302 Rebuild

[07cob]

Originally Posted by Philm

Geof,
Sounds like a lot of fun.

It may be a good idea to check cylinder pressures, not sure what a stock 302 should be but you are really looking for a similar number for all cylinders.

Phil

Indeed - a heap of fun so far! I did a compression test before I stripped the engine and results (psi) were as follows (1-8): 140 135 135 135 125 125 125 140

According to my calculations, these should be around the 148 psi mark - in an ideal world. The 3 x 125 psi readings are a little troubling. I pulled the head gaskets this afternoon and didn't notice any major damage between 5, 6 & 7. Following comments here, I am very much considering rings and bearings.

Also, as Merv mentioned, I have the pushrods, lifters and timing chain awaiting installation.

Geof

[07cob]

I now have the engine down to the short motor and have been cleaning the carbon deposits off the top of the pistons. It hasn't been too bad, thankfully.



However this, on No. 2, is somewhat disturbing!



I suspect that this is a sign of some detonation. The bore looks (?) OK but this will need to be removed and replaced, so it looks like I am up for an octet of pistons!

Cheers


Geof

[bobcowan]

Be sure and check the rods very carefully. If that's from detonation (and I'm not sure it is) the rods and crank have been taking a heck of a beating.

That new long block is looking better every minute.

[boxhead]

Looks to me more like foreign object damage.
Are they dents or holes?
Dents will be a little like a crater with a raised outer edge (very small raise where the alloy is "bruised")

[blykins]

If you would have had that much detonation, the spark plugs would have told the tale. Check #2 plug for aluminum embedded into the end. The #2 rod bearing will probably also be hammered if detonation was the cause.

I think you had something get into the combustion chamber and then was bounced around.

If you're looking for more power, now's the time to upgrade to a stroker kit. I also offer complete short blocks and ship to Australia....

[07cob]

Thanks Gents

bobcowan

The long block always looked great! Especially the 340HP FR version you suggested. I would though, prefer not to have to deal with the complicane issues that this might raise - now or in the future. That is why this engine is in the car in the first place.

boxhead

The imprints appear to be dents. The visible circles in the image above are the raised outer edge of the crater.

blykins

The no.2 plug is certainly free from any aluminium, and (surprisingly), no I am not looking for any more power!! Otherwise I will definately need to look at the next link in the drive train - the T5.

Cheers


Geof

[Rob. Smith]

What does the head look like ? If the little "centre punch" marks are on the piston and it's supposed to be a loose object there must be some marks on the head. The marks are on the top and bottom of the piston only ! Nothing around the valves ? I first thought detonation but everything is too clean and the bottom of the piston wouldn't have those marks either. Strange...they're very consistent ...same size and shape.

[Wazza]

Hey there "One F"...

I find out today that I suddenly have "For Sale"all the best bits to make a 347 stroker.....
( 360 rwhp Dyno a month or so ago ! )

I have found that my block has a "split personality" .....and have now made the decision to consider a full "Heart Lung " Transplant for the Race Cobra.....

Dark Side here we come !!

Lets Talk ?!

[Gaz64]

A bit strange the foreign object damage only limited to one cylinder, and the number of times it has marked the piston before it finally went out the exhaust.

[07cob]

Had a chance to clean up the #2 combustion chamber today. Here is the result:



I reckon there is a matching dent in the head for every one in the piston. Certainly the locations are matching.

I will pull the piston out and check to see if there is any damage on the side.

Originally Posted by Wazza

I find out today that I suddenly have "For Sale"all the best bits to make a 347 stroker.....

Warren

Thanks for the offer, but I would really prefer to stick to stock cubes. Otherwise it will be gearbox and diff next! And don't 347s blow up!?!?!?

Geof

[Gav]

Originally Posted by Wazza

Hey there "One F"...

I find out today that I suddenly have "For Sale"all the best bits to make a 347 stroker.....
( 360 rwhp Dyno a month or so ago ! )

I have found that my block has a "split personality" .....and have now made the decision to consider a full "Heart Lung " Transplant for the Race Cobra.....

Dark Side here we come !!

Lets Talk ?!

Never a smarter decision has been made Waz!

[Philm]

Bloody Hell Wazza!!!

I think the ls engines are forming there own currency, just like beer.

"well I can rebuild the windsor for about the same money as 2 ls2 crate engines"

Phil

[Gav]

You are about bang on the mark here Phil.
You forgot the other part of the equation though, the bit that explains how many more horsepower the LS engine will make for half the money.

[Philm]

Good Point Gav, pity they don't do it for long.

Wazza is the exception, the Ford gods are not happy with the LS7 in the "other" car and have dealt there punishment.


Phil

[Mando]

You reap what you sow!!!

Regards.

[Merv and Sharon]

If I was starting again it would be the Ford Coyote but now if i had a need to refurb my bottom end I would do what Geoff is doing to maintain the " powered by Ford" aspect of the heritage. One of the reasons I made the car.

[tomcat racing]

Originally Posted by Gav

You are about bang on the mark here Phil.
You forgot the other part of the equation though, the bit that explains how many more horsepower the LS engine will make for half the money.

youve got to be joking , april fools day is gone mate

[Gav]

What planet do you live on?

[tomcat racing]

Originally Posted by Gav

What planet do you live on?

i live in the real world and i can tell you now son, no HALF priced lsi makes MORE hp has ever beaten me, youre one of the 70% mate

[Gav]

Must be lonely on your 'real world' puss cat.