Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums  

I have what I have with limited budget the items that I have are going to have to be used /QUOTE]

Just a note of practicality.  If you are going to use what you have, it will make what ever power it will make. 

This isn't intended to be a flame.  Using the parts you have will entail a learning curve.  Are they best parts and match well with each other?  Probably not.  Are they an upgrade from the SO you have now?  Sure.  By the time your done will it have exceeded your budget? Absolutely.  In my experience at least times two.  Not to discourage you, setting realistic expectations brings about better results.

Some tips:  If the bore on your block checks out an doesn't need to be bored, don't.  Machining costs add up fast.  A used set of HO 87/93 forged pistons can be found cheap.  Hope the crank is clean and spring for rebuilding the rods.  If the block and crank need work walk away, there are plenty of good shortblocks with forged pistons available used.
If the heads need work (guides or valves) walk away from them.  The cost to upgrade them is better spent on a better set of heads.  A good valve job will set you back at least $250.  Add in a good set of springs (about $200) you can see "cheep" heads can be expensive.  I am assuming these heads have adjustable rockers.

Valve train set up is really important.  Having good roller lifters, valve springs and the right length pushrod will make the difference of having a turd or a runner.

Piston to valve clearance may be an issue.  If so, you may learn how to fly cut pistons or have them done (for more money) or buy pistons with a bigger relief (for more money).

If found many people ask for opinions but really just hear what they want to hear.  This may not be what you want to hear.  You can benefit from the information or learn it the hard way.  I learned it the hard way.  I paid a lot in time and money for my learning curve. 

Good luck with your project.

Quote from: bigbada1;257475

I have what I have with limited budget the items that I have are going to have to be used /QUOTE]

Just a note of practicality.  If you are going to use what you have, it will make what ever power it will make. 

This isn't intended to be a flame.  Using the parts you have will entail a learning curve.  Are they best parts and match well with each other?  Probably not.  Are they an upgrade from the SO you have now?  Sure.  By the time your done will it have exceeded your budget? Absolutely.  In my experience at least times two.  Not to discourage you, setting realistic expectations brings about better results.

Some tips:  If the bore on your block checks out an doesn't need to be bored, don't.  Machining costs add up fast.  A used set of HO 87/93 forged pistons can be found cheap.  Hope the crank is clean and spring for rebuilding the rods.  If the block and crank need work walk away, there are plenty of good shortblocks with forged pistons available used.
If the heads need work (guides or valves) walk away from them.  The cost to upgrade them is better spent on a better set of heads.  A good valve job will set you back at least $250.  Add in a good set of springs (about $200) you can see "cheep" heads can be expensive.  I am assuming these heads have adjustable rockers.

Valve train set up is really important.  Having good roller lifters, valve springs and the right length pushrod will make the difference of having a turd or a runner.

Piston to valve clearance may be an issue.  If so, you may learn how to fly cut pistons or have them done (for more money) or buy pistons with a bigger relief (for more money).

If found many people ask for opinions but really just hear what they want to hear.  This may not be what you want to hear.  You can benefit from the information or learn it the hard way.  I learned it the hard way.  I paid a lot in time and money for my learning curve. 

Good luck with your project.

good advice on the budget and part selection 86tbird. Machining cost do add up quick. I racked up a $1900 labor bill between the block work, head work, and assembly. For me having my guy assemble the shortblock, install the cam, check p-v clearence, and measure for correct push-rods was well worth the $300-$400 I was charged.

Heres my 2 cents
Spend it once and get what you want. If you can't afford it right now than save your cash and wait. Also buy used parts whenever possible (valve covers, intakes.. you get the idea)

Quote from: bigbada1;257475

I have what I have with limited budget the items that I have are going to have to be used /QUOTE]

If found many people ask for opinions but really just hear what they want to hear.  This may not be what you want to hear.  You can benefit from the information or learn it the hard way.  I learned it the hard way.  I paid a lot in time and money for my learning curve. 

Good luck with your project.

As the old saying goes "you end up spending more to do it on the cheap". Case in point: I didn't get over to SBFtech till after I had my engine done. If I had my 306 would have a Custom Cam and Valve train from CI in it right now (instead of the OTS Comp Cam). Now I get to spend more money on a cam and valve train set up again :hick: When I do though I bet the car will run 100% better. Not that it runs bad now but a custom cam will always be better than an off the shelf cam.


Oh and please don't use the X-cam. Those FRPP cams are  :flame: