notsosporty98

I'm considering rebuilding the 302 in my 1993 F150 XL before I do any modifications to it( lift/ sas, bush bumpers, rock sliders etc..). The engine has around 235,000 KM(146,000 miles ) and I'm wondering if I should get stock size bearings or should I go with a 0.010" oversize or what do you guys recommend for this mileage of engine? The bearings I'm referring to are the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings. I did buy a " rebuilt " 351w that was going into one of my other vehicles, but I have no proof that it was actually rebuilt or that it ran, and it's missing EVERY bracket so I don't think I'll be going with that engine. I have rebuilt single cylinder ATV engines before, and my uncle has rebuilt a few V8's so I'll be getting him to help me with the rebuild if I do rebuild. A rebuild kit on rockauto is only $355 and I'm guessing it would only take about a week from start to finish ( maybe two weeks of I'm feeling lazy )

notsosporty98

Oh, and should I just get stock size Pistons or spend a few hundred getting it bored 0.020" over?

notsosporty98

Oh, and should I replace the entire valve train ( valves, springs, retainers, seats, guides, seals, lifters) or just the valve stem seals?

Matthew Burr

if you want the rebuild to be worth while, spend the money to have a machine shop go over it (including the heads), and have it bored.

as far as valve train, consider this, the rest of the engine will be performing at peak again, and all of those components will be old and worn. it would be a waste of time to work on everything else and then not give them a little tlc, you will just wear the seals faster

so if your going to do it, do it right; i've had a few friends do redneck rebuilds on their engines and some run fine for years to come, others crap out early.

personally i would be extremely pissed and disappointed with myself if i went through all the trouble/money and then missed some damage to the block/head and have to do it all over again.

notsosporty98

Thanks for the advice. If/when I rebuild the engine, I will spend the extra couple hundred to have an engine shop go over everything. Would I notice a power difference boring it 0.020" or even 0.060" over? The 195 horses stock just doesn't seem like enough to me haha.. And the 195 horses is probably around 145-155 horses now due to its age and mileage.