Chance to buy 88' 302

[Lou N]

Hello everyone,

I have a chance to pick-up an 88' EFI 302 from a GT for $150. The motor supposedly has only 78,000, could be 178,000, but I figure I have nothing to lose. I want to build a mild motor myself and in the worst-case scenario I'll learn how to disassemble the thing.

I'm hoping to get a decent short block that I can add some heads to and maybe a Mass Flow intake. I originally planned on a carb setup, but if I get lucky and get a decent short block that only needs new rings and bearings the money I save could go toward the heads and the Mass Flow.

Is there anything I should be looking for other than the signs of a previous rebuild?

I figure if it blows up after a year or two I can still take the heads and mass flow and add them to a Ford Racing long block.

Thanks as always.

Lou (creeping up on the decision to order my k [img]graemlins/drool.gif[/img] it!)

[powerhouse]

the engines in the '88's are a good starting point for a mild rebuild. They had forged piston from the factory. If the engine was fairly well maintained you will probably be able to get by with polishing the crank and a light hone on the cylinders with new rings and bearings. Just make sure to have everything checked out by a competant machine shop before you invest to much $$ in it.

[Tims 88GT]

i have a motor for sale out of a 92, but it has hypo pistons. it has 2500mi on it, if intrested drop me an e-mail at ShelbyHP302aol.com Tim

[cobra-inv]

Lou:

Andrew's right about the 88's (not to be confused with those nasty German 88's) and for $150 it sounds like a good buy, even if it has 178K and not 78K.

Pull the oil plug and inspect it and get some of the draining oil on your fingers. Look and feel for grindy metal deposits. If possible, pull the oil pan and pull a couple of the main journal caps and rod bearing caps and look for excessive wear. Also, check to see if they are marked "STD" of .010, .020 etc. If anything other that STD she's been gone through at least once.

Also, check the size of the crank main journal seats on the block as some of the 87 and 88 had the beefier truck-style blocks which means "more better" I'll have to check to find out what the difference in widths are so you know exactly what you're looking for.

Unless you find the bearings are .030 over, excessive bearing wear, and/or metal shavings in the oil, you'll be fine. These engines were well built and are virtually bullet proof.

Finally, I don't know what your budget is or what you mean by "I want to build a motor" but if you plan on doing a real rebuild and have the budget for it, you'll find that stroking it won't cost that much more that doind a 302.

If you'd like, I'll send you my spreadsheet that will give you some comparisons as well as allow you to create your own budget sheet.

PM me with your email address and I'll zip you a copy.

[mikejolly]

I would love you spread sheet. Thanks