Simple rebuild questions..

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Sep 30, 2003 | 02:39 PM

truckman79

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: Escondido Ca.

Simple rebuild questions..

Ive got a 79 351 and have been wanting to completly rebuild the engine pretty much. Ya know, go through every thing on it, and probably make it into a 400. I was just wondering how I should go about it. I mean should/could I do it myself (I am pretty good with cars but never done anything like this) and how long would it probably take me to do it? How difficult is it if you have the manuals and another person or two of about the same or greater ability to help you (my dad and uncle)? Or should I take it to a shop and have them do it for me and if anyones done that how much that would cost. Ive been wanting to do it so I can get my engine running more efficiently and I know that its due for a rebuild sometime soon here, it hasnt really ever had anything replaced on it. Thanks for the help!

Oct 1, 2003 | 12:03 AM

Brian S

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Joined: Jun 2002

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The best advice I can give is patience with a capital P.

Most people who screw up on their 1st rebuild is because they take shortcuts. If you have decided on a 400, you can probably get a complete motor for $150 from a pic & pull. I realize all you really need is the 400 crank, but if your 351M is running decent you'll be under less pressure to finish, just to get the vehicle back on the road. Take your time, buy a few rebuilding books and use the keyword search feature on this forum. 99% of your questions have already been asked and answered several times.

Oct 1, 2003 | 12:31 AM

bushbee69

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: denver usa

Tools are the first order of business to doing an engine yourself. You're going to need torque wrenches, an adequate engine stand, and a dampner installer, just to name a few. A clean area is a must. I assume the machine shop is going to fully machine the components and then return them to you. You have to re-clean and re-inspect EVERYTHING! Grit and dirt are a number one killer. Ask the shop to get you some plasti-gauge. It's the only way to test oil clearances when the bottom end is going together. Last, but certainly not least, get every book you can and read all of them twice each before you even get the motor home. This will familiarize your brain and kill most of the "gray" area. Almost every book I've seen on the subject is worth it.
Hope it helps.

Oct 4, 2003 | 11:19 AM

Ecuri

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 886

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From: Houston/Hope BC

Also, most anyone can drop off an engine at a shop and bolt it back in. It is an extremely self-satisfing process to do-it-yourself and breath life into a bunch of metal. It can also be extremely frustrating when you make a mistake, you will have no one to blame but yourself. What route to take depends on you and what level of commitment you are willing to make.