i have a 302. can anyone give me a run down of what work is usually done in an engine rebuild? any price ranges? and if it is better to pay to have an engine rebuilt or buy a rebuilt engine and swap? these may seem like dumb questions but i am young and fresh in the mechanic scene and i dont mind real specific answers either!

 

Did you see my reply to your other thread?

You still haven't answered why you need a rebuild, so it's tough to answer your question.

-Dave

 

ya sorry... i have had the truck for a few years and have dreamed of overhauling it, now i have the cash and figure i should start with the engine... it hasnt been driven for a few years but does run, i want to make it reliable, i am not really looking to do many performance upgrades

 

If you just want a new engine for the purpose of making it reliable, even though the one you have now runs, I think you might be in for a long, painful adventure. These trucks become unreliable for many reasons, but usually not because the longblock needs to be replaced. These motors live much longer than the parts that are bolted onto them.

If you are bent on doing an engine job, most companies that do that will take yours as a core, and sell you a rebuilt longblock for around $2k. It is a generally bad idea to connect any of the old coolant system components to a new motor because of the rust already in the old system, so all of these parts should be replaced at the same time. This job will beget plenty of other sub-projects, so have your wallet ready.

 

A later model 302 is usually good for 250k without an overhaul. That's why in the '90's the limo guys all wanted 302's in their Lincolns instead of the early 4.6.

 

Do not double post

 

Basic longblock with dissassembly, cleaning, labor, and re-assembly will be 2k or more. I had a 69 long block done with a few upgrades and got it done for 1,900 but I disassembled everything.

I warn you, once you get it to the shop "might-as-wellitis" will strike and you'll spend more. If you really want a rebuild done, stick to what needs to be replaced/is worn out and nothing else.

There will be additional costs. Cooling system, gaskets, cables blah blah blah.

If it's running good now, just take care of it and replace it with a used or rebuilt later. I have 180k on mine and it's still doing fine.

Good luck.