Freshen up a 200 and other questions

[Anonymous]

My 65 Mustang came with a 200 and I pulled it out to do the toeboards. So while it is out I am wondering what I should do to freshen up the motor? It ran strong before pulling and has no visible oil leakage I can see but I wanted to at least pressure wash it and paint it.
What holes do I need to cover to wash the engine or what should I do to it while it is out? Of course like most people with a family to support I am on a budget (300-400?) but would be willing to get some head work done if that is the way to go. I have many mechanic friends that can help me, I think to put it back together after that so I would think this would cut the cost. I am also mechanically inclined as I am a Electro-Mechanical Tech in manufacturing.
I also found a 65 V-8 car which I bought for the suspension for 150 and plan to transfer over to mine. What should be replaced on it before transfer? It has the 8 inch rear and manual front disc brakes. Do I need anything special? And are the leafsprings different? Can they be reused?

Sorry for the questions as I am still new to the hobby. Only got my Stang last May after graduating college with my Associates in Electronics and an emphasis on IP or PLCs. Like I said I am on a budget for the most part but would like to have her on the road in another year.

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I did not see that this was a "legendary flacon" forum???

 

[addo]

OK, some answers.

Pressure washing should have the road draught tube plugged, remove the oil cap and tape the hole up, remove distributor cap and double wrap dizzy in plastic bags and tape, tape over lead hole in coil top, remove air cleaner housing and double-wrap carburettor with plastic bags and tape.

The main thing to look at with the head is whether it matches the block in date codes, and how thick the visible edges of the gasket are. That will point your decision making one way or another.

Regarding the donor car - the rear will swap over. Are you sure its not bent or distorted? These cars are 40 years old and many have taken a hit or two. Leaf springs are different on the eights but will swap in if need be. Use new U-bolts, also front and rear bushes for the springs in poly too. There is a possibility that you may need a different U-joint, or a different driveshaft if the pinion flange of your 8" doesn't match that of the old diff. Gear ratio may not be the most sprightly.

New brake kits, discs, drums etc are readily available if needed.

Front sprindles may require you to go to the full steering setup of the donor, except the box. You could swap that too, if you wanted. Other front end parts - upper and lower arms, struts, spring perches, coil springs and what have you, may be replaced as needed, usually in pairs.

Avoid poly strut bushes, and poly lower arm bushes.

Work on the brakes, then the handling, then the motor.

Regards, Adam.