Neil
Supporter
Randy, If I were you I would leave the crate motor alone- just check the timing and install it-- that is, if it is strictly for a street application. A reputable supplier, especially FOMOCO, will assemble the engine to factory specs which will be just fine on the street. Disassembling a crate motor will almost certainly void your warranty.
As Howard said, a track or competition application is quite different. Crate engine parts will almost certainly not be up to the task and a factory block may not be either. A good, balanced forged steel crankshaft will serve as the basis of a reliable, high-output engine. Excellent quality steel rods will be another important component, as well as forged pistons of the proper type for your heads. A choice of high quality crank & rod bearings , such as King or Clevite, will withstand sustained high RPM use. Cylinder heads are available in a bewildering variety, fewer with a Ford than a small-block Chevy, but nevertheless you need to consult an experienced engine builder for his recommendations,
Next, the choice of valve gear is critical. High RPM & high lift put very high stresses on a valve train, from the cam to the pushrods to the rocker arms, to the valves & valve springs. The whole valve train must be able to withstand high loads for a lengthy period of time. There is a limit to what a stud rocker system can withstand compared to a shaft rocker system such as Jessel or K & B. Of course the cam must be chosen with your car's weight, gearing, and application in mind. You will almost certainly need a mechanical roller cam with an appropriate grind. Crower or Comp Cams can give you good advice in this area. I haven't mentioned other things such as clearances, the oiling system, and the type of intake manifold, & headers, These are pretty much a given. Think carefully about whether you want to build a race engine- it is a painstaking and expensive proposition. A crate engine is so much more practical Regards, Neil
As Howard said, a track or competition application is quite different. Crate engine parts will almost certainly not be up to the task and a factory block may not be either. A good, balanced forged steel crankshaft will serve as the basis of a reliable, high-output engine. Excellent quality steel rods will be another important component, as well as forged pistons of the proper type for your heads. A choice of high quality crank & rod bearings , such as King or Clevite, will withstand sustained high RPM use. Cylinder heads are available in a bewildering variety, fewer with a Ford than a small-block Chevy, but nevertheless you need to consult an experienced engine builder for his recommendations,
Next, the choice of valve gear is critical. High RPM & high lift put very high stresses on a valve train, from the cam to the pushrods to the rocker arms, to the valves & valve springs. The whole valve train must be able to withstand high loads for a lengthy period of time. There is a limit to what a stud rocker system can withstand compared to a shaft rocker system such as Jessel or K & B. Of course the cam must be chosen with your car's weight, gearing, and application in mind. You will almost certainly need a mechanical roller cam with an appropriate grind. Crower or Comp Cams can give you good advice in this area. I haven't mentioned other things such as clearances, the oiling system, and the type of intake manifold, & headers, These are pretty much a given. Think carefully about whether you want to build a race engine- it is a painstaking and expensive proposition. A crate engine is so much more practical Regards, Neil