Im looking to get a new engine and rebuild it. Im lookin to get good MPG about 20MPG atleast. I want something powerful as well with something that wont be hard to modify or make fit. Ive done alot of research on the 302's and they look pretty simple to put in. Any recomendations or tips or info would be greatly appreciated Thanks guys!!!
get a efi motor from 87 or newer ford car. they should be roller motor and will make good power, should be able to get over 20mpg if you can keep your foot out of it.
He's talking 302 ( I assume). If you find a donor late 80's/early 90's 302 with an AOD behind it, and put a moderate rear gear 3.3? 0r 3.55 you'll get good perfrmance and the 20 mpg your looking for. This is assuming modest mods when you rebuild the engine as you didn't mention going to the track. Maybe you can tell us more about your intended use AND BUDGET! Jamie
The only way you are going to come close to your MPG goals is to build an EFI 302 and AOD combo. The easiest source has already been posted... 87-91 Crown Vic/Marquis. Get engine, tranny, and entire wiring harness. Other sources are 5.0 Mustang, Cougar, T-Bird, Lincoln, etc... Some of which have "HO" 5.0 engines. If the HO engine is still running strong, then there are some benefits to the HO. If you get an HO that is needing rebuilt, then there is not much benefit to the HO designation. Don't pay extra for the "HO" if the engine isn't original and strong is what I am getting at. Everything that makes the engine an HO will pretty much be replaced if you have to rebuild. Likewise, a non-HO 5.0 can be built to or beyond HO specs when you get into it. I am getting sidetracked... You need a 5.0 EFI donor engine and matching AOD tranny. Build it like any other stout 5.0 engine and throw it in your car. For best MPG, keep your original gearing, either 2.79 or 3.00. If you have the 2.79, you will probably end up wanting a bit more once you get everything running well. Then go for a 3.25 or 3.40.
All excellent advice! I would add since you plan to go through the engine and rebuild it.For efficiency you will need to build the engine tight.Tight clearances on bearings,piston ring sealing as well as valve seats and valve guides.Valve timeing and ignition timing will also need to be efficient and precise.Figure on a good aftermarket cam that builds good torque down low and an aftermarket ignition system,such as MSD 6 Al box and blaster II coil.Keep compression ratio at 9:1 to 9.2:1.For fuel delivery a well tuned carb(dont go over 600 cfm. 500 cfm would be better for keeping charge velocity up)This will aid efficiency also. or EFI will allow you to attain the numbers you wish.An AOD trans is a must as well,Rear end gearing should be kept between 3:00 to 3:55.headers are not a must in this sort of app(but recommended) since you should be running a fairly mild cam something in the 218 to 220 deg duration at .050. .410 to .440 lift figures with 112 to 114 ICL (intake center line) and around 40 to 50 deg of valve overlap max to minimize charge dillution (helps maintain a consistent fuel burn)in lower RPM ranges.Most importantly though the engine has to be built tight to minimize pumping losses and allow you to run a thin oil such as a 0W20 or 5W20 to minimize losses due to bearing drag from oil film surface tension.Much to ingest (sorry) but things to consider when building for efficiency.Good luck.
well thanks for all the advice. geez alot to take in lol mavman72 all that info that i really have no idea what most of it is makes me not want to take on the task of rebuilding lol. You think it would be worth it to just spend a little more and buy something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/87-8...ies?hash=item1c0bbff32f&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245 where i can just kinda pop it in and modify it from there. instead of rebuilding it all from scratch? What do you think?
My concerne would be mileage on that engine,and it seems a bit much cost wise.Also to take advantage of the warrantee...You would have to have it up and running in time to note any discrepancy that would allow you to get your money back. I know I gave you alot of long haired stuff to digest.If you re-build one back to stock.Roller or not...as long as you keep the tolerances tight and the gears mellow you can get 20 MPG out of a 302 mav all day long no problem.
ive heard if you take your time with it and make sure you dont miss any steps its really not that hard rebuilding an engine is this true? i have mechanical experience and have some knowledge about engines/how they work/ part names stuff like that do you think i should try it or try to get my hands on one without needing a rebuild?
Buy this book first and read it cover to cover..."How to rebuild your smallblock ford" by:Tom Monroe.Its takes some finess and knowledge to build one correctly.This book will tell you all you need to know to put one together and run without self destructing.
That book is awesome I bought it about 10 yrs ago! Also you do not want to get the engine from the Grand Marquis or Crown Vic. Just go with the fuel injection 302 from an '87 or newer Mustang. I have the Marquis, and everyone who keeps it fuel inj. has to switch out cams, and the computer harness.
gear change ... check this idea out. http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=59189&highlight=250+turbo+six
I have an '86 Town Car engine (not the best choice...flat top pistons), and would recommend an 87 or newer 302. I also have a B303 cam, 87 E7 heads, and a T5 from a Mustang. With the 3:55 gears, I get about 24mpg on the highway, and about 17mpg around town. I use a Holley 600cfm carb. Also, go with an electric fan, that will save gas and add power. Hope it works out well for you. If you can go EFI, I would, and with a manual trans.
