Need Engine, Need Advice

[blaze65]

Unfortunately I think I am headed for a Rebuild. This is a mixed 68 block / 75 head that has sat for the better part of 20 years. After a lot of work and getting it going I seem to have a pretty good rapping sound coming from the engine. Sounds like it is not in the valves.

So I am on the threshold of a rebuild or a new engine. Question is where do I start. This will be a street car/driver. Only thing I would definitely would like to do is get away from the old Log intake. Other issue is this is in a 65 car and if I am going this route then I might as well get a 65 engine back in it. I am going to start looking for prices for crate 200's and will keep checking but any advice is appreciated.

thanks

 

[PhantomAce]

First of all... unless you're trying to do a "concourse" restoration, then there is no realistic reason to go with a '65 engine. I would stick with one of the dual-pattern blocks, personally. I think that would be 67-68, but maybe someone on here can verify?

Find an "E0" head if you can. That's the 1980 casting that has the largest log. Unless you can afford to buy one of Mike's aluminum heads, or an Aussie set-up, that is the next best thing.
Get it milled to receive a 2v carb direct mounted and you should be good to go.

Now... as for your existing engine...
Are you dropping a rod? If so, you can probably short-block it fairly reasonably, if you can catch it before it let's loose. (In other words: Don't run it any further until you figure out what is going on!) These things are darn near "bullet proof", so if it's just starting to go it could simply be a matter of getting the crank turned, maybe a new rod, and rings/bearings/gaskets/etc...

I'll give you an example:
I've got a C8 ('68) block with a C9 head that the machine shop just finished up.
Piston bore was still within spec, so no overbore (was already .040 though), and the crank was .010/.010 but just needed polishing. Already had the forged rods that the earlier engines came with (a plus), so all it "needed" was a soft rebuild.
Have had it balanced, all new rings, bearings, gaskets, oil pump, etc. Put a 274/274 cam and new lifters in it, had the head pocket ported, the block zero-decked, and the log built-up and milled to take a Holley 2v direct mount. Bought a used adjustable rocker arm for it also.
I'm in it total about $1,700 parts and machine work for a pretty nice long block, and, of course, I already had a rebuildable core.
But, regardless, the point I'm trying to make is that you can probably get your existing engine gone through fairly reasonably.

 

[blaze65]

Appreciate the info. Your right this is already a 68 block and there is no great need to go to a 65 block. Will start to call some shops tomorrow. Also not sure what some of these crate engines are like on the web. I see alot of links with 200 crate engines at around $1200 but not sure what is in these.

 

[PhantomAce]

Probably basic "stock" spec stuff.
What area of the country are you in?
You know, Mike (ClassicInlines.com, the owner of this site) builds engines, and I can also turn you on to the shop I used if you're close by.

 

[blaze65]

Located in central NJ. I know of one shop in the area that builds engines. Will start the journey and see were this goes. I was thinking of dumping that log head due to everything I read about it but short of buying an aluminum head I don't know there is a way to replace it. I guess machining the log to adapt a 2v was what you had done and I know that is another option. Was that a big deal ? 2v easy enough to find, hook up ? Thanks

 

[CobraSix]

If money is an issue, I have a 65 200 block, single pattern in my garage I'd be happy to part with. Only thing it needs is the head, and probably a new rear main seal. Bores are glazed, but I had no issues with the block. If you're willing to travel to the Providence RI region, you can have it.

Also, pop your head over to vintage-mustang.com. I found a rebuilt 200 for $150, because the guy pulled it for a V-8. $150 complete long block, 5k miles on rebuild.

 

[blaze65]

Really appreciate the info. Will check it out. Called a local rebuild shop today. Place has been around for a long time so I think their reputation is good. Bottom line is they said $1500 for a stock rebuild. Everything new and replaced top to bottom (excluding the crank, cam,etc) They check the head , etc. So we will see. Am also looking at having him mill the intake to adapt a 2V. Have to read up on that. Not sure what that entails.

Thanks again

 

[CobraSix]

Check for remanufacturered engines. There are a few places that sell reman'd engines for around $1000 for a 200. $1500 is a reasonable price though for a local rebuild. While they have it apart, consider upgrading the cam at that time. It's a cheap, but EXTREMELY good upgrade for the car's performance.