Engine Rebuild 351W

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Sep 3, 2009 | 02:30 PM

al3x

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From: Utah

Engine Rebuild 351W

I'm wanting to rebuild my 351 windsor from my 1988 f250. I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm hoping that ya'll can help me. I know the basic fundamentals about an engine but this will be a first for me. I was hoping for tip and tricks on parts, things that should be upgraded, and things that should be left alone. This is what i want out of my truck. I'm not looking for any more power then it already has. I am looking for better fuel consumption. I'm also looking at buying parts that will last. I've been watching my mechanic shows (gearz, muscle car, truck u, two guys grarage, and xtreme 4x4) and have been doing some research. I know later on I'll be doing suspension, exhaust, brakes and things of that nature. However, like previously stated what are some good parts or parts store for a 351 windsor. I'm wanting new pistons, camshaft, intake manifold, bearings, gaskets and all the other goodies. Is it better to buy the parts seperate or to buy a kit...if a kit which one? I'm hoping to keep the price below $1210, cause that's what a new crate will cost me. Please help

Sep 3, 2009 | 03:00 PM

lew52

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Your not looking for any more power , so i would get a reman short block from some one like jasper or so on , You can learn alot that way doing some of it yourself with out doing the bottom end , that needs to be built by a good engine builder...Lew

Sep 3, 2009 | 03:50 PM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

I agree.. taking on an engine rebuild is not a task for someone who just knows basic fundamentals.

You do realize that by increasing power output but driving the truck the same, you're going to get better mileage, right?

Sep 3, 2009 | 07:31 PM

andyman7931

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From: Western NC

When I priced the parts + machine shop for a stock rebuild, I found that Orilley had the best deal for a crate engine. The engine cost $1100 or so. If you want performance parts, then rebuilding may make more sense

Sep 4, 2009 | 12:13 AM

al3x

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From: Utah

I was wanting to learn about how to do all of it, but it I was to buy the engine this is where I was looking at getting it. 1210 included the shipping and the core charge. http://www.gearheadengines.com/CrateEngines they are located in cali. but ship from texas. I think I'm going to get that engine or a reman. one then I can rebuild the one I pull out and take all the time I want with it..... idk... is it really that hard to rebuild an engine?

Sep 4, 2009 | 08:15 AM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

The actual building part of a rebuild is easy as long as everything is machined correctly, you follow the right proceedure(get a shop manual or rebuilding guide) and torque everything to spec. There are a few specialized tools required like a ring compressor, TQ wrench, and spring compressor for the heads, but otherwise it's just common hand tools. It's pretty easy to spend a grand on machine on a rebuild so buying a crate rebuild is cheaper but they're not always the same quality as what you would do yourself, so you do get what you pay for. Rebuilding the stock heads is money wasted too in my opinion, look for a set that are already rebuilt or buy some from the aftermarket. The last point I want to make is it costs no more to get a bit more power than stock from the rebuild, simply buy a performance cam instead of a stock spec cam.. they cost the same. Just make sure it's a EFI friendly cam, there are several that myself and others have used that qualify.

Sep 4, 2009 | 10:37 AM

al3x

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From: Utah

so when rebuilding would it be best to tear everything apart and then start ordering parts that away you can see what you can reuse, or can i start ordering some parts now.... I know I'll need to wait on the pistons and stuff like that incase I have to bore it out. Also can I reuse stock parts like lifters, springs, things like that or should I probley try to replace as much as I can. Was wathing my truck U show and they said that things in the 1980's were great but technology has come along ways since then so you should replace most of those parts, however they were refering to brakes and not engines.... I'm also asking alot of questions so for when other rookies, or noobies however you want to put it decides they want to do a rebuild all the questions will have been asked and answered I'm also planning on doing a step by step photo shoot and post it.