Short or long block
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New User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Short or long block
I need to start saving for a rebuilt either by myself or an engine that I purchase. How hard is it to rebuilt an engine, can a novice tackle the task with asking enough questions and a manual? Or should I pay more to get a short block or long block. If so a couple names of good engine rebuilders would be greatly appreciated thanks for your time. I would really like to try to rebuild my engine which has 230,000 miles on it. Once again thanks for your time.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Dumont nj
hey new2bronco. well lets say building your engine is not all that its cracked up to be. i had an 89 monte carlo by a brand id rather not talk about (chevy) and i rebuilt that engine. let alone the time and money it took its not the easiest thing to do. a short block is good because all the parts after that are basically just bolt on the pistons are in the crank and bearings are set and so forth. as with a long block your just taht much closer. Personally since its only a bronco to drive or offroad with i would buy the long block and just all the other parts instead of building your old motor. 1. your guarrenteed a new fresh block 2. it saves the hassle of stripping your old block down blowing 100-150 buck to have the machine shop check it for crack and then wind up having a crack and starting back at square one.
just my 2 cents
just my 2 cents
Playing in the Dirt
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 1
From: Southwest Georgia
I would rebuild it.
1. It usually cost less overall.
2. If you want to beef it up you can.
3. You know what parts and brands have gone into it.
4. The knowledge that you gain is invaluable.
5. You'll know your engine inside and out.
6. You can answer other poeple's questions on here.
You can buy books on engine rebuilds (most Chiltons or Hanyes manuals have complete step by step remove, tear down and rebuild info) or check them out from the local library. Read through them and see if you think it's a job you can handle. It's really not that hard, just paying attention to details and following procedures.
Also go talk with several machine shops in your area. Ask them all of the questions that you have. Tell them what you want out of the engine and they can suggest what parts to go with. Most machine shops will also help by doing partial or total rebuilds if you do not have all of the tools, time or space.
I rebuilt my first engine when I was 18, and I have rebuilt about 20 more since then, and been paid for doing all but five of them. At $800 to $1,000 a rebuild thats not to bad for three days work.
1. It usually cost less overall.
2. If you want to beef it up you can.
3. You know what parts and brands have gone into it.
4. The knowledge that you gain is invaluable.
5. You'll know your engine inside and out.
6. You can answer other poeple's questions on here.
You can buy books on engine rebuilds (most Chiltons or Hanyes manuals have complete step by step remove, tear down and rebuild info) or check them out from the local library. Read through them and see if you think it's a job you can handle. It's really not that hard, just paying attention to details and following procedures.
Also go talk with several machine shops in your area. Ask them all of the questions that you have. Tell them what you want out of the engine and they can suggest what parts to go with. Most machine shops will also help by doing partial or total rebuilds if you do not have all of the tools, time or space.
I rebuilt my first engine when I was 18, and I have rebuilt about 20 more since then, and been paid for doing all but five of them. At $800 to $1,000 a rebuild thats not to bad for three days work.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: JBER, AK
First off if you have a 302 I would take this oppurtunity to upgrade to a 351 or if you are willing to change trannies a 460. I would suggest buying a decently running 351w from a salvage yard. You can find them for around 600-700 dollars on junkyarddog.com. They even contact you. One of the places that contacted me quoted 700 dollars shipped to my door. Then if you really feel like rebuilding or modding a motor you can work on the salvage engine until the one in your vehicle dies. It is always easier to do engine work when you don't have to worry about whether or not you will have a vehicle to drive Monday.
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New User
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Thanks for all of your ideas and suggestions. However, I still haven’t decided yet I want to get the best performance for the cost as well as not having to deal with another engine problem for a couple of years. I really don’t care about the time the truck is down since I have another to drive around until the Bronco is fixed. Once again thanks for the ideas keep them coming.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 162
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From: Benton, La.
I like the idea of having a "donor" engine to work on at my own leisure. I think I may do that. I have a 351M in a 1980 f150 I bought for 100bux. I may pull it out and start working on it. Thanks for that idea Gurahl. I've actually got a few engines in trucks that arent being used.
A 460 would be too big for me though. I have to drive my ride to work some and to school all the time. 460 is pretty hard on gas. That's actually why that truck isnt being driven any...
I've not ever done any major engine work. But I do have rebuild manuals and dvd's for instruction.
Since it's new years, I'll make that my resolution. I'll have the 351 built by years end...
A 460 would be too big for me though. I have to drive my ride to work some and to school all the time. 460 is pretty hard on gas. That's actually why that truck isnt being driven any...
I've not ever done any major engine work. But I do have rebuild manuals and dvd's for instruction.
Since it's new years, I'll make that my resolution. I'll have the 351 built by years end...
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 72
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From: JBER, AK
The key to half decent mileage with the 460 is MAF and overdrive. Of course those two conversions price and effort can outweigh the benefits. I am glad i could be of help though. 
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New User
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Thanks to all who replied. I'm going to rebuild the engine instead of getting a short block. Thanks once again.
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Playing in the Dirt
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,302
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From: Southwest Georgia
If you have any question during your rebuild fire away. Also further down is a forum just for engine rebuilds divided by size/type. Both places will have lots of info. Let us know how it comes out.