Ford V8 302 engine

Nick · 08-18-06, 01:11 PM

Hi,

I have set my heart on building a GT40 which is going to be a long term project. To start things off I have spotted a 5 litre Ford mustang V8 302 for sale (that is currenty powering an E type jag). .

In order to bypass UK SVA emission tests I believe the block should be pre 1990, can anyone confirm this.

Any advice on the questions I should be asking about the engine, what I should be looking for and probably most importantly what price I should be paying would be gratefully received, but please be gentle with me as I know nothing.

Regards

Nick

Ian Anderson · 08-18-06, 01:18 PM

An engine can be any age to pass the SVA test

But there are break points where the emissions change and the newer the engine the cleaner the emissions have to be.

With an early engine (say 1970) a visible smoke test is all that it needs to pass

After about 1990 you will have to run Cats

In the middle there are various points where emissions changed - don't have the figures to hand but I believe a search here should turn them up

To get a new (non Q) registration only 1 major component can be rebuilt others need to be new (this can be a problem with gearboxes)

Ian

Ian Anderson · 08-18-06, 01:21 PM

UK MOT limits?

Most bits are already on here somewhere

Ian

Nick · 08-18-06, 01:37 PM

Ian,

Thanks for the reply would like to steer clear of cats.

Brett James-McCall · 08-18-06, 08:27 PM

For a smokr test the engine needs to be pre August 1, 1975.

Brett

John Fitzpatrick · 08-20-06, 04:41 PM

If time isn't too much an issue, I'd suggest building your own. Start off with a "seasoned" motor from a salvage yard, tear it down and rebuild it to your own desired performance level. There is no better way to learn your way around a SBF, and when you're done you'll know exactly what you've got. Get a book like "How to rebuild a Small block Ford" ( http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Book...fords%26x%3D63 ) a Summit or similar catalog, an engine stand, and have yourself a ball!

Used motor $100
Engine stand $50
how- to book $10
tools $50-$500
bandaids $3
Bearings, plugs, wires, new carb, etc., etc, $$your choice
Experience Priceless!

Nick · 08-21-06, 10:08 PM

John,

This thought has crossed my mind especially as I have a couple of years before I am able to buy a kit. I have just bought a how to rebuild DVD of ebay. The problem I have is lack of knowledge, being in the UK where do I go for parts.

There is a block on ebay at the moment but if I started off with just a block were would I source a crank, ancillaries etc.

Nick

Paul W · 08-22-06, 05:00 AM

Try Stateside Autoparts in Atherstone - I got the lot there.

http://www.statesideautoparts.co.uk/

John Fitzpatrick · 08-22-06, 05:25 AM

Nick-
I don't have a feel for the availability of Ford parts in the UK. I would start off with a complete engine though rather than just a block. The one I started with back in the 70s had well over 100K miles on it and the block needed a lot of work-- vatting, boring .030, new cam bearings, etc, but the rods, flywheel, pistons and crank were all useable. Stuff like push rods, bearings and carb kits are available from any number of mail order stores and you can match things like heads, carbs and ignitions to your budget.
Keep in mind if you go the rebuild route, you're going to need access to an automotive machine shop too. Perhaps someone from your area can chime in on whether this approach is practical in the UK?

Brett James-McCall · 08-22-06, 05:36 AM

Nick,
Mail me at home and I can talk you through how I've got all of mine so far.

Brett

StuartB · 08-23-06, 06:19 PM

Nick, I'd have to agree with John and recomend you start with a full engine, even if you know you're going to end up not using most of it. There are so many bits and bobs that having a full engine to start with will make life a lot easier down the line and won't cost you any more than a good bare block.

Nick · 10-03-06, 04:51 PM

Hi,

Having taken the decision to rebuild a 351W engine rather than buy a rebuilt one I have now hit some problems, and I need some advice to overcome them.

I came across TREperformance in the U.S. that seem good for parts, and advice. They advised getting the engine rebored and then buying the pistons, and other parts off them.

I have approach three engine machine shops near were I live in Warrington North West England. Two of them are Ford V8 experts and one is just machine any engines. One of the experts has looked at the stripped down engine and it is standard.

The two experts have both said I need to get the pistons before the engine is rebored, and both want to supply them, one of them although appearing to be good is also very difficult to get hold of. Could just be that he is good and therefore very busy.

So, who is right, get the pistons off the machine shops then rebore, rebore then get the pistons from the best source. Do I persevere with the two experts and try to get one to just rebore the engine, or do I go to the general engine machine shop to do the work, or do I carry on looking for someone else.

Any advice would be most welcome.

Thanks

Nick

Brett James-McCall · 10-03-06, 05:31 PM

Nick,
As I aid to you on the phone, get the pistons before you bore. Some places charge an uplift if you don't use there pistons...

Brett