Engine Gurus...289 Rebuild or Replace???

[mickphatmac]

I finally got the engine, a 289, running in my ‘68, “runs & sounds” great, smooth. Has four barrel carburetor. BUT!!! It smokes horrendously from the tailpipe and overheats just idling in the driveway and there’s almost no oil left on the dipstick from my original oil change. I’ve put 0 miles on the engine since I bought the Bronco - I’m guessing it’s the original engine no rebuild.

From what little engine knowledge I have, sounds like it needs a lower end rebuilt, ring job? ( I really have no idea or engine experience)

I’m wondering if I should have the entire engine rebuilt or if I can just have the lower end rebuild or whether I should try to find a good running used 289 or 302 and just replace it with that?

I’m looking for the best bang for the buck, and I certainly don’t want to buy a $300 engine, install it and find out it needs the same or more work than my old one. Any thoughts, ideas welcome!

Thanks

[ZOSO]

Pull it all and have it all gone through. Including having the heads checked as well as a valve job. Go talk to the guys at greeley automotive and machine.

[Kinder]

^ what he said.

[Justin]

x3. I've been impressed with Western Engine Supply. The did the heads on the engine I built and it was quality work.

[BOBS 2 68S]

Yep what ^^^^^ they said

[cravenbronco]

Rebuild it

[Jesus_man]

Are you concerned with originality? Perhaps there are gains to be had with rebuilding a used 302 instead? 351?

In any case, it's unanimous - rebuild it!

[sykanr0ng]

Pull it all and have it all gone through. Including having the heads checked as well as a valve job. Go talk to the guys at greeley automotive and machine.

Greeley Automotive Machine has an iffy reputation.
If the two brothers that own it do the work it's great.
If the losers and derelicts that work for them do it it's likely to be screwed up.
Unless they have 'cleaned house' I'd make sure they personally do it.

[mickphatmac]

Ok, so rebuild it. Yeah I figured as much. I just called and talked to Greeley automotive and machine(gamracingengines.com)

Nice guy, very informative as to what probably needs to be done and as far as $$$ goes, he said plan on $2500-$3000. He said that's pretty standard for a stock kind of rebuild.

I'm sure that's a bargain, but not what I bargained for. Looks like I'll be doing a cheap used engine swap. Maybe I can find one fresh out of a Mustang or Bronco that I can see running before its pulled?

I just can't swing that kinda cheese :(:(:(

Thanks for your input!

[Kinder]

Yikes, that’s approaching crate engine prices. Do yourself a favor and get a quote for just the machine work and replacement parts without assembly, it should be less than 2k.

[Justin]

Good used engines are out there. I sold my 302 long block in good shape for something like $300.

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[TOOLMAN]

I might have a good 302 long block this winter if I decide to do the roller 5.0 this winter.

[mickphatmac]

I might have a good 302 long block this winter if I decide to do the roller 5.0 this winter.

Do It!

[ZOSO]

Pull it all and have it all gone through. Including having the heads checked as well as a valve job. Go talk to the guys at greeley automotive and machine.

Greeley Automotive Machine has an iffy reputation.
If the two brothers that own it do the work it's great.
If the losers and derelicts that work for them do it it's likely to be screwed up.
Unless they have 'cleaned house' I'd make sure they personally do it.

If you use them Talk to Danny. Tell him I sent you. He did right by me especially with my short timeline I had when I needed to get my 351 redone.

[mickphatmac]

Thanks Rob,
I’ll give him a call tomorrow.

[airbur]

I have some awesome engine rebuilding videos that were priceless when I built my 427. Those coupled with some good YouTube videos and you're on your way to rebuilding it yourself. Happy to loan out.

http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=results/category_id=25/home_id=25/mode=cat/cat25.htm

[mickphatmac]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the encouragement!
I'll post up when I figure this out...

[B.O.B.]

I have a bunch of new top end stuff if needed. Cam, lifters, rockers, timing chain, etc

[mickphatmac]

Ok, well it must have been fate? I got a running 289 heart transplant out of a '65 mustang fastback that I got to see run...and do burnouts!!! The owner said the engine in the Mustang was originally out of an early Bronco!!!

Sounded healthy but just the fact that I saw it run was enough for me! And at $200 bucks I won't complain! (yet ;)

to be continued...

[Jesus_man]

Full circle, both the engine and donuts!!! No video of said burnouts?

[airbur]

Ok, well it must have been fate? I got a running 289 heart transplant out of a '65 mustang fastback that I got to see run...and do burnouts!!! The owner said the engine in the Mustang was originally out of an early Bronco!!!

Sounded healthy but just the fact that I saw it run was enough for me! And at $200 bucks I won't complain! (yet ;)

to be continued...

Pause and consider the work involved with transplanting a very used 289 (that has already gone through at least one transplant). Is it worth the chance that you may end up having to rebuild it in a few months?

Did you get any documentation that said when it was last rebuilt or any other recent work that had been done to it?

[mickphatmac]

Full circle, both the engine and donuts!!! No video of said burnouts?

LOL :):):)

...nope!

[mickphatmac]

Ok, well it must have been fate? I got a running 289 heart transplant out of a '65 mustang fastback that I got to see run...and do burnouts!!! The owner said the engine in the Mustang was originally out of an early Bronco!!!

Sounded healthy but just the fact that I saw it run was enough for me! And at $200 bucks I won't complain! (yet ;)

to be continued...

Pause and consider the work involved with transplanting a very used 289 (that has already gone through at least one transplant). Is it worth the chance that you may end up having to rebuild it in a few months?

Did you get any documentation that said when it was last rebuilt or any other recent work that had been done to it?

I definately see where you're coming from, No paperwork but I saw it and heard it. My labor is CHEAP and I have All the Time in the World... meaning all winter, and beyond!
What I don't have is $3k for a rebuild.

...and if you think that sounds , I'll be doing a used C4 swap from the Manual 3 speed as well at the same time!

[Strike2]

Congrats on finding a motor! You know your now committed to post a Bronco burnout

[mickphatmac]

Congrats on finding a motor! You know your now committed to post a Bronco burnout

LOL!!! oh Sure!!!