Then get the 302. Guess which one I have in my truck?
Engine Decision to make....
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Pekin, IL
Engine Decision to make....
I tore apart my $175 salvage yard...'95 351W efi motor.
It is original bore, definitely needs a rebuild. crank needs reground or replaced.
I am trying to decide if I spend a ton of money on it, or find a donor 302 efi.
I wanted a 302 in the beginning and the salvage yard guys said this was a good running motor, so I didn't think and just jumped on it. I don't know about the heads yet, haven't torn into them. Well I did take apart just one valve and the guide,valve, were in good shape.
Trying to decide what to do...
It is original bore, definitely needs a rebuild. crank needs reground or replaced.
I am trying to decide if I spend a ton of money on it, or find a donor 302 efi.
I wanted a 302 in the beginning and the salvage yard guys said this was a good running motor, so I didn't think and just jumped on it. I don't know about the heads yet, haven't torn into them. Well I did take apart just one valve and the guide,valve, were in good shape.
Trying to decide what to do...
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
each way has it's pro's and cons jeff . if you buy another it may be as bad or worse , whereas if you go through this one you can make it what YOU want . i'd go with the 351 , you already have it , they make more torque than a 5.0 which you will feel in the seat of your pants . or maybe find a donor with a 4.6 that is running , or maybe go old school with a flatty or y block , or like my first one was gonna have , an fe big block ........ whole world of options my friend !!! 351 and make it what you want makes more sense though .
no one ever claimed this addiction of ours was cheap eh ???????? LOL !!!!!!!!!!!
no one ever claimed this addiction of ours was cheap eh ???????? LOL !!!!!!!!!!!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 934
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From: Sterling, Virginia
I agree...you aready have the engine, might as well use it. I have a 68 289 in mine so I am partial to the 302/5.0 cause gas ain't gettin any cheaper and even though I have a four barrel Edelbrock, if I don't step on it, I get pretty good gas mileage.
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
Im a huge fan of the 302 and I would normally say to go that route, except you have the engine right there. If you had planned to do any performance work, then really whats a "few extra" bucks to rebuild that 351, then you have it just the way ya want it.
You could go and buy a 302, and there is all kinds of aftermarket performance parts for it for fairly cheap, but what happens if ya get one with similiar issues when ya rip it apart?
I also know you have said a few times that you wished you would have went the 302 route for fitting issues, and that might be easier on a guys melon, and might be worth a little extra cost as well.
Either motors are really good tough motors, and ya really cant go wrong either way. It all kinda depends on what your truely looking for, in a finished product, how much you can afford, and can justify to afford.
Just my .02!
You could go and buy a 302, and there is all kinds of aftermarket performance parts for it for fairly cheap, but what happens if ya get one with similiar issues when ya rip it apart?
I also know you have said a few times that you wished you would have went the 302 route for fitting issues, and that might be easier on a guys melon, and might be worth a little extra cost as well.
Either motors are really good tough motors, and ya really cant go wrong either way. It all kinda depends on what your truely looking for, in a finished product, how much you can afford, and can justify to afford.
Just my .02!
New User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: S.E. Illinois
Hey Jeff, when you got that engine there was a vision in your mind, now you have it, so keep the vision, and make it work. You will feel better about it in the long run.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Pekin, IL
Anybody know what it costs to bore one? Around here in 1995 I paid aprox $20 per cylinder. That's JUST the bore. Unless I come across something else this week, she will go to the machine shop....I guess. At least it's not trashed beyond repair. Just because you can hear them run doesn't mean they are in good shape!
I will probably stick with what I got...I already bought a new oil pan to fit the JAG IFS...just gotta get over it and move on!
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Pekin, IL
Thanks! LOL I'm good, I just don't like not knowing what is the best thing to do.
No matter what I decide, "the grass is always greener" in the end. That's the part I hate! I was at a guy's house today, he is retired and has built a '49 F1, 2 '46 Chevy trucks, and now he is working on a '38 Chevy business coupe! I met him AFTER I started my project...anyway I stop to shoot the BS with him. I told him about my motor and he said, "I just gave away a carbed and built 302" He said I wish I knew ya needed one...
There was nothing wrong with it, but his other retired buddy wanted a 429 instead of the 302....I'm always a day late and a dollar short...
No matter what I decide, "the grass is always greener" in the end. That's the part I hate! I was at a guy's house today, he is retired and has built a '49 F1, 2 '46 Chevy trucks, and now he is working on a '38 Chevy business coupe! I met him AFTER I started my project...anyway I stop to shoot the BS with him. I told him about my motor and he said, "I just gave away a carbed and built 302" He said I wish I knew ya needed one...
There was nothing wrong with it, but his other retired buddy wanted a 429 instead of the 302....I'm always a day late and a dollar short...
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
I definately dont wanna hijack Jeff's thread, but my ol lady gave me the go ahead to build a coffee table like this and put it in our basement living room!
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
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From: Brentwood, TN
I believe that it's always best to go with a known quantity...build what you got. You spent the $175 to find out what's behind door #1 so make it work. I don't know what qualifies as a "ton of money" for you but whatever it takes it's worth it to have an engine that you know is good. I have a local guy who charges me $500 plus parts to go through any engine I bring him...most times I walk out with an engine that looks like it just came out of the crate for about $900. The only machine work he sends out is the crank. You should be able to find someone in your area who will do the same job for a similar price.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Pekin, IL
I believe that it's always best to go with a known quantity...build what you got. You spent the $175 to find out what's behind door #1 so make it work. I don't know what qualifies as a "ton of money" for you but whatever it takes it's worth it to have an engine that you know is good. I have a local guy who charges me $500 plus parts to go through any engine I bring him...most times I walk out with an engine that looks like it just came out of the crate for about $900. The only machine work he sends out is the crank. You should be able to find someone in your area who will do the same job for a similar price.