I am rebuilding a 302 for my 1987 F-150. In the past, I have always let the machine shop put it together, but since this is my son's truck we are building for him when he turns 16 next year, I want us to do most of the work.

I will have the machine shop press the cam bearing, freeze plugs, and pistons on the rods and I think we can handle it from there.

So, with that said........

Who makes the best rebuild kit?

I am not looking to install any performance parts, going to keep it as close to stock as I can.

What should I be looking for in a Master Rebuild Kit?

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

Since you're putting it together yourself, I'd say to get a balanced rotating assembly.

 

Since I am a shade tree mechanic, and I use that term very loosely, can you give a little more detail about a balanced rotating assembly?

 

The crank has to be balanced to the weight of the pistons and rods or there will be vibrations. All the pistons and rods need to be the same weight.