, but I thought I'd start here as this is the first forum I ever really joined and have stayed active with through the years, so I feel like I can trust your opinions.

From what I've researched so far I'm thinking: 331 stroker with AFR 165 heads.  No idea on induction.  I'm thinking I could use my current BBK shorty headers and be OK.  I have no idea what to plan for on ignition stuff (do you really need MSD type stuff?) or fuel (I believe my fuel pump is 190lph, no idea if that's enough and what I'd need for injectors).  I'm still speed density as well so I'd have to figure going to MAF.

 Basically I want to get a game plan but really don't know where to even start as I've never done this before!

As far as the machine work, can anyone recommend someone in my area (southern IN)?  Overall budget would be max of $6k, as that's what I sold my other project for but I'd be happy with less. 

Thanks for any suggestions you all may have!
50
User Rides / Stella 2.0 - Major Overhaul time
Quote from: kingcars;454930
Man, I completely understand that feeling. Before this project, it had been about 5 years since the last real change to the car was made (the 306 build). As I partly eluded to in my previous post, the car was littered with small annoyances and it got to the point where I wasn't excited to drive it any more. Then, with me living in an apartment, it just sat outside under a car cover and I couldn't really work on it and clean it constantly like I used to. Especially after it got hit in the parking lot, I was done. I hadn't even checked this forum in ages at that point. After a few months, I started feeling terrible about the whole situation and wanted to make it right. Seriously, go back to the first post in this thread and look at the pics of the car when I dropped it off at the body shop. The car just looked sad :( . So I made it a goal back in January to rid the car of all the annoyances and finally build it the way I had always wanted to back in high school and college, but never had the money for. It rejuvenated me and was one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. The last couple of months, I've spent my weekdays planning and daydreaming about the build (well, when I wasn't at work, of course hehe); it's been a lot of fun. It even had nice side effects like bringing me back closer to the family, especially with my baby niece having just been born in December (not that I wasn't close to my family, I just hadn't been visiting as often). I'm glad that I've been able to pass that inspiration along and I look forward to the build thread (....you're gonna do a build thread, right? :P ). I also think this has given my dad the bug to hop on the bandwagon and get some work done on his Chevelle for the first time in many years. We'll see :D . Next winter, I plan to do a similar process with the Turbo Coupe and get it back to tip top shape as well.

I think we have a lot in common!  I dreamed about building my car up in HS/college and never had the money either.  I've slowly modded my suspension, driveline, etc as time and money allow since around 2004 (see sig).  About the only thing left is to build the motor and get new upholstery/carpet (interior is actually nice though for 19x,xxx miles).  I actually just sold a tractor project of mine for a tidy profit and have been really considering a mild build with the cash.

My Dad also has a Chevelle ('72) that he lost interest in when I was a little kid.  Other than a short stint where I got it on the road when I was in high school until about 2004, it's sat in his garage.  I wish something would pique his interest but after this long, I doubt it.  He had a '69 with a built SBC and 4 speed that he has always regretted selling.  The '72 just never could satisfy him, lol.
52
User Rides / Stella 2.0 - Major Overhaul time
I'm glad all your hard work paid off and you are elated about how well it turned out!  Ive been kind of bored with my car but following your thread here has helped snap me out of my funk.  It makes me want to tear into my car and finally build a stout motor for it!  Thanks for the inspiration.
53
Other Vehicles / "Wimpy", my '88 F-250 4x4 "custom"
I scored a bed for wimpy from a neighbor, and I should be getting it tomorrow.  It has some bondo in it but was priced right. I'm going to strip it to see what I'm working with and go from there.  Mechanically I've got it almost sorted out.  I still need to work on the grabby rear brakes and fix some oil leaks.  Otherwise it runs great.  I'm really enjoying driving the turd.  It's a neat social experiment to drive this truck and watch how differently people percieve me than when I drive one of my "nice" vehicles.

A buddy of mine scored me some FREE poverty caps for the truck.  All I had to do was cut the centers out of two of them with a 4" hole saw to fit over the lockouts.
X
59
Other Vehicles / "Wimpy", my '88 F-250 4x4 "custom"
Quote from: JeremyB;454218
I'd keep the 5.0 unless you're towing big stuff down the interstate. Makes it unique!

Yeah I think so too.  What's crazy is that this truck is equipped with a gooseneck ball in the bed, so it's feasibly pulled some pretty big loads.  I have no idea what the gear ratios are in the axles (4.10's I'm guessing) but with the granny low 4 speed it's pretty much a tractor in the first couple of gears.

I've spend a few hundred $$$ on it so far getting it more roadworthy.  Just replaced the original '87 IAC valve which seemed to help my idle issues but didn't completely remedy them.  Now it will start and idle down like it should to about 800-900 rpm.  But when you drive it and then come to a stop, the idle hangs anywhere from 1000 to 1500-ish rpm.  I just bought a new TPS ($50+ At NAPA ��) so hopefully that will fix it.  I found a ton of vacuum leaks when I did the valve cover gaskets so hopefully there aren't any more hiding somewhere contributing to my issue.

The oil pressure gauge intermittently acts up (jumps around everywhere) so I ordered a new sensor for it.  Also got a new pcv valve grommet to stop an oil leak.

Long term plan is a 80's era companion to my 'bird.  I've found a rust free bed...id like to redo the body and paint it the same color as the t-bird but keep the porno red interior.