i'm starting a project for my truck. i just bought a brand new block already bored .030 that i have to go pick up, now i need some info on where to go after that. what do i need to get? i am on a limited budget as i'm a college student but i plan to use the money on the engine as i get the money. i've helped a friend build a 302 for his truck but my experience is limited. if anyone is in the rochester, NY area or has some know how in building an engine from scratch, please post on here, email me, or IM me. the.rok@wildmail.com therok6942
thanks

 

well welcome and you have come to the right place you might to the message board and look up a link under 385 blocks this site is a wealth of information

best of luck mike

 

well thank you, i'm actually on both of ya'lls forums so i can check w/ both rooms.
thanks

 

all you have is the block??? i hope fer yer sake that you have the heads, crank, rods, intake, fuel system, accesory brackets, etc. if you do not have any of these items you will obviously need to get them. e-mail me nep00(No Email Addresses In Posts!) and let me know what ya have got and ill be glad to help ya out on this project. might even have some parts to help ya out.


-nathan

 

yes, right now, all i have is a block....i might get a complete 460 to work on instead....i'll have to see about it.

 

just a note for you i have a complete 460 4v running in my mustang for sale and i live just out side rochester in sodus ny let me know and i will set up a time for you to come hear it it does need a rebuild it smokes a little i am building a 69 429 2v to take its place Todd

 

this saturday or sunday would be a good day....basically anytime

 

Should we call you "project"? or "redneck"?

Well, to both of you, , one thing you need to take into consideration on the already bored 460 is that the finish hone is to be done to fit the pistons. If the block is bored and honed and no pistons were available, the machine work was wasted. Different piston materials require different honing patterns and clearances, plus most pistons differ slightly in size. You need to have a block bored and honed to fit the pistons.

Tim

 

Get Tom Monroe's book 'How to rebuild your Ford V-8 351C-351M-400-429-460'. I believe this site sells it and it will take you from tearing down a 385 series engine through a complete rebuild, with all the information and specs you'll ever need.

Cylinders are honed for the type of rings you'll be using (chrome, moly, cast iron, etc), not the pistons. With a .030 overbore, your rings will be plus .035 to allow for tension against the cylinder wall, with the end gap of the rings allowing for expansion and contraction. That piston had better not be touching the cylinder wall.

When you buy a new set of pistons, the dimensions, primarily skirt to cylinder wall clearance, are manufactured to allow for generally accepted tolerances on a 385 series with .030 overbore. If you're a racer and need more or less clearance, you buy custom pistons turned to your specifications. If there's a size variance from cylinder to cylinder in that .030 overbore, the machine shop has a real problem.

Get the book, a complete engine for the parts you need and have fun. It's a great hobby and you'll save a ton of money by doing it yourself.